Happy weekend, Baton Rouge! In today’s happening-today edition: Weight loss trial, Sammy’s Grill’s new chapter, and International Yoga Day + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Baton Rouge protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Join a weight loss trial: Pennington Biomedical in Baton Rouge is recruiting participants for a 1.5-year weight loss study testing a GLP-1-based therapy alongside reduced-calorie diets, with financial compensation and detailed health assessments available -- learn how to get involved.
Prize-packed giveaway results: WBRZ announced the 2026 St. Jude Dream Home winner live, plus prizes including a 2026 Genesis G70, $10,000 Home Furniture Plus shopping spree, and free gas for a year -- see the prize results.
New chapter for a local spot: Sammy’s Grill on Highland Road closed June 14. Spot will become Historic Highland Road Grill, turning over July 1 to Will "Willie" Chapman. Expect three months until food is served -- see Sammy’s new chapter.
Thoughtful Father's Day gifts, ready by Sunday. Father's Day is tomorrow, which makes shipping anything now a gamble you'll probably lose. Skip it entirely. A whole range of Father's Day gifts is ready for same-day pickup in hours, so something personal is well within reach by tomorrow. -- get it today.*
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.*
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.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Craving the brine: If your seafood cravings hit hard, Bayes Oyster Bar serves Gulf, East, and West Coast oysters by the single, half, or dozen, plus Rockefeller, Bienville, and BBQ Nola Style from the grill. It’s a cozy downtown hang you’ll end up calling your go-to when the seafood mood strikes.
Rain-proof your swing: Golf Haven brings TrackMan-powered indoor simulators to Baton Rouge, so you can dial in ball speed, spin, and club path while ripping around Pebble Beach or Bandon Dunes without sweating through your polo. Perfect for solo practice or a low-key hang with friends, rain or 100-degree shine.
In-town escape idea: Swap the usual weekend scurry for a lazy river float, a few pickleball games, and patio chill time at Tiger's Trail RV Resort, the luxe RV-and-cottage spot tucked by L’Auberge that feels like a mini-vacation without leaving Baton Rouge. No RV? The cottages are comfy, and you just might run into your neighbor.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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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 →
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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 Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🥾 Freedom Trail Hike @ Clark Creek Natural Area | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Head to Clark Creek for a Men That Move hike honoring Juneteenth and fathers, where freedom looks like fresh air, steady pace, and good company. Expect shaded climbs, waterfall rewards, and conversation beating small talk. Ideal for bringing your dad, brother, or important men.
🧘 International Yoga Day @ Independence Community Park | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Roll out a mat at Independence Community Park Botanical Gardens for International Yoga Day, where beginner to advanced classes keep pace with your joints, your mood, and the humidity. Free, serene, and surprisingly kind to tight hamstrings, it’s quality unwind time under the oaks.
🎬 Sensory-Friendly Movie: Toy Story 5 @ AMC Baton Rouge 16 | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Toy Story 5, sensory-friendly, with soft lights, lower volume, captions, and room to move. No shushing, no side-eye, kids get popcorn, a drink, and a snack included, adults and teens are $10, kids are free, with volunteers minding exits for a relaxed, safe outing.
🌿 Vivarium: Plant & Perfume Workshops @ Glassell Gallery | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Rachel Parish is leading a two-hour workshop where your family tree finally smells good. Trace your migrations through guided conversation, then blend a custom herbal tea or simple botanical scent from edible, medicinal, and aromatic plants. Pre-registration required, no experience, just curiosity.
🎨 Daddy & Me Painting Class: “Pop Art” @ Painting and Pinot | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Got a kid who loves splatter, and a dad who could use fridge-worthy art? Celebrate Father’s Day weekend at Painting and Pinot making a pop art handprint keepsake you will display, no experience needed, $30 per child, and parents attend free.
🐾 PUNGS for PAWS @ First United Methodist Church | Saturday (6/20) at 2:00 PM – Whether you’ve been racking since the Reagan years or just like the clack, this mahjong shindig delivers shopping, raffles, and a warm fuzzy glow for a cause. Decorate your four-top for Best in Show, pose with baby wallabies, and covet that Sapphire tile set raffle.
🍖 Father’s Day BBQ Party @ Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – Father’s Day means letting Dad hold court while someone else mans the grill. This backyard-style bash brings family fun, proper BBQ, and a new whiskey and cigar bar, so he can pair brisket with a pour, then pontificate like it’s his job. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Baton Rouge report Weather forecastToday — High: 91°F — Low: 77°F — Precip: 61% Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10pm and 1am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 20% A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph. This house is wildSet on two lots in Pointe Marie, this elegant home delivers serious wow factor with 12-foot ceilings, an open-concept layout, and a chef’s kitchen anchored by double quartzite islands, a wine chiller, and a brick-accented wine cellar. The screened patio, brick fireplace, and oversized yard create a standout setting for entertaining.
Take a peek inside → | | |