Good morning, Baton Rouge.

The Navy Club of Baton Rouge celebrated veteran Sebastian DiPalma’s upcoming 99th birthday at its monthly meeting; DiPalma (a World War II Navy musician) will mark his milestone on Sunday with family in Baton Rouge.

Residents in Port Allen rallied to help 84-year-old veteran Ted Melancon clean his property after city officials extended his deadline — local contractors donated a new roof and siding and will install new flooring next week.

Two popular restaurants, Cheba Hut and Pho Viet, will open new locations in Long Farm Village this summer on Airline Highway near Five Guys.

Cheba Hut will cover 2,400 sqft while Pho Viet will use 2,000 sqft as the development attracts more tenants.

Billy Heroman's Flower Shop is gearing up for the Valentine's Day rush and will serve customers with fresh arrangements on Saturday, Feb.

14. The shop is organizing special displays to meet the expected holiday demand.

Mardi Gras parades continue this weekend as stores offer beads, costumes, and tableware, including pink items for the Spanish Town parade (a popular local event) in Baton Rouge while festivities extend to New Orleans.

Zachary will host its first Mardi Gras parade on Sunday, Feb.

15 at 2 p.m.; the route starts at Church Street Park, follows Main Street to Ridgeway, and honors community heroes including Teacher of the Year Regena Hartley + College Football Hall of Famer Doug Williams.

A November social media photo of a student in an open closet led to Gonzales Middle principal Lori Charlet and a teacher leaving their positions amid an ongoing district investigation (the district offered no further details).

Former Gov John Bel Edwards visited LSU yesterday to talk policy and politics with students during the Pizza - Public Affairs series at the Journalism Building.

He explained his experience with coalition-building and effective communication while sharing a slice of pizza with the audience.

The Zachary Community School District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon to rename its Port Hudson facility as the Dr. Gaynell C.

Young Center in honor of Dr. Young (a founding board member) who helped shape the district's vision for over 20 years. Lucius Young Jr. cut the ribbon with family, friends, and school officials in attendance.

Rain chances are rising in Baton Rouge as a cold front spurs storms with gusty winds and lightning; the worst weather is expected overnight Saturday into early Sunday morning, so rain gear is recommended for local parades.

Local doctors at Woman’s Hospital and Baton Rouge OBGYN are urging women over 40 to get their mammograms early during Carnival season because early detection can improve treatment options before October awareness month begins.

Members of the Krewe of Comogo and Krewe of Artemis joined Baton Rouge first responders in the annual Mardi Gras parade for patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital - a celebration of community spirit and care.

LSU's 2025 football team will send 11 players to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis from Feb.

23 through March 2 - they tie for the third-most among FBS schools; standout cornerback Mansoor Delane is expected to impress during drills and interviews.

Annual Spanish Town Block Party

10 AM - 4 PM — City Club of Baton Rouge — Adults $120, Ages 6-20 $45, Free for Ages 5 and Under — Celebrate with a family-friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and an open bar at one of the most colorful Mardi Gras parades.

Paul Thorn Band Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Starting at $72.24 — Experience a night of music and humor with Paul Thorn and special guest Gina Forsyth.

Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer

7-8 p.m. — LSU Student Union Theater — Tickets required — Experience the mesmerizing music of Hans Zimmer performed by a string quartet in a unique candlelit setting.

Seeds of Hope Speaker Event

6-7 p.m. — Pete Maravich Assembly Center — Free entry — Experience uplifting talks from Ryan Clark and Clyde Edwards-Helaire at this inspirational event.

SPE North America Student Symposium 2026

Symposium — Feb 26-28 — Louisiana State University — Registration required — Empowering the next generation in oil and gas through networking and learning.

Dartmouth Big Green vs. LSU Tigers Baseball

6:30–9:30 p.m. — Alex Box Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of LSU baseball at one of the nation's top college venues.

Morgan James Live Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Tickets from $40 — Experience the powerful voice of Morgan James as she reinterprets classic hits with a feminist twist.

Empowering Women's Health Annual Wellness Day

7 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Pennington Biomedical Research Center Conference Center — Free entry — Engage in a morning of complimentary health screenings and educational workshops tailored for women 18 and older.

Creighton Bluejays vs LSU Tigers Baseball

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Alex Box Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the passion and tradition of LSU baseball at one of the nation's premier venues.

Anders Osborne Concert

7-10 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Tickets starting at $46 — Experience an intimate evening with the poet laureate of Louisiana's roots music scene.