Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Residents in rural areas face brown, discolored water that smells bad and has damaged appliances in towns like Monterey and Hessmer.

Local officials warned the aging systems are a ticking time bomb and plan to use federal funds to repair them – though rate hikes may soon follow.

Auditors released a report showing that Louisiana opioid settlement funds have distributed $98.5 million to parishes and sheriffs for treatment and prevention, although some agencies have spent none and only 36 of 53 required expenditure reports were submitted.

The report recommended that LaOATF enforce timely reporting— and the task force agreed to the recommendations while planning to complete its first annual report by the end of May.

Louisiana fathers and their supporters gathered at the Capitol on May 12 to stress the important role father figures have in children’s lives—Senator Royce Duplessis co-sponsored a resolution to start a Fatherhood Engagement Task Force that will help more dads be involved.

A report by the Legislative Auditor said that many parishes did not use any of the $98.5 million provided by the Louisiana Opioid Abatement Taskforce to treat opioid abuse.

In nine parishes and 19 sheriff offices, officials had problems like not enough staff and programs—leading to calls for clearer spending rules.

Zachary’s Planning and Zoning Commission rejected the Sherwood Park site plan on May 5; the 144-unit apartment complex on 9 acres at Lower Zachary Road will be reviewed by City Council on May 27—commissioners noted that the revised second access did not meet spacing rules and was too near the Fountain View Estates subdivision.

BATON ROUGE Rehab Hospital opened an 8-bed specialized brain injury unit to treat patients with severe brain trauma from strokes, motor vehicle accidents, or other incidents—this new unit, the second in the state, will now serve patients from Baton Rouge and beyond.

LSU athletics announced six former greats will be inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame, with four of the inductees coming from the basketball teams including coach John Brady and star Temeka Johnson.

The induction ceremony will be held Friday, September 19 at the Manship Theatre downtown — a celebration of LSU's rich sports history.

2025 Pan American Masters Weightlifting Championships

May 14-18 — Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge by IHG — Early registration $149 — Witness an exciting competition featuring master lifters from across the Americas.

Strength and Speed: 8th and 9th Grade Baseball Training

12 PM - 1 PM — Catholic High School — Must participate in Metro League for tryout eligibility — Enhance athletic skills with focused strength and conditioning training for aspiring CHS baseball players.

Metro League Baseball Tryouts

2-4 p.m. — Catholic High School — Required participation for prospective CHS Baseball team members — Organized league play for 7th-9th graders aiming for the upcoming school year's team.

2025 Elite Camp #1

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — LSU Football Operations Center — Cost not specified — Enhance your athletic skills at this comprehensive camp for high school students.

Taj Farrant's Chapter One Tour

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available — Experience the debut album tour of young Australian guitarist Taj Farrant showcasing his unique sound.

Women Veterans Symposium

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — American Legion Post 381 — Free entry — Celebrate and connect with women veterans through empowerment, education, and networking.