Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Councilmember Cleve Dunn Jr organized a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway at Geo Next Generation High School on November 20—volunteers unloaded turkeys into cars to help families manage holiday costs and stress amid tough economic times.

The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging held its annual Thanksgiving dinner for 164 seniors who arrived early to claim a seat and share a free meal and chat—bringing warmth and togetherness to the holiday.

The event also highlighted the council’s food pantry program that helps seniors shop for groceries—ensuring ongoing support for their needs.

Councilman Anthony Kenney and Southern University Student Vice President Bryman Williams shared details about Community Harvest scheduled for November 23 in Baton Rouge, and local leaders expect the event to invite residents to participate in a community food collection effort.

Glasgow Middle School was evacuated after a bomb threat was called in Thursday morning — law enforcement and the School Drug Task Force investigated the call — and officials plan to reopen the building once the all-clear is given.

Louisiana native Lainey Wilson won entertainer of the year at the 2025 CMA Awards in Nashville & also took home album of the year and female vocalist awards as she hosted and performed on stage.

At a luncheon on November 19, the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society said that the late restaurateur Ruffin Rodrigue will posthumously receive the Grace 'Mama' Marino Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in local hospitality—his support helped many community groups.

The award dinner in his honor will be held on June 25 at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge.

LSU Athletics announced a new live entertainment series called Death Valley Live—this program will bring concerts, marquee shows, and other events to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge as part of a local partnership effort.

Two events are planned for March 28 and May 23, and more details will be released next week and in early 2026.

White Light Night returns today in Mid-City from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (the festival features Louisiana's top artists, makers and local food vendors).

Louisiana public schools achieved a record-high state score this year with 44% of elementary and middle schools and 70% of high schools earning an A or B based on test scores and graduation rates.

State Superintendent Cade Brumley said scores—especially for high schools (just 35% met grade-level benchmarks on core tests)—may drop next year under a system that weighs tests more heavily.

Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Business is launching an online course to train students and professionals for jobs in medical sales.

Applications opened Oct. 20 and virtual interest sessions were held on Oct. 30 and Nov. 12 — another session is set for Dec. 2 with applications due Dec. 19.

Louisiana public schools saw their simulated report cards released, showing that 76% of high schools could receive lower grades under a tougher system starting in 2026, while only 16% of elementary and middle schools might see a drop.

The simulation (which does not affect current grades) was released by the state education department to help guide future changes.

The BREC Commission launched a master plan project to shape University Lakes and City-Brooks Community Park and awarded contracts to Sasaki Associates for the plan and NANO for clubhouse renovations and a new Contemporary Arts Center—some local residents objected to the cost allocation and oversight structure.

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.

The Nutcracker - A Tale From The Bayou

2:00 – 2:01 PM — Raising Cane's River Center — Prices set by resellers — Experience a unique blend of holiday magic and Southern charm in this captivating performance.