Good morning, Baton Rouge.

An Ascension Parish jury convicted Marty Leonard of second-degree murder and three counts of aggravated criminal damage to property in a motel shooting on July 8, 2021 that killed 25-year-old Qwonkeious Williams in Baton Rouge—he now faces a mandatory life sentence without parole.

A caregiver, Megan Ambeau, 34, was arrested on June 23 after a Medicaid fraud investigation uncovered that she allegedly punched a disabled client at a group home, causing the victim to suffer a broken nose that required hospital treatment—her bond is set at $100,000.

A 15-year-old accused of killing 25-year-old Christopher Brooks in Port Allen on June 20 at a home on Avenue A appeared in court Thursday to decide if he would be charged as an adult, District Attorney Tony Clayton said via video conference — the suspect was not named.

Baton Rouge police arrested a 16-year-old on Thursday after a fatal shooting of 22-year-old Victor Lapharohs was reported near Woodpecker Street and Avenue J around 3:15 p.m.—the teen was booked into Juvenile Detention for second-degree murder.

The Louisiana Book Festival is set for Saturday, Nov.

1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at several downtown Baton Rouge locations where over 20,000 attendees will meet more than 160 authors and enjoy activities such as writing workshops and a live cooking demonstration; the event will honor Louisiana Writer Award honoree Julie Kane and celebrate the State Library’s centennial (featuring commemorative artwork by Matt Dawson).

Reader’s Digest named Louisiana’s Sazerac cocktail as the state’s best drink for its mix of cognac or rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters—an iconic flavor enjoyed by Baton Rouge locals.

The honor shows the drink’s strong ties to Louisiana history.

Daquon Smith and Emani Pickett said LSU Museum of Art will host a Free First Sunday event that brings summer fun and art to local visitors.

The Louisiana Department of Education released LEAP test scores yesterday showing that only three districts—Ascension, Central, and West Feliciana—had over half of their third-to-eighth grade students mastering the curriculum while East Baton Rouge stayed at 29 percent.

Superintendent Cade Brumley said teachers drove steady gains and officials will work to improve outcomes as the state prepares a new accountability system.

East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards launched Operation Stay Cool on July 2 to replace broken A/C units at no cost for vulnerable residents during the summer heat—qualifying residents must meet income guidelines and submit required documents.

The program aims to protect those in need as extreme temperatures continue.

Firefighters from the St. George Fire Department responded yesterday to a natural gas leak near Gardere Lane and GSRI/Innovation Park Ave — the team blocked the intersection and urged drivers to seek alternate routes.

Direct From Sweden - The Music of ABBA

8:00-9:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — Check website for price — Experience the vibrant music of ABBA performed live from Sweden.

Murder Mystery Dinner Show

6-9 p.m. — Holiday Inn Baton Rouge College Drive I-10 — Tickets starting at $61.99 — Unravel a comedic mystery while enjoying a delicious dinner.

The Petty Things with The Sharp Sisters

8-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets starting at $22.85 — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring The Petty Things and The Sharp Sisters.

Open House at 18668 Perkins Rd

2-4 p.m. — 18668 Perkins Rd, Prairieville, LA — $848,000 — Explore an elegant 4-bedroom Southern retreat with expansive living space on picturesque grounds.

Emo Night at Chelsea's Live

7:00 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets start at $12.05 — Experience a night filled with nostalgic emo tunes and good vibes in Baton Rouge.

Rocketkidz Triathlon

7:30-10:30 a.m. — Pointe-Marie — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a fun and competitive triathlon for kids of all ages at the scenic Pointe-Marie.

LMHS Band Jumpstart Camp

2:32 p.m. — 1105 Lee Drive, Baton Rouge, LA — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a memorable summer with the Powerhouse of the South.

DIZZY! Live Performance

7 PM – 1 AM — Bin 77 Bistro & Sidebar — Check venue for cover — Enjoy an evening with DIZZY!, the alternative pop funk band bringing fresh sounds from Baton Rouge and New Orleans.