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Hey Baton Rouge, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Marshall Faulk’s Southern debut, a jazzed-up Tiger Rag, and a plant swap + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Jaguars begin a new era: Marshall Faulk’s first season at Southern will kick off Aug. 29 vs. Alabama State in the inaugural Birmingham Football Classic and finish at Caesars Superdome with the 53rd Bayou Classic -- see the full schedule.
A fresh game-day sound: LSU fans get a new spin as Visions Jazz Ensemble released a jazzed-up Tiger Rag, arranged by trumpeter Sam Butler with composer Garrett Fasig, just in time for football season -- hear the full reimagining.
Honoring a forgotten legacy: On Monday, Sgt. Kandice Wisher led a formation at Baton Rouge National Cemetery to honor Revolutionary War veteran Philemon Thomas during 250th anniversary commemorations, and veterans stressed preservation of stories -- read the full story.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Sneak in a round: BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course keeps things friendly but interesting, from a deceptively simple opener to a drivable 10th and a turtle back green on 8 that will test your touch. Grab a buddy this week and see if you can snag a birdie before the greens get in your head.
Live arts this week: Whether you’re craving a concert, indie film, or a night that feels fancier than your living room, Manship Theatre has you covered. They’re the home for music, performing arts, exhibits, and film in Baton Rouge, with Forever Simon and Garfunkel hitting the stage Thursday, August 6.
Fresh hair, fewer regrets: It’s not just a cut, it’s an experience at Salon Eden, a Salon Today 200 honoree for 2026. Book a sharp cut, rich color, or effortless styling, then let Oribe, Kevin Murphy, and Paul Mitchell do the heavy lifting so you walk out feeling like your best Baton Rouge self.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎾 Tuesday Night Open Play @ Electric Pickle | Tuesday (8/4) at 5:30 PM – Nothing beats Tuesday night pickleball at Electric Pickle, five bucks to play or free for club members, all levels welcome. It’s the rare workout where you can trash talk, meet neighbors, and still make your bedtime.
💃 Free Open/Beginner Line Dance Classes @ The Smiling Dog | Tuesday (8/4) at 7:00 PM – If your boots have been mostly decorative, give them a whirl at The Smiling Dog's free beginner line dance classes. Warm up, revisit a few favorites, then pick up one new routine, no judgment, just laughs and cardio you can brag about at brunch.
🚨 Disaster Preparedness Workshop @ Main Library at Goodwood | Wednesday (8/5) at 10:00 AM – Because the next wildfire, blackout, or mystery siren is not sending a save-the-date, this free Disaster Preparedness Workshop gets you ready to protect your people, your place, and your sanity. Expect clear tips, go-bag know-how, and calm planning. No bunker required.
🎗 Cancer Support Group @ Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center | Friday (8/7) at 10:00 AM – Every Friday at 10 a.m., Mary Bird Perkins hosts a calm, judgment-free support group on Essen where folks in chemo or radiation can swap questions, fears, and hard-earned tips. Saurage Conference Room, second floor. Less small talk, more real talk, Baton Rouge style.
🎨 Gallery Exhibit @ Gallery at Manship | Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 AM – Tucked in the loft above the Manship Theatre bar, this free, immersive show pairs Nathaniel A.J. Landry’s visuals with Monoblack’s scores, steering you through identity, transformation, and the inner monsters we pretend are allergies. Quiet, moody, and wonderfully air-conditioned.
🪴 Plant Swap @ Independence Botanical Gardens | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 AM – Think of it as neighborly bartering, but with chlorophyll. Bring a plant, take a plant, and swap seeds, rhizomes, bulbs, or rooted plants at this free meet-up, held alongside the Botanical Gardens plant sale, where self-control goes to wilt.
🥕 Saturday Farmers Market @ Main Street Market | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 AM – Think your pantry is local enough? Hit Saturday’s Red Stick Farmers Market downtown at 5th and Main for produce, Gulf shrimp, breads, cheeses, plants, and goat milk soap. Live music, cooking demos, and kid distractions included, rain or shine, Galvez Garage if the skies sulk.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Baton Rouge report Weather forecastToday — High: 96°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 7%
Sunny, with a high near 96. North wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 97°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 17%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 97. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 76. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis less-than-a-year-old French Provincial beauty in Willow Grove pairs timeless curb appeal with modern polish. German smear brick, French oak floors, antique New Orleans doors, and pine beams set the tone, while Thermador appliances and Artemis Quartzite elevate the kitchen. A fireplace-lined primary suite, oversized closet, outdoor kitchen, and generous yard add even more charm.
Take a peek inside → |
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