Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal judges overturned Curtis Lee Stewart Jr.'s murder conviction on Thursday due to insufficient evidence linking him to the April 2021 shooting that killed Devonta Ennis near a Prescott Road store+the panel said the trial court relied on speculation that failed to place him at the scene.

Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge as a 67-year-old man was killed while sitting on his porch—investigators are looking into the circumstances of the incident.

Baton Rouge Police arrested 26-year-old Raheem Starwood for a July 13 shooting on South Sherwood Forest Boulevard that killed Byron Howard and led to Jordan Scott dying in hospital—he now faces two counts of first-degree murder and a charge of illegal use of a weapon.

Jason Chaisson Jr. was sentenced to two years in prison for negligent homicide and negligent injuring in connection with a Tickfaw River boat crash in July 2024 that left two dead — he must also complete a substance abuse evaluation and a driver improvement course.

Louisiana singer John Foster from Addis, a 19-year-old who became runner-up on American Idol after his third try, made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

He is in talks for a record deal—he also plans to play local shows and finish his studies at LSU.

At the West Baton Rouge Museum in Port Allen, visitors see metal sculptures by local artist Ronald Trahan that capture roots music and connect to exhibits on historic slave cabins & sugar production.

The museum offers monthly live music and kid-friendly events and will hold its 30th annual SugarFest on Oct. 5.

Southern University launched its radio station WSUB The Bluff on 106.1 FM last Friday (August 1) (taking over the former WTQT frequency).

Erick England of Helmet Head Tailgating conducted a dry run of his fall football tailgate at his Old Goodwood home to test equipment and recipes—he plans a detailed setup at the corner of Mike Donahue and Dalrymple drives.

Southern fan Donalvon Lewis will operate his Good People Catering truck—serving take-away meals for Southern’s Oct. 18 Homecoming game.

LSU Athletics launched The Brand from a renovated third floor at Tiger Stadium South to unite social media, videography, photography and podcast teams for better student-athlete support—this new creative hub advances a more unified, hands-on branding approach at LSU.

Baton Rouge Gem & Mineral Show

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Lamar Dixon Expo Center — Admission details not specified — Discover stunning gems and minerals at this vibrant show.

Monthly RING Meeting

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Title2land, LLC — $10 voluntary contribution — Gather insights and network with local real estate enthusiasts at the monthly meeting.

Casa's for CASA Fiesta

6-9 p.m. — Red Stick Social — Support for children in foster care — Celebrate with Capital Area CASA at their annual fiesta event.

Reception & Awards: FELT Summer Contemporary

Time to be confirmed — Glassell Gallery — Free entry — Celebrate the creativity of 31 featured artists in a vibrant summer showcase.

Last Chance Summer Dance with Vincent Mason

8:30-10 p.m. — Texas Club — Tickets required — Dance the night away with Vincent Mason at this summer send-off celebration.