Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Rescue Alliance, a nonprofit caring for Ascension Parish cats, must raise $7,000 by Aug.

1 to cover overdue expenses and keep its cat rescue center open – the organization calls on local support during this financial emergency.

Local residents from North Baton Rouge gathered Thursday night to share ideas for neighborhood safety and restoring community landmarks (like the old bowling alley) while urging increased police presence around youth hotspots.

They will work with city officials to build a safer, active community.

Bank of Zachary plans to open a full-service branch at 18224 Highland Road this fall to offer Baton Rouge residents personal and business banking services with a trusted community focus.

Tell A Vision is a free exhibit that turns old TVs into art by 21 local artists; the show runs until August 14 at Cary Saurage Community Arts Center.

Baton Rouge added 7,900 jobs in the past year, outpacing other areas as state data credit over $150 billion in corporate investments tied to companies like Meta and Hyundai; Hyundai is breaking ground on a steel mill in Donaldsonville (boosting energy, tech, and manufacturing sectors).

LSU Residential Life and upperclassmen parents advised families preparing for the class of 2030 move-in day to pack essentials, bring hand trucks, and use the new entrance from Gourrier Avenue to avoid delays.

They urged checking guidelines on allowed appliances and printing temporary car tags in early August.

Southeastern Louisiana University’s Office of Student Accessibility Services received a $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to boost adult literacy on campus.

The funds will upgrade assistive technology, build a lending resource library, and provide literacy materials for all students.

The Louisiana Department of Health announced federal approval for D-SNAP to provide temporary food aid for households in parts of Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne parishes hit by Tropical Storm Arthur.

Residents in eligible census tracts can apply by phone from July 27–31 (dates depend on last name).

North Oaks Health welcomed neurosurgeons Dr. Dani Terrell and Dr. S.

Garrett Whipple-Bones — recently trained at Moffit Cancer Center — to its neurosurgery clinic in Hammond; the doctors now accept new patients 18+ and offer general, emergency and specialized care on weekdays.

On Jul. 22, 2026, Louisiana health officials reported 79 cases of cyclosporiasis—a rise of 11 since Tuesday—with patients showing explosive diarrhea; the CDC notes symptoms typically appear about a week after infection.

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin spoke during SEC Media Days in Tampa on Thursday morning (his remarks came after comments from other SEC coaches and previewed LSU’s game against Clemson).

Baton Rouge will host the 2027 USA Boxing Olympic Trials after the Metro Council approved a waiver amendment to raise available rental waivers (from $350,000 to $750,000).

The seven-day event is expected to boost local business sales by nearly $6.8 million and increase local taxes.

Baton Rouge's new pro hockey team is called Kingfish after officials announced its name and unveiled a logo on Wednesday that revives a 20-year-old team identity.

The team will debut in October at downtown Raising Cane's River Center as part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League.

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.