Good morning, Baton Rouge.

BREC is hosting a community feedback meeting on July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Independence Theater on Independence Blvd; residents can share input on the future of City-Brooks Community Park after a well-attended open house on June 11.

Downtown streets in Baton Rouge will be closed tomorrow from noon to 10 p.m. for Independence Day celebrations with events starting at the Old State Capitol and Repentance Park hosting live music and fireworks – parking is available at several lots nearby.

BamBu Dessert Drinks is renovating a former restaurant space inside Walmart at 17585 Airline Hwy in Prairieville (2,270 sqft, $75,000 permit submitted May 28) into an Asian dessert shop as the chain expands its footprint in Louisiana.

Livingston Parish students earned 17 top 10 awards at the National Beta Convention held June 16 to 20 in Nashville, with Denham Springs, Holden and French Settlement High Schools recognized.

Denham Springs student Kate Dentro was named National Beta Ambassador and French Settlement High won the Beta Blitz title.

LSU eliminated 25 staff positions (in communications, student engagement and executive departments) on Thursday to save funds for increasing faculty and research, LSU System President Wade Rousse said.

The cuts aim to boost the university’s efforts to reach a top 50 research ranking.

A Baton Rouge woman won $100,000 in the June 24 Powerball drawing after her ticket, bought in Donaldsonville with the Power Play option, doubled her winnings—she took home $73,000 after taxes.

Lottery president Rose Hudson congratulated her win.

BRapid, a rapid-response transit system, will finish construction on its 24-stop route along Plank and Nicholson roads in October, with bus services scheduled to begin in December.

The $53 million project features upgraded bus stops and a new transit center near LSU’s campus.

Crews began construction on Bayou Pigeon Road near the Bayou Pigeon Boat Landing in Plaquemine on Thursday, reducing access to one lane until July 15.

Parish officials (warning of increased holiday traffic) said the boat landing remains open and urged caution.

Assumption Parish deputies advised residents to stay safe this Independence Day weekend by avoiding alligators and preparing for outdoor heat with sunscreen and water.

They also urged boaters to stay sober and carry proper safety gear.

The MOVEBR BRapid bus service line connecting North Baton Rouge, downtown, and LSU is scheduled to open by the end of 2026.

Officials said the project is nearly complete (final touches remain to connect timers and bus stop amenities) despite earlier vandalism delays.

FDA upgraded the recall of Zapp’s and Dirty South chips to a Class I recall because they may contain Salmonella from dry milk powder; about 600,000 bags with best-by dates between July 27 and Aug.

31 are affected.

17-year-old weightlifter Baron Baker from Episcopal can squat over 600 pounds and broke three American records at the American Open in March.

He will compete in Cali, Columbia next week at the International Weightlifting Federation World Youth Championships and chases his Olympic dream for Team USA.

Austin Meade Concert

7:00-10:30 p.m. — Texas Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy an electrifying night with live music by Austin Meade at the Texas Club.

Jerry Seinfeld Live

8-11 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with the comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld.

Red Stick Speed Dating Event

6:30-8:30 p.m. — TBR Books & Tea — $25 — Experience a fun and engaging opportunity to meet new people in Baton Rouge.