Daily
Baton Rouge
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Blue Bayou Water Park reopens today after a year-long renovation that upgraded behind-the-scenes infrastructure and expanded weekend hours through August (management noted that no new rides will be added this year, though plans may evolve). WJBO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Swig, a Utah-based chain known for its mix-flavored sodas, will open a new outlet in Baton Rouge this fall in the Long Farm Village shopping center off Airline Highway near Five Guys & Rouses. WBRZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new Welcome Center at the Burden Museum & Gardens and LSU Rural Life Museum on Essen Lane in Baton Rouge will have a ribbon cutting tomorrow, May 17, before officially opening in summer. The center serves as the starting point for visitors to 440 acres of gardens and museums. The Advocate
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership announced on Friday that CEO Lori Melancon stepped down after nearly two years as Trey Godfrey and Jayson Newell became interim co-CEOs — the board confirmed the group remains focused on advancing strategic priorities in regional economic development. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Southern University held a moment of silence during its spring commencement to honor Caleb Wilson, a former jaguar who died over a year ago in an alleged hazing incident. WAFB 9
- ➤ Hundreds of students graduated at Southern University on Friday during two ceremonies. Two posthumous degrees were awarded to Caleb Wilson (a mechanical engineering major who died in a hazing incident) and Kavon Barnhill (a nursing major who died in a car crash), with families accepting the awards. WBRZ
- ➤ Former LSU football player Patrick Queen awarded athletic scholarships of $5,000 each to seven Pointe Coupee Parish students from Livonia High School and STEM Magnet Academy. Queen, namesake of a new football stadium (serving both schools), said the scholarships honor hard work and leadership. WBRZ
- ➤ The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board will meet on June 4 to decide whether to let Superintendent LaMont Cole set job descriptions instead of requiring board approval. The proposal follows discussions on May 7 and May 14 and could change a longstanding process used by all 69 districts statewide. The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department held its annual Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony on Friday morning at War Memorial Student Union Park in Hammond. The event honored fallen officers from Louisiana State Police Troop L, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ponchatoula Police Department. WBRZ
- ➤ The mayor's office is hosting a youth job fair this Saturday to connect local young residents with work opportunities, workforce resources, and internships. WAFB 9
- ➤ U.S. Census data shows Baton Rouge lost over 3,000 residents (1.5% drop) between 2020 and 2025, while nearby cities like Gonzales and Zachary experienced notable growth. Other communities such as Baker and New Roads declined, and Addis saw a 13% jump, reflecting shifts across our metropolitan area. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center's mobile health unit will offer free cancer screenings at Sacred Heart Catholic Church today. The event features biometric screenings, food, music, and family activities with tests for breast, colorectal, skin, and prostate cancers. WAFB 9
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Gonzales Jambalaya Festival
May 21-24 — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — Cost varies — Experience four days of wood-fired Louisiana heritage featuring delicious jambalaya and lively festivities.
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Post Malone & Jelly Roll Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tiger Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience genre-bending performances from Post Malone and Jelly Roll in an electrifying show.
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OAL Annual Convention - Baton Rouge
All day — Crowne Plaza Executive Center — Registration required — Engage in valuable discussions and networking during this annual convention for the Optometry Association of Louisiana.
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Capital City Blues Extravaganza featuring Tucka
7:30-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket information TBA — An unforgettable night of blues and soul awaits in Baton Rouge.
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Balmora Concert Featuring Contention, Holder, and Azshara
3 AM – 8 PM — Mid City Ballroom — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting lineup with Balmora and special guests in Baton Rouge.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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