Good morning, Baton Rouge.

The 35th annual ExxonMobil Baton Rouge United Way Jambalaya Cook-Off will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ExxonMobil Refinery Main Office Old Front Parking Lot — 52 teams will cook over 1,500 pounds of meat and more than 1,500 cups of rice to help reach a goal of $1.1 million for United Way.

At St. Amant Middle School, students and teachers held a pep rally on Thursday to honor Cody Duncan returning from brain cancer treatment at St. Jude Hospital — he received a signed basketball from LSU Tiger Kam Carter, an alumnus of the school, marking a heartfelt homecoming after two-and-a-half months away.

Downtown Baton Rouge will host two festive events as the city prepares for the holiday season—on Dec.

5, the Festival of Lights at Rhorer Plaza will feature live performances, holiday shopping, and a fireworks display after Mayor-President Sid Edwards lights half a million twinkling lights. The celebrations continue on Dec. 31 with Red Stick Revelry at Rhorer Plaza, where live music, fireworks, and the city’s signature Red Stick drop will kick off the New Year along with a family-friendly event earlier in the day.

Local eatery TJ Ribs will offer a free half rack of ribs with no purchase needed if LSU wins its football game against Alabama — customers can visit on Sunday, Nov.

9 to claim the offer.

The Louisiana Book Festival hosted writing seminars on Friday at the State Library of Louisiana—led by former Poet Laureate Julie Kane, writer Michele Filgate, novelist Kionna Walker LeMalle, and literary agent Jesse Byrd—to help writers improve their craft.

The instructors will attend the festival today to engage with attendees—adding practical learning to the weekend celebration.

LSU librarian Sarah Simms works hard to help students learn research skills at LSU Libraries and has led the student success team since 2017—she earned a Louisiana Library Association award in March for her innovative teaching.

Baton Rouge Community College received a five-year, $1.039 million federal grant to support students with intellectual disabilities.

The grant will fund BEARS by offering credit-bearing classes, industry certifications, and a technology lab (75% grant and 25% college funding) to boost academic and workforce skills.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University received a $2.2 million Department of Education grant on Friday to fund Project FRANCIS, which offers a summer bridge program, tutoring, coaching, and peer mentoring to help students in pre-clinical and clinical programs.

After more than a year in a Houma shipyard, the USS Kidd will be lowered back into the water on Veterans Day—Nov.

11—and is expected to return to its Baton Rouge berth in the spring. The state and local government helped fund the repairs to ensure the historic destroyer continues as a living reminder of the sacrifices made by Louisiana veterans.

Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana will host its annual event Stand for Epilepsy: No One Stands Alone at LSU Tiger Stadium on Nov.

3 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the program starting at 6 p.m.—the event, organized with Our Lady of the Lake Health and LSU, will offer education on seizure safety and support for those with epilepsy—helping the community stay informed.

The Southern University Ag Center and College of Agriculture hosted its second annual Pinking for You event on October 31 to promote breast cancer awareness, featuring a speech by Darrell Davis as well as healthy food demonstrations + a bike ride session with Geaux Ride.

They donated items to two local organizations to help patients receiving treatment.

House Brew at Pelican to Mars—the local coffee shop—is giving out free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and water to help locals affected by the SNAP benefits halt starting today and will host a sandwich-making party on November 12 to fill its fridge and the community fridge at The Red Shoes. Veracruz Restaurant launched fall specials like crab meat sope and duck empanadas while Good Burger takes over Curbside Burgers with a Nickelodeon-themed menu through today.

LSU's Board of Supervisors stated that Governor Landry was not involved in Athletic Director Scott Woodward's departure and confirmed the university never asked taxpayers to pay salaries amid leadership vacancies.

Interim AD Verge Ausberry said LSU is not broken — teams will continue to compete and meet championship expectations despite low attendance at Tiger Stadium.

LSU announced it is parting ways with Athletic Director Scott Woodward after about six years at his post + officials did not provide further details on his departure.

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.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticketed event — Experience the beloved Peanuts holiday special brought to life in a live performance.

ZZ Top Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary rock band ZZ Top live in Baton Rouge.

Miss M Presents Mike West

7:30-10 p.m. — Mid City Ballroom — Cost not specified — Experience Mike West's blend of hillbilly country, bluegrass, and rock’n’roll with captivating storytelling.

Hadestown

7:30-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Group pricing available — Experience the acclaimed musical that won 8 Tony Awards® and a Grammy® for Best Musical Theater Album.