Daily
Baton Rouge
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ticket sales for the Driving the Future campaign with Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital end at midnight on Apr. 22; call 225-215-0050 or 855-295-KIDS to support the 16th-year fundraiser that has raised over $16 million in the previous 15 years. WAFB 9
- ➤ Tracy Burleigh, a longtime supporter of the St. John Eagles and a 1993 state championship softball player, died after suffering a stroke during her son’s baseball game; a blood drive to help offset her medical costs is set today at Iberville Parish Courthouse from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. WAFB 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s production of Rapunzel debuts today at 7 p.m. at the River Center Theatre & will perform again Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $45. WBRZ
- ➤ The Louisiana Purchase document signed by Napoleon Bonaparte is on display at the Old State Capitol until July 11 as part of the exhibit Bought for A Song: A Young Nation Expands — visitors planning to attend between April 14 and 18 must reserve a time slot online. WAFB 9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The House Education Committee blocked a bill to remove the meningitis vaccine requirement in schools. The proposal lost an 8 & 4 vote, leaving current mandates in place. WBRZ
- ➤ Louisiana public schools lost 60,000 students over the past decade, forcing districts to cut programs and close schools as state aid drops with lower enrollment. In Assumption Parish, middle schools closed and students now ride to high school (a move that has spurred concern) as enrollments keep falling. The Advocate
- ➤ LSU's student newspaper Reveille and Tiger TV earned top honors at the SPJ Region 12 Conference in Louisville on Saturday. The awards propel them into national competition — a notable achievement for LSU student media. LSU Reveille
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana's $1.5 billion coastal restoration plan cleared a Senate committee Wednesday, advancing 143 projects scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2027 in coastal parishes — though advocates remain concerned over canceled river diversions. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The East Baton Rouge Housing Authority is hosting its third annual community health fair on Saturday, Apr. 18, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 801 Swan Avenue, where community members can receive screenings and learn about mental health, nutrition and wellness (registration is not required). WAFB 9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former LSU basketball star Flau’jae Johnson, traded to the Seattle Storm on April 13, has arrived in Seattle and was met with cheers (Baton Rouge officials honored her with the key to the city and dedicated April 4 as Flau’jae Johnson Big Four Day). WAFB 9
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LFAA State 3D Championship
Event Duration — Waddill Wildlife Refuge — $40 for adults, $30 for juniors — Compete in a thrilling archery challenge featuring 20 to 25 targets at known distances.
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TRENDS in Baton Rouge Real Estate Seminar
Where Baton Rouge gets the "dirt" on all things real estate! We'll break-down the market to examine what's happening in each of the industry segments of residential, multifamily, office, industrial, retail, finance, and feature keynote from Dr. Loren Scott
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Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire
12:30-2:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Experience the thrill of your favorite monster trucks come to life.
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Bridgerton - The Final Farewell
2-5 p.m. — Shaw Center for the Arts — $85 — Immerse yourself in a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon filled with florals, cocktails, and the chance to be crowned the Season's Diamond.
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Spring Storytime for Children
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. — West Baton Rouge Parish Library Main Branch — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and fun activities in a relaxed setting for kids.
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An Evening with Emerson, Lake and Palmer
7:30-11:59 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Starting at $70 — Experience the authentic reunion performance of the legendary progressive rock band Emerson, Lake and Palmer with modern technology.
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LSU Tigers vs. Auburn Tigers Softball Match
6-7 p.m. — Tiger Park — Tickets starting at $8 — Experience the thrill of college softball as the LSU Tigers take on the Auburn Tigers.
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The Gonzales Magnolia Market
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — Ticket prices vary — Discover unique gifts for Mother's Day, graduations, and more at this vibrant market.
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156/Silence Concert
7-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night with 156/Silence and Fox Lake in Baton Rouge.
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Dance With The Dead & Magic Sword
7-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — $ — Enjoy an unforgettable night of synthwave sounds as both bands deliver epic performances.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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