Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge rapper Boosie Badazz is in arbitration to reclaim $300K from a DC lobbying firm he hired to help secure his federal gun case pardon+ he paid $600K last year, with half nonrefundable, after the pardon effort failed.

Small businesses along Plank Road can apply for up to $10K in grants for exterior improvements provided by Build EBR’s Front Door Refresh program; eligible businesses between North 22nd Street & Clayton Street have until Sept.

30 to submit applications.

Louisiana Book Festival returns downtown on Saturday, Oct.

31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—featuring book talks, panels and signings—and will draw about 20,000 attendees at local venues.

Louisiana chef Kris Allen, recently crowned king of Louisiana seafood, will compete against 12 chefs at the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans on Saturday, July 25.

The contest will highlight domestic seafood and celebrate coastal culinary traditions.

Gov. Landry & Meta announced on Monday in Baton Rouge that Meta's Richland Parish data center expansion increased its capacity from two gigawatts to five gigawatts, a move set to create 1,000 permanent positions and over 7,500 construction jobs with more than $1 billion invested in infrastructure.

Iberville Parish Schools announced that for the 2026-27 school year, all enrolled students will get free breakfast and lunch under a federal program (Community Eligibility Provision) with no application needed.

State Sen. Larry Selders was laid to rest Tuesday morning at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Baton Rouge; the service began with a 9+11 a.m. viewing before the funeral proceeded.

On Monday night, Gonzales City Council approved Montan LandCo.

LLC's rezoning for a 168-unit apartment development on South Veterans Boulevard and returned D. Daniels Construction's request for a mixed housing project on West Orice Road (allowing further planning work) to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Louisiana Health Department released a new report — Baton Rouge restaurants show critical inspection violations that, if left uncorrected, could cause foodborne illness.

Officials advise restaurant owners to correct these issues quickly to protect customers.

Habitat for Humanity has introduced a program to help Baton Rouge residents learn the steps to affordable homeownership.

The initiative will provide guidance on registration and eligibility during community workshops.

Michaela McHugh, a ZHS alum and physical education teacher at Zachary Elementary, is the new head softball coach at Zachary High School.

She plans to build a people-first program by reconnecting with alumni and will continue coaching at Northwestern Middle School (she served as an assistant coach for two seasons).

Greg Castillo returns as head coach of Walker volleyball, reuniting with players he coached in junior high (who urged his return) as his early June practice had nearly full attendance and two-a-day sessions start this week ahead of mid-August scrimmages and season play on Sept.

1.

Noah Shotwell, a Slaughter High powerlifter, will represent the U.S. in the Sub Junior Equip Weight Class at the world championships in Johannesburg, South Africa—he secured state and national titles and will depart with his dad on Aug.

15 with his match set for Aug. 20.

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.