Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 24th of May.
Good morning, Baton Rouge.
Community members are invited to attend the 58th annual Gonzales Jambalaya Festival—this weekend.
Cajun Country Jam is taking place this weekend at PARDS North Park in Denham Springs — local artists will perform and American Idol star John Foster previewed the event live Friday morning on 2une In.
The Baton Rouge Room at EBR Parish Library displays historical items that connect to the capital area including the Frank Hayden Holy Family sculpture and collections by Clementine Hunter and Buckskin Bill Black — it offers a curated look at our city's heritage.
Environmental groups led by Cindy Robertson filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday against the state after a law passed last May threatened fines up to $1 million for sharing air quality data in Sulphur—an area facing heavy industrial pollution.
The suit says the law restricts free speech and forces community groups to use costly EPA-approved equipment to monitor the air.
House Bill 675 passed the House today with a 71-26 vote and now heads to the Senate to cut the time prisoners have to seek post-conviction relief and to restrict shell petitions.
Critics warned that strict deadlines and increased fiscal costs—estimated at $4.2 million with potential for additional funds—could impact non-death row inmates while reform advocates say recent amendments address some concerns.
A federal lawsuit filed on May 15 alleged that the Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office had an unwritten policy to skip autopsies in suspected overdose cases, including the 2018 death of 23-year-old Dylan McClendon at a sober living facility—claims that errors during the investigation stalled criminal charges. The suit asserts that investigators Shane Evans and Mike Pozzi did not follow state law when handling toxicology tests, leading to a flawed death certificate.
Louisiana officials warned that Memorial Day weekend starts what they call the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer—roads are already packed and teen drivers face more risk on busy highways.
AAA and the Highway Safety Commission urged drivers to limit teen passengers and buckle up to help reduce crash fatalities.
A Redfin report shows Baton Rouge ranks as the 8th least expensive metro to buy a home under $300K, with a median sale price of $258,815+ten years ago the price was $173,000.
The report also ranks Baton Rouge as the third most affordable place in Louisiana with a median home price of $210,000.
LSU beat Texas A&M 4-3 in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals with strong early scoring and solid pitching from Kade Anderson, and they will face Ole Miss in the semifinals today at 1:30 p.m. at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex on the SEC Network.
Strength and Speed: 8th and 9th Grade Baseball Training
12 PM - 1 PM — Catholic High School — Must participate in Metro League for tryout eligibility — Enhance athletic skills with focused strength and conditioning training for aspiring CHS baseball players.
Metro League Baseball Tryouts
2-4 p.m. — Catholic High School — Required participation for prospective CHS Baseball team members — Organized league play for 7th-9th graders aiming for the upcoming school year's team.
2025 Elite Camp #1
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — LSU Football Operations Center — Cost not specified — Enhance your athletic skills at this comprehensive camp for high school students.
Taj Farrant's Chapter One Tour
9:00 – 10:30 PM — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available — Experience the debut album tour of young Australian guitarist Taj Farrant showcasing his unique sound.
Women Veterans Symposium
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — American Legion Post 381 — Free entry — Celebrate and connect with women veterans through empowerment, education, and networking.
Denim & Boots: Rodeo Edition
6-11 p.m. — Rev Center — Tickets available on Eventbrite — Celebrate Father's Day with live performances from King George and friends at this rodeo-themed event.
Jovin Webb Performance
Time TBA — Red Stick Social — Cost TBA — Experience the soulful rock tunes of Gonzales native and former American Idol contestant Jovin Webb at Laid Back Brunch.
Wrestling Camp 9001
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Catholic High School — $200.00 — Learn the fundamental skills of wrestling through interactive drills and games.
Rockshow NOLA: The Ultimate Tribute to Styx and Foreigner
8-11 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — Cost info unavailable — Experience an electrifying tribute to two legendary rock bands in an exciting venue.
St Gabriel Firefly Under the Moon Market
4pm-8pm “St. Gabriel’s Firefly Under the Moon Market is a magical evening event held monthly at Chatsworth Plantation. Enjoy live music, handcrafted goods, kids’ activities, local food, drinks, and the nostalgic charm of the Corner Store—all under the glow of fireflies.”
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