Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
Good morning, Baton Rouge.
🎭 Culture
Baton Rouge restaurants are preparing special Lent menus that highlight local seafood and fresh ingredients.
Eliza Restaurant & Bar begins planning over a month in advance with team taste-testing that narrows its menu to five standout dishes for the season.
On Feb. 18, several Baton Rouge churches offered drive through ashes to mark Ash Wednesday.
Services at First United Methodist and University Methodist at LSU were available at various times (from early morning to evening).
🎓 Education
Westdale Middle Magnet School lost power Wednesday, Feb.
18 after a transformer blew outside the gymnasium, and all students and staff remain safe. The Baton Rouge Fire Department and Entergy are working to restore power — no timeline has been provided.
CVS announced Wednesday that it will award $5 million in scholarships for Doctor of Pharmacy students at Xavier and ULM.
The scholarship program is set to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Today at 5 p.m., the EBR School Board will vote on a multimillion-dollar package featuring a new high school for the proposed St. George district, McKinley High renovations and a new elementary school.
If approved, Superintendent Lamont Cole will begin hiring an architect using one-cent tax funds.
🌲 Environment
Damage surveys confirmed two additional EF-1 tornadoes in Ascension and St. James Parishes from weekend storms, adding to four tracked by Storm Station teams that documented winds reaching 105 mph (snapping trees and power lines).
Further satellite imagery review is expected.
🏛️ Government
Officials announced that new I-10 on- and off- ramps at Pecue Lane opened to traffic on Wednesday, Feb.
18, completing the interchange project in East Baton Rouge. DOTD will adjust signal timing soon (to improve traffic flow).
Under new SNAP rules starting Wednesday, over 390,000 households will no longer be able to use benefits to buy candy, soft drinks and energy drinks.
Local store managers said many customers remain unclear about which items qualify.
Motorists experienced a smoother route starting Wednesday afternoon when the new Pecue Lane exit opened on I-10, easing congestion with a connection to Rieger Road.
The project upgraded lanes from one to two in each direction, benefiting commuters near Woman's Hospital.
Baton Rouge officials will announce today the return of the American Melody vessel to the city dock.
The news conference will include the mayor-president, the president of American Cruise Lines, and the Visit Baton Rouge president.
🏥 Health
Health experts say Louisiana flu cases remain high and could spike after large Mardi Gras gatherings since many remain unvaccinated.
They urge frequent hand washing and mask wearing to help curb the spread.
🏈 Sports
LSU men's basketball lost to Texas 88-85 in SEC play in Austin.
The Tigers now stand at 14-12 overall and 2-11 in conference play, and they will host Alabama on Saturday evening.
🎉 Baton Rouge Events
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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.
Already Gone Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket info available — Experience live music with the energetic vibes of Already Gone.
🏠 Baton Rouge Real Estate
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📣 Baton Rouge Announcements
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