Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Baton Rouge resident Carl Haydel used occupational therapy techniques to plan a surprise proposal for longtime girlfriend Rachel Dingle. He prepared with Fox Rehabilitation (his secret mission) and chose the Besthoff Sculpture Garden for the heartfelt event that went viral. 225 Magazine
- ➤ Fifteen individuals completed the 18-month Recovery Court program Friday morning at the 19th Judicial District Courthouse, receiving certificates and a copy of Discipline is Destiny. The graduates can have drug charges expunged and shared inspiring remarks on starting life afresh. The Advocate
- ➤ The Louisiana Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Foundation hosts its second annual Inspiration Day today in Baton Rouge to build trust + connection between law enforcement and local residents. WAFB 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ LSU Theatre and Film announced its 2026 to 2027 season (eight plays and two special events) with productions like POTUS running Sept. 24–Oct. 4 at Shaver Theatre and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream staging from Nov. 12–22 at Reilly Theatre. The Advocate
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in the Baton Rouge area hit $4 at the pump as residents feel the pinch ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Rising oil costs and summer-blend fuel requirements are prompting drivers to rethink travel plans and household budgets. The Advocate
- ➤ AAA forecasts record travel this Memorial Day weekend as local families adjust summer plans amid high fuel prices and law enforcement ramps up patrols. Drivers are advised to check tire pressure to save fuel + watch for last-minute hotel deals ahead of the holiday. WBRZ
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ EBR Schools' Child Nutrition Program will offer free summer meals to children in the parish from May 26 to July 23, with breakfast and lunch available Monday through Thursday at school campuses, housing authority locations, and libraries — families may register for pick-up at designated middle and high school sites. WBRZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Deputy Brandon Searles (a Marine reservist turned deputy applicant) was named the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero after he stopped an attempted bank robbery at Regions Bank on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard in May 2025; he later graduated from the Capital Area Regional Training Academy. WBRZ
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Local restaurants are updating their menus with fresh seasonal specials as spring carries on. Eliza Restaurant will offer Caviar Fridays (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) while Zee Zee’s Kitchen debuts specialty hot dogs and Caroline’s Cookies introduces Memorial Day treats. 225 Magazine
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU Softball will face No. 1 Alabama in Game 1 of the Super Regional today in Baton Rouge. Local fans are eagerly awaiting the matchup as the team prepares to compete. WAFB 9
- ➤ LSU softball will face Alabama tonight in Tuscaloosa in a best-of-three series with a series win moving the Tigers to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. WJBO
- ➤ LSU men’s hoops signed international prospect Brice Dessert, a seven-foot center from France who was cleared by the NCAA last season. He is expected to boost the Tigers’ lineup in the upcoming season. WJBO
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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.
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Wrestling Camp 9002
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Catholic High School — Registration required — Develop essential wrestling skills through engaging drills and activities.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
~ Unknown
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