Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Officials confirmed that the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair reopened on Monday (after heavy storms closed it on Saturday and Sunday).

Guarantee Restoration Services donated school supplies to several schools across its branches after its annual Pack-the-Back fundraiser in May (employees raised over $3000 and the company matched the funds) to help outfit classrooms for students.

The donation underscores the company’s commitment to supporting local communities.

The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair reopened Monday after severe weather forced its closure over the weekend — heavy rain made the fairgrounds unsafe for parking and ride operations.

The 11-day event now runs through Nov. 2 with the High School Volunteer Awards Ceremony and Lego Extravaganza rescheduled for Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

The Belle of Baton Rouge has been rebranded as Bally’s Baton Rouge Casino and Hotel for its land-based expansion that will open in December—featuring a themed dining depot that honors its railroad depot past along with four new restaurants and expanded gaming.

The $141 million project will add about 350 jobs and boost the casino's payroll by $13 million.

Orion Engineers + Constructors announced its headquarters move from Theodore to St. George, which will directly create 50 high-paying jobs and lead to an estimated total of 111 new jobs in the area.

The state provided a competitive incentives package with a $500,000 grant and a Quality Jobs program, and the new headquarters will be completed by June 2030.

Baton Rouge Community College broke its record when 2,722 new first-year students enrolled for fall and raised total enrollment to 11,402— the second highest in its history.

The college surpassed last year's count of 2,501 new students, marking a strong start to the semester.

Three LSU professors were honored with Presidential Laurel awards earlier this month by Interim President Matt Lee—Robb Brumfield, Michael Khonsari, and Dr. Cherie-Ann Nathan—for their academic and research achievements.

They will continue advancing research and innovation at LSU—fueling student growth and global partnerships.

State Rep. Julie Emerson—a member of the House Ways and Means Committee—announced she will run for U.S. Senate in 2026 to challenge incumbent Bill Cassidy and work on fixing roads and creating jobs for Louisiana.

She said voters deserve a leader who gets things done after Cassidy voted in 2021 to convict a president.

LSU fired Joe Sloan, its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Monday less than 24 hours after head coach Brian Kelly lost his job — associate coach Frank Wilson will serve as interim head coach while the team searches for a replacement.

LSU posted strong passing numbers but struggled in the running game during last season.

ESPN released a list of five names to replace LSU coach Brian Kelly after he and the university parted ways Sunday—Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin tops the list while interim coach Frank Wilson will lead the team until a new coach is hired.

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.