Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ St. Luke's Episcopal Church is hosting a public event Saturday, March 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Witter Hall and on its front lawn to launch its Capital Campaign 'Honoring Our Past. Building Our Future' that aims to raise $3–3.5 million for rebuilding after the 2024 fire. WBRZ
- ➤ The annual Buddy Walk hosted by DSAG will take place Saturday, March 21 at A.Z. Young Park from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. — featuring DJs, a band, food vendors and family activities that celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and raise funds for support programs. 225 Magazine
- ➤ A Baton Rouge nonprofit is building a $3 million amphitheater as an Education and Wellness Hub for job fairs, STEM showcases, and health screenings. Construction began last month at 5763 Hooper Road in North Baton Rouge and will finish by year’s end (offering free Wi-Fi). The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Caballero Casting is seeking background actors in Baton Rouge for the upcoming Viola Davis-led film, Ally Clark, which will start production in April and run through June. Interested actors should email their details and photos to apply — pay is $150 for adults and $100 for minors on set. WBRZ
- ➤ Hannah Robert and San Trevathan previewed the upcoming Taste of Mid City event returning in 2026 in Baton Rouge, with details on dates and activities (food, music, and local vendors) to be announced. WAFB 9
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Local business leaders in this week's One Big Question feature said rising fuel prices are driving up transportation costs (including diesel, which recently spiked) and may force companies to add delivery fees that could eventually raise consumer prices. The discussion highlights challenges faced by local industries. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers proposed the Teacher Pay Modernization Act to gradually raise teacher salaries to the regional average over four years. The Department of Education must provide a report to guide school districts and send funds toward base pay (not bonuses). WBRZ
- ➤ LSU Student Government will hold its election on Thursday and Friday to choose the 2026-2027 student body president and vice president. Students will receive an email with the TigerLink voting link at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. LSU Reveille
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Health officials closed oyster leases in Barataria Bay on Saturday at sunset after an oil sheen from a leak at LOOP's terminal reached oyster waters in Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes. The health department will test the water quality before any reopening is allowed. The Advocate
- ➤ Baton Rouge Green has planted over 150 trees since February and will add 80 to 100 more downtown as part of the I-10/12 Split Tree Replanting project. Its arborists plan to plant over 400 trees in the next three years through the ongoing 1,000 Tree Challenge. 225 Magazine
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, the LSU student government court issued a public reprimand to Jack Miller for delaying the required civics commission, allowing him to continue his run for student body president. LSU Reveille
- ➤ The Amite River Basin Commission acquired a sand and gravel mine that will be restored as a floodplain and water storage area to reduce stormwater flow and downstream flood pressures in the Upper Amite Basin. The project is a key part of a $428.8 million flood resilience initiative. WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Black Family Wellness Expo will take place Saturday in Baton Rouge to offer health resources and family activities. Organizers Cheryl Hall Derouen and Kathy Victorian outlined plans to promote community wellness. WAFB 9
- ➤ State health officials plan to shift $6.5 million to establish a new statewide crisis hub — which will bolster the 988 helpline for mental health emergencies. Lawmakers are also exploring measures to extend suicide prevention information to middle schools. WBRZ
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Smooth Operators: A Yacht Rock Jukebox
8-11 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — $ — Set sail for smooth grooves and the soft rock sounds of the late 70s and early 80s.
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B.J. Barham Live Performance
8:00–9:30 p.m. — Mid City Ballroom — $40 General/$50 VIP — Enjoy a solo performance by B.J. Barham with special guest James Fogle.
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Louisiana Sportsman Show
9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Visit Baton Rouge — Registration required — Explore the best in sports and outdoor recreation at this exciting show.
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The Refining Fire Women’s Conference
11 AM – 3 PM — City Club of Baton Rouge — $20 discount available — Empower yourself with inspiration and insightful discussions during this celebration of women.
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Black Jacket Symphony: Led Zeppelin IV Live
7:30-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket pricing varies — Experience Led Zeppelin IV performed live in its entirety along with other classic hits.
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Billy Idol: A Documentary Journey
2:00 – 3:58 PM — Manship Theatre — $9.50 — Explore the life of punk rocker Billy Idol, from his rise as an icon to overcoming struggles in the music industry.
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St. Paul & The Broken Bones Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets from $334 — Experience a can't-miss live show featuring St. Paul and The Broken Bones in Baton Rouge.
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Corey Kent Live in Concert
8-10:30 p.m. — Texas Club — Tickets starting at $57 — Experience the electrifying performance of Corey Kent in a premier Baton Rouge venue.
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LSU Tigers vs. Arizona Wildcats Softball
5-6 p.m. — Tiger Park — Tickets from $48 — Catch exciting collegiate softball action in Baton Rouge as the Tigers face off against the Wildcats.
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LSU Concert Orchestra & Percussion Ensemble Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — LSU Student Union Theater — Ticketed event — Experience a captivating evening with the LSU Concert Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble featuring diverse repertoire.
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