Good morning, Baton Rouge.

On Saturday, June 20, 30 volunteers planted 1,000 native plants at the intersection of Government Street and Jefferson Highway to launch a demonstration project aimed at beautifying local medians; the effort, backed by state outreach funding + support from community groups, may spark a future city-parish initiative.

Family, friends, former players and members of Southern University gathered on Monday, July 6 in Baton Rouge to honor legendary Jaguars baseball coach Roger Cador, who left a lasting impact on local baseball.

Baton Rouge Veterans Center on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard is declared a total loss after a devastating fire started at 7:10 a.m. Sunday – crews spent six hours extinguishing flames with no injuries reported and estimated damage of about $1 million.

Students in most school districts are scoring at or above pre-COVID levels from spring LEAP tests—Ascension and West Feliciana parishes tied for top scores.

Baker, East Feliciana and St. Helena parishes posted the strongest gains.

LSU's St. Alban's Chapel now features its first certified native plant garden, bronze-certified by the Louisiana Native Plant Society and attracting local pollinators; project lead Emily Stich planted native species in a garden (located at the corner of Highland Road and Dalrymple Drive) to boost education and community engagement.

An audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor found that the Special School District showed lax control over its food services inventory, contract approvals and payroll processes (27 of 30 items mismatched), increasing risks of unauthorized spending.

The Louisiana Department of Health ended its Protection Connection contracts on July 1, leaving local providers like Baton Rouge Aids Society with dwindling supplies for condom distribution.

Health experts warn that reduced access may heighten HIV risks across our community.

A White Castle man celebrated his victory against prostate cancer at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center on July 1 by ringing the bell and enjoying a second line featuring a Mardi Gras Indian.

He thanked family, friends, and his care team (nurses and doctors) for their support.

Vitalant needs type O blood donations amid a two-year supply shortage and is hosting drives at local sites from today through next month.

Donors booking appointments by July 11 earn a t-shirt plus a $20 gift card, with all donors entered in a car drawing.

Water service in Killian was restored Saturday evening after low pressure followed a pump failure on the Fourth of July (handled by Magnolia Water), but a boil water advisory remains while officials distribute water at the town hall.

The iconic BR Tournament will return from Jan.

8-10, 2027 in Baton Rouge with qualifying rounds on the night of Jan. 8 and during the day on Jan. 9 — 96 bowlers advance to Sunday finals. The handicap tournament invites all divisions to compete in a storied event dating to 1973.

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.