Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Tickets for the 60th Angola Prison Rodeo went on sale Thursday and events begin every Sunday in October at 2 p.m. The rodeo will feature bareback and bull riding and inmate crafts with tickets at $25 for general admission and $30 for premium seating, available online or by phone.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry said over 20,000 LLCs registered statewide from March to June, a 30% increase from last year that signals Louisiana’s robust economy.

The surge reflects rising entrepreneurial confidence & expanding business prospects for citizens.

Bright Star Early Learning Center in Plaquemine, which has served as a vital resource for 15 years, may close in weeks if state funding cuts persist, leaving dozens of children without care and teachers without jobs (director Rockeisha Walker warned).

EBR Schools reported the highest spring LEAP test scores since the pandemic with gains in 27 of 31 subjects including Algebra 1 and Civics.

Superintendent LaMont Cole said the district will provide additional support for students who remain behind (plans are underway).

The LSU Lakes project is on track for year-end completion; dredging is complete for some lakes while work continues on landscaping and a new May Street bridge to improve flood control and pedestrian safety.

The effort is led by state, LSU, and local groups.

Baton Rouge government facilities will fly U.S. and Louisiana flags at half-staff today to mark the tenth anniversary of the ambush that killed four officers (including officer Matthew Gerald) in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Local health officials report a rise in cyclosporiasis cases from 23 to 43 this week (including 5 hospitalizations) mainly in East Baton Rouge and Lafayette, and advise those with persistent diarrhea to seek medical care.

Dr. Kaja Falkenhain from Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been selected to receive the Peter J.

Reeds Early Career Investigator Award from the American Society for Nutrition. She will be honored at the ASN meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, July 25-28.

A new federal housing law aims to lower home costs by letting manufacturers build without a steel chassis and by expanding FHA-backed loans for manufactured homes + rural areas.

Builders expect benefits within a year and a half as the law took effect on July 11.

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.