Good morning, Baton Rouge.

At LSU’s PMAC last Saturday night, star dancers including 2une In’s Mia Monet and Councilman Darryl Hurst led the 17th Dancing for Big Buddy Extravaganza—an event that connected mentors and community kids while raising funds to expand summer enrichment and high school internship programs. The show was emceed by John Pastorek and Syliva Weatherspoon.

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church is hosting a food drive that offers free meals to people in need+ the drive aims to help those experiencing homelessness in Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge Police said that a 30-year-old man—Alejandro Gonzales-Martinez—was fatally shot and robbed at an Exxon gas station on Airline Highway at about 12:13 a.m. on April 26th after an unknown suspect fled on a bicycle, and he later died at a nearby hospital.

LSU spent $543 million on research last school year with breakthroughs in agriculture, cancer treatment and coastal studies, President Tate declared at LSU Day at the Capitol.

Federal funding cuts in court may force a hiring freeze — a change that could limit support for staff, researchers and students.

Iberville Parish voters will head to the ballot on May 3 to decide if a 4-mill property tax—funding 98% of the parish library budget—should continue to support eight branches and community programs.

Library director Jennifer Seneca noted that the tax is essential and roughly equals $2.50 per month for residents.

Congress is debating a big bill that might cut Medicaid funds and change rules so states such as Louisiana, where 1.6 million people rely on the program, have to pay more while lawmakers work to fight fraud—doctors, hospitals and state officials fear these changes could leave low-income residents with less coverage. The House committee plans to have a bill ready for a vote by May 9 and hopes to send it to the president before Memorial Day.

LSU baseball beat top-ten Tennessee 6-3 on Friday night at Alex Box Stadium when Jared Jones hit a walk-off three-run homer in the ninth inning — part of a six-run rally that overcame a 3-0 deficit.

Former Dutchtown High running back Dylan Sampson was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4th round—126th overall—after a standout career at the University of Tennessee.

He joins five other alumni in the NFL and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2024.

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.

4th Annual Miles2Moms Event

7:30-11:30 a.m. — North Boulevard Town Square — Free entry with registration — Celebrate maternal mental health through a fun 2-mile walk/run with family and friends.

Disney On Ice: Let's Dance!

11 a.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticketed event — Experience a magical remix of Disney tunes with Mickey and friends on ice.

2025 Pan American Masters Weightlifting Championships

May 14-18 — Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge by IHG — Early registration $149 — Witness an exciting competition featuring master lifters from across the Americas.