Daily
Baton Rouge
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Baton Rouge. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Oct 15, 99-year-old World War II veteran Charles Calvin Holdeman Jr.—a witness to the flag raising on Iwo Jima—was honored with full military honors at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell. He had a long career at the Post Office and volunteered well into his 90s, leaving a lasting legacy in the community. The Advocate
- ➤ The annual Halloween parade will take place this weekend in Baton Rouge + planners face unexpected security fees that may force them to cancel or alter future parades + officials warn that the rising costs could threaten upcoming celebrations. WAFB 9
- ➤ Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center will host its Swamp Haunted Hikes on Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., where families will trick-or-treat along trails and learn about animal ambassadors (tickets cost $6 for adults and $8 for kids). WVLA
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tailgating near Tiger Stadium has grown into a booming business as LSU now licenses premium spots to a turnkey tailgate company offering lavish pregame setups and exclusive corporate partnerships. Local vendors and longtime fans have seen bigger crowds and increased sales as the tradition evolves into a profitable venture — boosting the overall game day experience. The Advocate
- ➤ Smitty's Supply filed a lawsuit Tuesday in the 21st Judicial District Court in Tangipahoa Parish, accusing Fulton Thermal Corp. of selling a defective boiler and J and M Boiler Combustion Control Services Inc. of negligent installation that caused an August fire spilling chemicals into a river and layoffs — the suit seeks damages for property and business losses while state and federal agencies investigate the incident. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana education officials announced that starting in the 2026-27 school year, high school students will take four standardized tests instead of six — one math exam, one English exam along with tests in civics and biology, all given at the end of 10th grade. WBRZ
- ➤ Baton Rouge Community College broke ground today on its new Capital City Construction Lab on its Mid City Campus, funded by an $850,000 Gable Grant from Lowe’s — which will boost training in construction management, plumbing, HVAC and electrical work. The lab is expected to be completed in about 10 months — marking the college’s first plumbing program. WVLA
- ➤ Four former students who helped integrate Baton Rouge high schools in 1963 recalled at an LSU Law School event on Tuesday the harsh challenges they faced as part of the 28 Black students joining all-White schools. LSU Law Professor Ray Diamond and civil rights experts explained how those historic steps changed education (while noting that the fight against racism still endures). The Advocate
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A section of Airline Highway from BRPD HQ to near Old Hammond Highway was renamed to honor four law enforcement officers killed in a 2016 shooting—dedicated at a ceremony held on Wednesday, with State Sen. Rick Edmonds speaking in support of the new memorial. The change recognizes Deputy Bradford Allen Garafola, Officer Matthew Lane Gerald, Corporal Montrell Lyle Jackson, and Sergeant Nicholas Tullier. WBRZ
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Hunden Partners is coordinating with Sasaki for River Center’s expansion that will add a 350-room headquarters hotel, a 40,000-square-foot flex hall with a 3,500-seat concert venue and other improvements—planners will define details and funding over the next 24 months. 225 Magazine
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27th Annual Scrabble Challenge
Join us at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 16th, for an evening of fun as L'Auberge Casino & Hotel hosts our annual Scrabble Challenge. The event includes 3 rounds of 'just for fun' team Scrabble play, a silent auction, wine cork pull, 50/50 cash split raffle, with buffet and beverages.
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Boo at the Zoo
All day — BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo — Check for ticket details — Experience festive photo opportunities and princess character meet and greets amidst Halloween-themed displays.
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The Addams Family Musical
7:30-9:00 p.m. — River Center Theatre for Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a devilishly delightful musical comedy featuring everyone's favorite creepy, kooky family.
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Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience
8-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the iconic sounds of Led Zeppelin with a tribute experience marking their 30th anniversary.
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Halloween Costume Party
8 PM — WingBar and Daiquiris — $5 General Admission — Enjoy a spooky night with wings, drinks, and a cash prize for the best costume.
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An Evening with Josh Gates
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Explore ghost stories, monsters, and thrilling adventures with the Emmy-nominated host.
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Family Fright Night: Halloween Concert in the Cosmos
Spooky Concert in the Cosmos — Evening — Louisiana Art & Science Museum — Check event pricing — Enjoy classic Halloween movies and tunes with stunning visuals in the planetarium.
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Blackberry Smoke Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Blackberry Smoke, known for their soulful Southern rock sound.
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Ozzmosis Tribute Event
7-10 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — Tickets required — Experience the legendary music of Ozzy Osbourne performed by top musicians.
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Louisiana Book Festival
09:00 AM-06:00 PM — State Library of Louisiana — Check Official Website — Celebrate literature with engaging activities, book signings, and discussions for readers of all ages.
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Blippi: Join the Band Tour
2-3:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a family-friendly live music experience with Blippi and friends.
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Professional Office Space for Lease in Capital Heights - Newly Renovated
800 sq feet, Move-in-Ready, Recently Renovated. 20+ parking spaces. All utilities, cleaning services, and internet included.
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