Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Officials announced on Thursday that American Cruise Lines' vessel, the American Melody, returned to Baton Rouge riverfront at the city dock. Mayor-President Sid-Edwards and company representatives held a news conference (the ship had paused visits during the COVID-19 pandemic) to mark its comeback. WBRZ
- ➤ Local churches in the Capital Region are hosting meat-free fish fries during Lent, serving fried catfish, shrimp, and sides for about $10. The events include dine-in+carry-out+drive-thru options at venues such as Our Lady of Mercy and St. Jude the Apostle. 225 Magazine
- ➤ The inclusive playground opened yesterday—Feb. 19—in Southdowns to serve the community’s youngest residents and offer a safe play area for children and families. WAFB 9
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tenant is a sustainable fashion showroom that offers curated clothing and accessories in Mid City at 2558 Government St. Opened in December 2025, the shop will join a pop-up event on Feb. 28 and is available during limited hours and by appointment. 225 Magazine
- ➤ Local seafood vendors reported crawfish prices dropped from over $16 to under $7.50 per pound after Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18) and expect today's rush to boost supplies as demand grows. WJBO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Judith Vitanza-Kattan released a children’s book titled Light and Shadow’s Dreamy Adventures that honors her father by teaching kids about kindness and resilience. Copies are available at The Queen Bee and profits support mental health programs at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church — a sequel is underway. 225 Magazine
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new Lod Stafford Bridge reopened yesterday in Walker after Hurricane Ida destroyed the old span in 2021; Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte led a ribbon-cutting plus marked the end of a long FEMA disaster funding process. WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ End Overdose LSU is tabling in Free Speech Alley, offering five-minute Narcan training sessions + free fentanyl testing strips to help students learn how to respond to overdoses; outreach coordinator Melina Vicente said the program aims to save lives. LSU Reveille
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Organic Gardening Lifestyle Event
5-7 p.m. — Louisiana Nursery — Free to All! — Learn to grow and eat organic for a healthier lifestyle.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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