Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Downtown leaders and residents met on Tuesday at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation office to hear Plan Baton Rouge III, which aims to increase homes and boost the downtown population to 10,000; the plan will go before the Planning Commission next week (a sign of growing riverfront focus).

On Saturday, May 16, the Region 13 Daylily tour kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with stops at three private gardens and BREC Botanic Gardens at Independence Park (the tour is free) to showcase local daylily hybrids and pollinator gardens maintained by passionate gardeners.

On May 2, vendors gathered at VFW Post 3693’s Pop Up at the Post Spring Market in Gonzales to raise funds for veterans programs in Ascension Parish — rain canceled a planned jambalaya cookoff but local artists still shared crafts and treats.

A restaurant under the Perkins Road overpass flooded multiple times this past week and staff removed water while owners suspect that nearby construction (including the I-10 widening project) affected drainage.

Crews are cleaning drains and canals as officials plan further improvements.

On May 7, Sister Helen Prejean and Rose Vines presented 'Dead Man Walking: Graphic Edition' at Conundrum Bookstore in St. Francisville.

The adaptation (with illustrations by Catherine Anyango Grünewald) aims to reach young readers with a powerful social justice message and drew a long line for signings.

Junior League of Baton Rouge is launching a six-month Women's Leadership Academy program for senior and executive level women, powered by the LSU Leadership Development Institute.

The cohort based course will provide expert facilitation (peer learning, applied leadership exercises and individualized reflection) and formal credentials upon completion.

Ascension Public Schools announced new appointments today, naming Michelle Mullins (director of primary schools) and Karen Daigle (supervisor of primary schools) to boost student achievement across local schools.

Both leaders bring extensive experience from various roles within the district.

Child care providers will close centers at the Capitol today to demand increased funding that supports families and the local workforce.

Hundreds of child care providers, parents, and advocates gathered at the Capitol for the second Day Without Child Care event as they urged officials to boost funding from $79 million to $87 million and add $30 million for early education funds.

A House resolution that directs auditors to examine state & federal funds spent on programs to boost minority enrollment at Louisiana universities passed a committee vote of 11 to 7 on Monday and will move to the House Education Committee for further review.

The Zachary Water System earned a 99% water grade A for 2025 from the State Department of Health.

Its score lost 5 points for financial sustainability + 1 for customer satisfaction but gained 5 bonus points for asset management across eight evaluation categories.

ESPN College GameDay will broadcast live from LSU’s campus on Saturday, Sept.

5 — when the Tigers host Clemson at Tiger Stadium ahead of head coach Lane Kiffin’s debut. The event marks a rematch of last season’s opener.

Gonzales Jambalaya Festival

May 21-24 — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — Cost varies — Experience four days of wood-fired Louisiana heritage featuring delicious jambalaya and lively festivities.

Post Malone & Jelly Roll Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Tiger Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience genre-bending performances from Post Malone and Jelly Roll in an electrifying show.

OAL Annual Convention - Baton Rouge

All day — Crowne Plaza Executive Center — Registration required — Engage in valuable discussions and networking during this annual convention for the Optometry Association of Louisiana.

Capital City Blues Extravaganza featuring Tucka

7:30-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket information TBA — An unforgettable night of blues and soul awaits in Baton Rouge.