Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Outstanding Mature Girlz opened its food pantry yesterday at the BREC Jackson Community Center from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. + it provided free nutritional food options for families in need.

The program aims to help local households gain better access to healthy food + reinforcing community support.

Many Louisiana residents relying on SNAP funds will not receive new benefits in November because of the federal shutdown—families are turning to local food banks for meals—and groups like the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and Toups & Co. Community Table are stepping in to help.

Foxdog Studios opened its 9,000-square-foot film production facility in Baton Rouge and held an open house on Friday—featuring two production studios, a podcast suite, editing bays and creative offices—to offer turnkey solutions for commercial and sports productions.

Aclara Resources Inc. will invest $277 million to build the first U.S. heavy rare-earth separation facility at the Port of Vinton—creating 140 direct jobs and up to 456 indirect jobs—and plans to begin construction in 2026 with completion in 2027.

The project will process material from deposits in Brazil and Chile to supply critical heavy rare-earth elements for advanced technologies.

Baton Rouge’s fourth annual Oktoberfest will start at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct.

26 at Live Oak at Cedar Lodge. The event will feature beer tastings, a stein-holding competition — a nod to German tradition — a costume contest, and live music while proceeds support ProStart.

The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge rescheduled Fall FestForAll to Nov.

2—moved from Oct. 25 due to heavy rain forecast. The free one-day event will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shaw Center for the Arts and will include live music, performances, and over 40 arts market vendors.

LSU is repairing a sinkhole in the Unity Field tailgate area after it was partially flooded Tuesday—this repair comes as the field remains closed for the rest of the football season following game day shootings traced to the area.

The LSU Board of Supervisors approved price hikes for football season tickets and gameday parking last Friday because a new SEC schedule and rising demand call for extra revenue.

The changes are expected to bring in about $4.6 million from tickets and $450,000 from parking fees while funding new and expanded parking areas.

State highway officials reopened U.S. 51 Friday evening near the Smitty’s Supply explosion site, which closed the road over two months ago.

La. 10 also reopened with alternating lane restrictions as crews cleaned ditches and flaggers directed traffic—helping motorists travel safely.

The LSU Board of Supervisors raised football season ticket and gameday parking prices at its Friday meeting because a new SEC rule and increased ticket demand call for more premium games.

The price hike, ranging from $25 to $125, is expected to bring in about $4.6 million in extra revenue and add $450,000 for parking lot projects — a move to attract more prominent teams.

Multiple local law enforcement agencies and nearly 4,000 partners are joining together today for the DEA's 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day—an event offering a safe, anonymous way to dispose of unused medications that could lead to drug misuse.

Collection sites, including those at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation and Baton Rouge Police Department, will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Breast cancer patients now have more radiation treatment options as new technology makes treatments safer.

Doctors use prone positioning and intensity-modulated radiation therapy — a method that targets cancer cells while protecting the heart and lungs.

Family Fright Night: Halloween Concert in the Cosmos

Spooky Concert in the Cosmos — Evening — Louisiana Art & Science Museum — Check event pricing — Enjoy classic Halloween movies and tunes with stunning visuals in the planetarium.

Blackberry Smoke Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Blackberry Smoke, known for their soulful Southern rock sound.

Ozzmosis Tribute Event

7-10 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — Tickets required — Experience the legendary music of Ozzy Osbourne performed by top musicians.

Louisiana Book Festival

09:00 AM-06:00 PM — State Library of Louisiana — Check Official Website — Celebrate literature with engaging activities, book signings, and discussions for readers of all ages.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

2-3:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a family-friendly live music experience with Blippi and friends.

Merry Market

9 AM - 5 PM — Rev Center — Free entry — Explore local vendors showcasing handmade goods, artwork, and culinary delights.

The Fall Round Up

8 AM - 3 PM — Hollingsworth Richards Ford — $30 — Celebrate Mustang and Ford-powered vehicles with jambalaya, silent auctions, and fun for a good cause.

Aloha Baton Rouge Showdown 2025

7:00-8:30 a.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Competitors vie for coveted Summit bids in this exciting cheerleading showdown.

UCA Baton Rouge Regional Cheerleading Competition

7-10 a.m. — 275 S River Rd, Baton Rouge — In-person event — Witness local cheer teams showcase their skills at this exciting competition.

Military and Veteran Caregivers Summit

4-8 p.m. — 151 S Wooddale Blvd, Baton Rouge — Free entry — Celebrate and empower caregivers of veterans with expert-led panels and networking opportunities.