Good morning, Baton Rouge.

In 2024, the England family skipped their annual breakfast at Louie's Cafe when Scarlett Phillips was diagnosed with bone cancer and Friday morning they resumed their 20th tradition to celebrate her recovery from osteosarcoma and enjoy time with 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Country Kitchen All You Can Eat Buffet in Gonzales served free hot meals to anyone in need on Christmas Day & welcomed local residents during the festive season.

On Dec. 31, East Baton Rouge offers a New Year’s celebration with arts, crafts, a stilt walker and sing-along at the River Center Library and Town Square, while Davis Rhorer Plaza hosts live music and fireworks.

West Feliciana provides festivities at The Mallory including a mechanical bull ride.

On Christmas Eve, a local organization called The Fam served hot meals to people experiencing homelessness at MJ Food Mart on Florida Blvd, offering warm support during the holiday season.

Serop's Cafe will close its Corporate Boulevard location after 25 years and merge operations at its expanded Perkins Road site—set to offer more seating and a bigger menu.

The change was announced on a Monday Facebook post.

East Baton Rouge public high schools will use $42M from a Dec.

10 bond sale for repairs and upgrades, with smaller projects on fine arts and vocational training slated for January + a second phase for athletic improvements following. Officials plan bundled bids to cut costs.

BREC is accepting live Christmas trees for recycling at six parks from Dec.

26 to Jan. 16.

State lawmakers passed Act 172 this legislative session to designate the 1973 book Cajun Night Before Christmas — a retelling of a classic tale set in a bayou with eight alligators — as the official children's Christmas book; the book by Trosclair and James Rice has sold over one million copies.

CORE UFC Gym Sherwood in Baton Rouge offers kickboxing sessions that blend cardio and strength training for an energizing full-body workout (punches, kicks, elbows, and knees) appealing to beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

Lester Ricard said the East Baton Rouge Boys Basketball Tournament will take place this weekend—bringing together local teams for a spirited contest in various community venues.

Scotlandville's team began the 2025 EBR Bob Pettit Boys Basketball Tournament with a win, as four games were played Friday at Baton Rouge Community College (showcasing local talent).

LSU will face #21 Houston in the Texas Bowl tomorrow night at NRG Stadium.

The Tigers (7-5 after winning two of their last three games) will look to secure a win in an intense matchup.

Alabama State vs. LSU Women's Basketball

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Pete Maravich Assembly Center — Free trial available — Watch the undefeated LSU Tigers face off against the Alabama State Lady Hornets in an exciting college basketball matchup.

Surreal In The Stacks Craft Event

4:30-7:30 p.m. — East Baton Rouge Parish Library — Free entry — Get creative and craft your own surreal costume at this imaginative community event.

The Louisiana Marathon

8 AM – 1 PM — A. Z. Young Park — $25-$170 — Celebrate 15 years of Louisiana spirit with a vibrant marathon experience featuring various race categories.

Louisiana Marathon 2026

7 a.m. — Louisiana Marathon — Check for registration fees — Experience the thrill of running in the heart of Baton Rouge.

La Zenda Norteña Concert

9 p.m. — Avanti Night Club — Ticket prices available — Experience a high-energy live performance by La Zenda Norteña De Mario Madrigal in a vibrant setting.

11th Home & Remodeling Show with Ralph's Market Food Fest

10 AM - 5 PM — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — $6 admission, free for kids under 13 — Discover home innovations and savor delicious food samples from Ralph's Market.