Daily
Baton Rouge
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the City of Baker hosts its annual career fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Baker Municipal Auditorium (3325 Groom Road), where job seekers can meet over 50 local employers and sign up for financial literacy sessions. WBRZ
- ➤ During a groundbreaking ceremony at Scotlandville Plaza Wednesday afternoon, transportation officials and local leaders announced plans to add green infrastructure, sidewalk improvements and signal upgrades along Scenic Highway between Harding Boulevard and Swan Avenue to improve safety for pedestrians, transit riders and drivers. WBRZ
- ➤ Entergy is working to restore power for customers after early morning outages in EBR; residents are advised to check local updates as restoration continues. WAFB 9
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A Baton Rouge beignet shop celebrated its 50th anniversary on Wednesday in the capital, marking five decades of serving locals and honoring its long history in the community. WBRZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, a special concert marked the Chuck Wagon Gang’s 90th anniversary at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Guests toured Gov. Jimmie Davis artifacts and band leader Shaye Smith—granddaughter of the former governor—said the group will continue its two-week tour with a stop in Texas. WBRZ
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ LSU’s environmental science department is tracking drug trends by analyzing wastewater collected from homes, businesses and stormwater runoff. Professor Bikram Subedi and his students share their findings with law enforcement and the Louisiana Department of Health to help officials respond to shifts in local drug use. WBRZ
- ➤ Ascension Parish Schools announced a clear or mesh backpack policy for the 2026-27 school year and planned weapons detectors for all campuses following a January lockdown at Dutchtown High School; some parents worry the measures may make schools feel too institutional. WBRZ
- ➤ U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon gave Louisiana a waiver to combine four federal funding streams, granting greater control over about $4.5 million a year for four years. State officials say the waiver will let them spend flexibly on priorities such as reading and math skills & career preparation. The Advocate
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ South Louisiana startups are testing coastal restoration tools, including artificial reefs, drone surveys, and recycled glass sand to protect vulnerable waters. Backed by local support, these companies aim to slow erosion and boost regional resilience. The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ LSU President Rousse said the $400 million arena to replace Pete Maravich Assembly Center will move forward if state funding creates a deal for Baton Rouge and LSU. An LED spokesperson (stating that funds are not in the current budget) said state support remains a possible option with details pending. The Advocate
- ➤ Ward Two Water District in Denham Springs is repairing a water main at the Perkins Road and Cane Market Road intersection, lowering water pressure and triggering a boil advisory for nearby customers. Affected homes must boil water until repairs are complete. WBRZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Officials and health experts urge safe swimming as summer nears after a recent drowning in Prairieville highlighted risks for children during National Water Safety Month, and they encourage parents to use local swim lessons + CPR classes. WBRZ
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Termite season is ramping up in Baton Rouge as the LSU AgCenter advises homeowners to inspect their properties for swarms (a sign of termite activity) and take action to avoid costly repairs. WAFB 9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU's baseball season ended Tuesday night after Auburn beat the Tigers 3 to 1 in the SEC Tournament. The team finished with a record (30 wins, 28 losses) and missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011. WBRZ
- ➤ LSU confirmed that former national championship coach Ed Orgeron was hired as special assistant to recruiting and defense on Head Coach Lane Kiffin’s staff. He returns to LSU after winning the 2019 title (he coached for nearly six years). WBRZ
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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.
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SHAGGED MARRIED ANNOYED with Chris & Rosie Ramsey
9:00 – 10:30 PM — Texas Club — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of laughter with Chris & Rosie Ramsey's comedic performance.
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.
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