Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Baton Rouge Corvette Club has served the community for over 50 years and raised $1.1 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with a road trip set to begin on May 22 that will visit Talladega, NCM Motorsports Park, the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, and Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina. WBRZ
- ➤ Southeastern Louisiana University will host Carry the Load on May 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at War Memorial Student Union Park to honor military, first responders, and their families with a walk of remembrance, speeches, and refreshments. The Advocate
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Southern University Gospel Choir was nominated for a Steller Award in the HBCU Choir of the Year category for its performance of Call His Name. Votes are being accepted daily until Monday, June 1 (voting may help the choir win). WAFB 9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ South Fork Elementary was named a 2025-2026 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase School for its safe and positive classroom culture. The campus celebrated the honor on May 13 by uniting staff and students to strengthen relationships. The Advocate
- ➤ Students and an alumnus from Denham Springs High School won the top prize at SLU’s 'Take Your Shot' Student Film Festival held at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. The team's film—'Loyalty and Other Crimes'—will compete in a national contest later this year. The Advocate
- ➤ St. Amant High School held its Class of 2026 graduation on May 14 at The Pit in St. Amant (an outdoor ceremony that recognized academic achievement) which marked a milestone for the students. The Advocate
- ➤ Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Science and Technology honored outstanding students at its convocation on May 6. Award recipients from several parishes earned recognition in fields including Engineering Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Industrial Technology, Physics, Mathematics, and Information Technology. The Advocate
- ➤ Southeastern Louisiana University named Mitchell Croatt as the new dean of its College of Science and Technology; he will assume his role on Aug. 1 (pending final approval by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors). The Advocate
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bald eagle numbers in Louisiana have rebounded after decades of decline, drawing eco-tourists to Lake Palourde near Morgan City today; experts warn that loss of coastal land may challenge future sightings. WAFB 9
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Planning Commission approved Plan Baton Rouge III on Monday, a major downtown revitalization effort with over $1.5 billion in early investments. The plan is set to create nearly 5,500 jobs, attract $1 billion in private funding, and boost community connections & develop a vibrant riverfront over the next decade. WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Baton Rouge Recovery Health Residential Treatment Center now offers a 28-day residential program and intensive outpatient services for adults struggling with addiction during Mental Health Awareness Month. Doctors provide one-on-one support and group therapy to help build hope and achieve sobriety. WAFB 9
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Blue Bayou Water Park reopens this Friday with new co-owners and upgrades including renovated slides, improved tech systems, and a 40% discount on online tickets (adding extra value for family summer outings). 225 Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU senior linebacker Whit Weeks said 'I’m 100% right now. I’m ready to roll' as he noted his ankle injury is healed + he expressed excitement for the upcoming 2026 college football season at the Baton Rouge Rougarou annual golf tournament at The Island Country Club in Plaquemine. 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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Cereal Box Collage Art Workshop
2-4 p.m. — West Baton Rouge Parish Library Main Branch — Free entry — Create colorful collages with pop artist Michael Albert in this fun hands-on workshop for kids and families.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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