Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Vietnam veteran Mike McKey from Denham Springs had his damaged home roof replaced free today by the Louisiana Military Order of the Purple Heart and Baton Rouge-based Garcia Roofing, finishing repairs mid-afternoon; the work restored shingles and drywall damaged by a storm two years ago.

Members of the Iota Master Chapter donated toiletries, socks and household items to Geaux and Deaux Ministries today, a nonprofit that provides care and housing for people in need around Baton Rouge (supporting local efforts including supplies for O’Brien House and Start Corporation).

A planning and zoning meeting approved the BLVD @ Harding Project in North Baton Rouge with plans for the HarvestFresh Grocery Store, retail, health, wellness, and community services.

Construction will begin in summer 2026, finishing fall 2027 — the project is along Harding Boulevard behind IHOP and RaceTrac.

The 45th Baton Rouge Blues Festival celebrated local Swamp Blues music with free admission and family-friendly events at multiple venues including Manship Theatre & Galvez Plaza, featuring local artists, vendors, and volunteers who honored the city’s rich musical heritage.

Dutchtown High School’s theater department will stage 'All Shook Up' with over 40 students performing Elvis Presley’s music in a family-friendly musical from April 23-26 at 7 p.m. each night, offering a lively tribute to his timeless sound.

The Old Governor's Mansion will host a lecture titled Longism and Louisiana Politics by former Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. The event will review Huey Long’s legacy as part of a four-part series on Louisiana political history with free admission and a reception afterward.

Students interested in industrial careers can explore training opportunities later today at BRCC’s Acadian Campus during the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (The event offers free training in electrical, instrumentation, millwright, pipefitting, process technology and welding.)

DirectConnect to Southeastern is featured in Community College Journal as a model for streamlining transfers between NTCC and Southeastern.

The program offers students pathways in nursing, business and biology to earn certificates and associate degrees before transferring, preparing them for high-demand careers in southeast Louisiana.

The Louisiana House will debate a bill on Tuesday that may require TOPS students to repay scholarship funds if they drop out or fail to keep good grades.

Representative Dennis Bamburg (from Bossier City) said the measure includes exemptions (for family illness or hardship).

The Bob Jackson Foundation will award a scholarship to 21-year-old RPCC student Evan Reddix, who is studying P-Tech at the 11th annual crawfish boil-off held Saturday, Apr.

25 at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Admission is free, with donations earning 3 lbs (donation) of crawfish.

St. Amant baseball team swept 11th seed Central 8-7 and 7-0 and will now face No. 6 Benton in the second round of playoffs.

Coach Caleb Ricca credited key plays by junior Tucker Miller and strong contributions from juniors Cohen Robert and sophomore Cooper Templet.

West Feliciana advanced to round 2 of the Division II nonselect state playoffs after sweeping Albany in two games on April 16.

The Saints will face Eunice in road games on April 23 and 24, with a potential deciding game on April 25 at 1 p.m.

Five Livingston Parish high school baseball teams—including French Settlement, Walker, Doyle, Holden, and Maurepas—begin their second-round playoff games this week after earning first-round byes by winning district titles, and they hold home-field advantage as they seek a spot in the state championship tournament.

The Zachary High baseball team ended the regular season at 24-28 with a No. 4 ranking and a first-round bye that sets up a home playoff matchup next weekend as they await New Iberia or Ruston, while Coach Jacob Fisher lauded seniors (Noah Sullivan and Madden McClure) and local support.

St. Amant High School will induct its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class on Oct.

8 during a ceremony with a pre-game celebration on Oct. 9 at the Pit when the Gators play Walker. The events honor outstanding athletes, coaches, and volunteers whose contributions have shaped the school’s sports legacy.

TRENDS in Baton Rouge Real Estate Seminar

Where Baton Rouge gets the "dirt" on all things real estate! We'll break-down the market to examine what's happening in each of the industry segments of residential, multifamily, office, industrial, retail, finance, and feature keynote from Dr. Loren Scott

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Experience the thrill of your favorite monster trucks come to life.

Bridgerton - The Final Farewell

2-5 p.m. — Shaw Center for the Arts — $85 — Immerse yourself in a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon filled with florals, cocktails, and the chance to be crowned the Season's Diamond.

Spring Storytime for Children

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. — West Baton Rouge Parish Library Main Branch — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and fun activities in a relaxed setting for kids.

An Evening with Emerson, Lake and Palmer

7:30-11:59 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Starting at $70 — Experience the authentic reunion performance of the legendary progressive rock band Emerson, Lake and Palmer with modern technology.

LSU Tigers vs. Auburn Tigers Softball Match

6-7 p.m. — Tiger Park — Tickets starting at $8 — Experience the thrill of college softball as the LSU Tigers take on the Auburn Tigers.

The Gonzales Magnolia Market

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — Ticket prices vary — Discover unique gifts for Mother's Day, graduations, and more at this vibrant market.

156/Silence Concert

7-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night with 156/Silence and Fox Lake in Baton Rouge.

Dance With The Dead & Magic Sword

7-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — $ — Enjoy an unforgettable night of synthwave sounds as both bands deliver epic performances.

Vincent Herring's Something Else Jazz Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Starting at $56 — Experience the high-energy soul jazz sounds from acclaimed alto saxophonist Vincent Herring and his supergroup, Something Else!