Good morning, Baton Rouge.

This week in Baton Rouge brings a busy schedule starting with a free undergraduate composition recital today at 5:30 p.m. at the Music Building Recital Hall and a LSU baseball game against McNeese on April 15th at Alex Box Stadium (all open to the public).

Other events include an art reception at La Divina on April 16th, a baseball game against Alabama on April 17th at Alex Box Stadium, a goth night at Place on April 18th, a Water Lantern Festival at BREC Forest Community Park on April 19th, and an Easter Jazz Brunch at 1717 Kitchen Cocktails on April 20th.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested 23-year-old Dillon Marshall on Saturday at a Prairieville home after he fatally stabbed his mother, 48-year-old Shanitra Marshall—he faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault and remains in jail.

East Baton Rouge Parish Superintendent LaMont Cole will recommend closing, merging, and changing schools at a special School Board meeting Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Instruction Resource Center—he expects the board to vote on his plan on May 1 so that any approved changes can be made over the summer ahead of the 2025-26 school year.

West Baton Rouge officials said that excluding major chemical plants from the half-cent sales tax created a $1.1 million gap between the sheriff’s office and the fire department, limiting funds for hiring more firefighters and moving up from a Class 3 rating.

The fire department is recruiting new members and working to improve services while council members debate options—no immediate changes to the tax law are planned.

Louisiana lawmakers are considering six bills during today's session to boost the use of stronger roofs that help lower rising insurance premiums + the proposals include a state grant program offering homeowners a $10,000 incentive, tax credits and required insurance discounts to make homes more storm resistant. These measures aim to ease the insurance crisis by promoting better building standards statewide.

Former LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy (24) died in Houston as confirmed by a family member.

Today, the LSU Football Team held an open spring practice at Tiger Stadium where Head Coach Brian Kelly said the mix of incoming freshmen, transfers and veteran players is the best he has seen.

Running back Caden Durham missed practice as a precaution and will return next week—while Coach Kelly noted that key player Will Campbell is heading to the NFL Draft.

LSU Football held an open spring practice at Tiger Stadium that allowed fans to see the updated team roster, meet head coach Brian Kelly, and get autographs from the coaching staff.

Former star JaMarcus Russell and top prospects like running back Harlem Berry and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier boosted hopes for a season filled with playoff potential—raising excitement in our community.

Malik B: Live Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Funny Bone Comedy Club — Check website for ticket info — Enjoy a night of laughter with local comedian Malik Bazille.

Comedy Night with Malik Bazille

7-8:30 p.m. — Funny Bone Comedy Club — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience an evening of laughs with accomplished local comedian Malik Bazille.

Band of Heathens Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy an evening of live music from the Band of Heathens presented by Red Dragon Listening Room.

The Magnolia Market

Date Range — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — Free to enter — Explore amazing deals and trends at this exciting spring market.

Art Night

7 PM-12 AM — The Smiling Dog — Free entry — Celebrate local talent with over 50 artists, performers, and musicians showcasing their work across two stages.

Southern University Baseball vs. Mississippi Valley State

1-4 p.m. — A.W. Mumford Stadium — Admission varies — Catch the Southern University baseball team in action against Mississippi Valley State.

American Aquarium Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Ticket info available — Enjoy the honest voice of country music from American Aquarium.

EXHORDER Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Chelsea's Live — Tickets from $20.00 — Experience the intense energy of Exhorder as they rock Baton Rouge.

So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable tribute to Neil Diamond with over 24 classic hit songs.

Vincent Neil Emerson Live Performance

9:00-10:30 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Cost TBA — Experience the acclaimed singer-songwriter blend Americana, country, and rock n roll in an engaging live setting.