Good morning, Baton Rouge.

More than 400 families in Zachary received free food boxes and personal care items during a drive-thru event yesterday - hosted by Feed the Children in partnership with the Popeyes Foundation and Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank - as organizers planned another event later this year.

Hollywood Feed, a Memphis-based pet food retailer, will open its second Louisiana location in a 12,000 sqft former Rite Aid building at the Shops at Mid City South on Jefferson Highway.

A national fast casual restaurant is set to lease another tenant space while a third remains available.

The Southern University Gospel Choir was nominated for the historic HBCU Choir of the Year category at the Stellar Awards on May 27 in Baton Rouge - the winner will be announced on Aug.

15. The choir highlighted its legacy on social media.

The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair will hold its last event along Airline Highway this year (a new St. George sports complex forces the move) as plans shift the fair to the old Woody Dumas golf course in Baker, though the site might not be ready for next year.

The historic Lincoln Theater is moving closer to reopening (a new marquee was installed yesterday) as officials complete final touches to welcome local patrons soon.

YMCA summer camps offer local children a safe and engaging program of activities as schools let out, providing families with well rounded summer options + opportunities for social growth.

LSU announced that its flagship campuses reported $601 million in research expenditures for fiscal year 2024-2025, an 11 percent rise from the previous year marking five consecutive years of record growth.

The report highlighted additional funding for regional projects (including invasive species research and a Lower Mississippi River Delta consortium).

State regulators and LSU officials are planning a seismic monitoring network to better track a series of quakes in northwest Louisiana that have raised concerns about oil and gas production influencing the ground, and the effort builds on data from temporary systems (like Tulane’s network) to guide future decisions.

Baton Rouge Police Department urged local motorcyclists yesterday to wear DOT-approved helmets, jackets, gloves, riding pants and boots during National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month after data showed over 780 fatalities statewide in the past decade — a timely reminder to ride safely.

Louisiana officials announced the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund yesterday at the State Capitol to invest $1.04 billion in rural healthcare over five years — the fund will support health tech companies aiming to improve access and keep local professionals in rural areas.

The Louisiana Department of Health will begin issuing SUN Bucks this week to help families buy groceries during summer break while schools are closed.

The program supports local families & boosts food access as summer continues.

LSU football is set to start Lane Kiffin’s first season with three consecutive night games.

College Gameday will cover the Clemson opener at 6:30 p.m. in Baton Rouge, followed by a Louisiana Tech contest in Death Valley and an Ole Miss matchup in Oxford later.

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.

Balmora Concert Featuring Contention, Holder, and Azshara

3 AM – 8 PM — Mid City Ballroom — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting lineup with Balmora and special guests in Baton Rouge.

Cereal Box Collage Art Workshop

2-4 p.m. — West Baton Rouge Parish Library Main Branch — Free entry — Create colorful collages with pop artist Michael Albert in this fun hands-on workshop for kids and families.

SHAGGED MARRIED ANNOYED with Chris & Rosie Ramsey

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Texas Club — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of laughter with Chris & Rosie Ramsey's comedic performance.

Wrestling Camp 9002

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM — Catholic High School — Registration required — Develop essential wrestling skills through engaging drills and activities.

Andrew Duhon Live

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Tickets required — Experience heartfelt storytelling through music with Andrew Duhon in Baton Rouge.

Difference Maker Summit 2026

9 AM - 2 PM — Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel — Free entry — A day of empowering nonprofit leaders with workshops, networking, and community connection.

Chris Vincent Headlines at Muddy Waters Blues Festival

8 PM — The Basin Music Hall — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a night of soulful music with Chris Vincent at a vibrant local festival.