Good morning, Baton Rouge.

A new report from the U.S. Health and Human Services shows 41 Louisiana foster children had 48 unapproved stays over 18 months, raising concerns about emergency housing and meal access.

Louisiana state records did not reveal if these stays took place in hotels, offices, or other unlicensed sites.

A wave of leadership changes was reported in south Louisiana today, including ExxonMobil naming Brandon Maxwell as its Baton Rouge public and government affairs manager and LSU New Orleans Foundation promoting Cheria Scaffidi to CEO; additional appointments include new officers at the Salvation Army and the Motor Transport Association board.

The Baton Rouge Room on the second floor of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library on Goodwood Boulevard displays artifacts that document the city's past — visitors can view the collection to learn about our rich history.

LSU has five museums open to the public displaying treasures in textiles, natural history, military artifacts, art and rural life that enhance education and culture — they are located on and off campus at places like the Shaw Center for the Arts and Essen Lane.

LSU’s Hill Memorial Library in Baton Rouge remains active as researchers, students, and visiting scholars study over 10 million manuscript items in its reading room, quiet study area, and conservation lab, while an LSU-themed Homecoming exhibition offers another enriching opportunity.

Baton Rouge General hosted a free back-to-school event on Saturday at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center on Gus Young Avenue to help families prepare for school with fit checks, sports physicals, healthy lunch planning and mental health resources.

A recent survey by the Afterschool Alliance found that about 60% of Louisiana families could not pay for summer programs due to high costs.

Programs cost hundreds to thousands of dollars weekly, which makes it difficult for many low and middle-income families & may lead to summer learning loss.

The Elaine Education Foundation held a school supply drive in Baton Rouge on Saturday at The Chapel on Siegen Lane to help students prepare for the new school year—volunteers packed supplies Friday afternoon and handed out backpacks during a drive-thru event.

A new anti-hazing law named after late Southern University student Caleb Wilson takes effect today, aimed at holding organizations accountable by expanding reporting and training requirements plus banning groups found responsible for hazing deaths; Wilson’s family said the law honors his memory and protects future students.

LSU researchers began collecting saliva samples from 60 football players to detect concussion biomarkers; the project was funded with over $200K from LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (results will be published within 12 months).

Dr. Courtney Gunn from Ochsner Health shared back-to-school anxiety tips today as students adjust from summer to school — advising parents to watch for persistent symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or ongoing nervousness that may require further care.

Today, Tiger Stadium features local food vendors serving creative gameday eats like slow-braised birria nachos and Philly cheesesteaks made with signature Tre’s Street Sauce.

Tre’s Street Kitchen—a fan favorite since 2022 & consistently selling out—preps its dishes offsite to meet high demand.

Southern football began fall camp on Tuesday when players reported to campus and started on-the-field work as coach Marshall Faulk stressed leadership over stats (focusing on Ashton Strother, Christian Johnson, and JUCO transfer Wyatt McCauley).

The team will face Alabama State on Aug. 29.

The Baton Rouge Basketball and Volleyball Association and Langston Galoway Foundation hosted a free back-to-school basketball clinic on Saturday at the Team Automotive Group Sportsplex for students in grades 4 to 11.

The clinic offered athletic training, academic support, health education, and financial literacy sessions—boosting youth confidence.

Less than a week after saying he would not sign with the Cleveland Guardians, LSU signee Logan Schmidt announced he will join LSU baseball.

The left-handed pitcher will need to finish college before he becomes draft eligible again (unless he opts to attend junior college).

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.