Good morning, Baton Rouge.

A planned food drive and benefit concert organized by 13-year-old Wyatt Jackson-Neal will take place on November 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Nealville, Kenny Neal’s longtime property—attendees must bring a non-perishable food donation for free entry and can enjoy live performances by local musicians.

Officials announced that the state Board of Regents named deputy commissioner Susannah Craig as interim executive director of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance after Dr. Sujuan Boutte retired — her appointment comes as LOSFA works to recover from a cyber incident involving files unrelated to the START program. Craig will work with the team to support students across the state and bring stability to the office — she is expected to guide ongoing recovery efforts.

Baton Rouge Community College and Loyola University New Orleans signed a transfer agreement on November 19 that lets BRCC graduates transfer 60 credits from their associate degrees into an online bachelor’s program with junior standing.

The new 2+2 pathway offers technical and workforce students a way to earn a bachelor’s degree while working—providing two concentrations starting in Spring.

Juan Harris won the Easy 5 jackpot and took home $153,838.74 after taxes from a winning ticket bought at Nino’s Truck Plaza in Port Allen; he claimed the prize on Nov.

17 after the Saturday drawing on Nov. 15.

BREC plans to sell 30 underused parks in East Baton Rouge Parish over the next three years to free funds for upgrades at popular facilities—Industriplex Park will have a public hearing on Dec.

17th. The savings will be used to improve recreation centers, add turf fields starting in 2026, and expand youth sports programs.

New estimates show that if Congress does not extend pandemic-era ACA subsidies after 2025, a 45-year-old earning $32,000 may see their premium jump from $691 to $2,159 (+212%) and a family of four may face over $11,000 extra in annual costs.

More than 280,000 residents rely on these plans, while a 60-year-old couple could see their premium rise from $7,225 to $32,592 (+351%), as lawmakers remain divided on how to address rising costs.

Dr. Joseph Heneghan of Ochsner Health Center in Prairieville said that many adults may have Type 1.5 diabetes, also called LADA, which is often misdiagnosed as Type 2 because it develops slowly over months or years and usually affects people in their 30s and 40s.

He advised patients with fatigue, frequent urination, and thirst speak with their doctor for testing — to ensure they receive the proper treatment.

LSU women's basketball will host Alcorn State tomorrow night in Baton Rouge.

The fifth-ranked Tigers—led by MiLaysia Fulwiley who averages 17.6 points per game—remain undefeated at 5-0.

Southern officials interviewed Marshall Faulk, an NFL Hall of Famer and University of Colorado running backs coach, for the head football coach position during an interview in Colorado.

The search, which includes 10 candidates, will name a coach after the Bayou Classic.

Southern and Grambling fans will attend the 52nd Bayou Classic in New Orleans from November 27 to 29—featuring a Thanksgiving parade on November 27 at 3 p.m., a business bowl and ball run from Baton Rouge on November 28.

Several events including a Battle of the Bands, Greek Show, and fan festival lead up to the game on November 29 with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. and kickoff at 1 p.m.

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.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

7-8 p.m. — LSU Student Union Theater — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Gala

6-11 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 75 years of legacy and leadership with a night of dining, music, and special programming.

Louisiana Cultural Music & Arts Festival

All day — Cary Saurage Community Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate Louisiana's vibrant culture through music, arts, and food at this family-friendly festival.

Parent Meeting for ADHD

5-6:30 p.m. — Professional Development Center — Free entry — Experience an impactful ADHD simulation designed to help parents understand their children's challenges in everyday life.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Somewhere Neighborhood Bar — Tickets required — Embrace the holiday spirit at the most delightfully tacky pub crawl in Baton Rouge.

The Nutcracker - A Tale From The Bayou

6-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting story of 'The Nutcracker' like never before as it unfolds in the bayou setting.