Good morning, Baton Rouge.

St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge reopened its renovated Staring Lane thrift store Saturday after expanding retail space, enhancing merchandising and accessibility.

Revenue from sales will support local programs (emergency assistance, housing help and food aid).

Companion Animal Alliance & BISSELL Pet Foundation are hosting the Empty the Shelters event this weekend to waive adoption fees and help families bring home a pet.

The event has aided over 400,000 pets in finding homes since 2016 and is held in Baton Rouge.

The Montrell Jackson Foundation hosted the Badges and Booksacks Drive-Thru event on Saturday along Greenwell Springs Road, where residents received badges and booksacks.

Volunteers cleaned North Baton Rouge early Saturday morning with Mayor-President Sid Edwards as part of his 100 Day Transformation Initiative, working in a neighborhood (between North Foster Drive and Addison Street) to remove litter and debris.

Additional restoration is planned along nearby streets over the next 100 days.

The Corbel’s Summer Art Show returns from July 16 to 19 at The Mallory in St. Francisville — showcasing over 40 creative artists and interactive exhibits, including an opening night wine dinner with a four-course meal and wine pairings.

225 Magazine announced winners and runners-up of the 2026 Best of 225 Awards, who can now download free graphics and order official plaques for display in their businesses or social media posts.

The magazine said winners must use its official channel (no third parties are authorized) to secure their reprints.

On Saturday, the Baton Rouge Sneaker Festival unfolded outside the Main Library on Goodwood Boulevard, giving sneaker lovers a free venue to buy, sell, and trade shoes for the second year — a vibrant local tradition.

The Southern University Ag Center opened a new garden today to teach visitors about vegetable production and sustainable gardening techniques — a hands-on display for local agriculture learning.

Twenty Baton Rouge high school students led a criminal justice forum Saturday showcasing their summer preparation and engagement with local justice leaders.

The forum featured panelists from the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office (including Commissioner Jermaine Guillory) who discussed fairness, trust, and youth involvement in the system.

Louisiana's Department of Health confirmed one heat-related death this year, and Baton Rouge hospitals have seen a rise in patients with heat exhaustion.

Doctors urge residents to hydrate (H-E-A-T: hydrate, escape, assess, and take action) to prevent serious illness.

Central Private Redhawks coach Cole Holden says the team will rely on experience in the coming season; returning senior quarterback Zach Browning and seven key starters boost performance, though the linebacker unit remains thin.

The season kicks off this fall in Central.

Three LSU baseball players were drafted on day one with Derek Curiel joining the Pittsburgh Pirates, Jake Brown picked by the Seattle Mariners, and Deven Sheerin joining the Philadelphia Phillies; meanwhile, Coleton Brady withdrew his name to attend LSU.

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.

Of Montreal & Sloppy Jane Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of dynamic performances from Of Montreal and Sloppy Jane in Baton Rouge.