Good morning, Baton Rouge.

The Casa's for CASA Fiesta fundraising event will take place at Red Stick Social on Thursday, Aug.

13 to help CASA train volunteers for court advocacy. Tickets cost $65 and include dinner, complimentary drinks, live music, wine pull, and silent auction.

The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank & Three O'Clock Project will build a community kitchen in the food bank facility, converting 5,000 sqft into a production kitchen, culinary classroom and training center.

The kitchen is expected to produce 1,000 meals daily to expand healthy food access across south Louisiana.

Zachary residents enjoy a season as the Aug.

14-15 Balloon Festival at BREC Zachary Community Park and the Aug. 15 Bronco Tailgate at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church gym offer food, music & fun. Other events include a Back to School Extravaganza plus an Oct. 3 Stick Horse Rodeo.

Exonerated after 45 years for a crime he did not commit, Wilbert Jones now faces losing his sight to glaucoma; his family has planned a one-month trip beginning in California and ending in New York City to help him see the world he once imagined (including classic Western film sites).

A gas leak at the intersection of Beekman Drive and Morel Avenue prompted a shelter-in-place order on Tuesday, Aug.

4 in St. George while officials confirmed no injuries and closed the area.

The USS Kidd Veterans Museum in downtown Baton Rouge is operating without its WWII vessel after its return in May 2026 was delayed by low river water; staff now expect the ship to return in spring 2027 and note each move costs +$20,000.

The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership announced a national search for a new president and CEO after removing its former leader in May.

The committee of 10 members will be led by chair Klein Kirby and will manage applications until Sept. 5 — using Baton Rouge based HR firm Highflyer.

Shenandoah Elementary received a $10,000 donation from Subaru of Baton Rouge partnered with Adopt a Classroom on Tuesday, Aug.

4, and the funds will be divided among homeroom teachers to help about 500 students buy essential school supplies.

The annual Uniforms for Kids campaign is accepting uniforms and school supplies for students returning to class and will close on Friday.

Donations can be made at designated drop-off centers.

Teachers can collect back-to-school supplies and wellness kits at the Southern University Welcome Center on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. State Sen. Regina Barrow — organizer of the event for four years — said educators will build their own goodie bags from submitted wishlists.

Employees of East Baton Rouge Parish schools returned to work Monday after summer break and began three days of professional development ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Belaire High’s revised schedule (8:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.) is part of LaMont Cole’s updated realignment plan.

Mayor-President Sid Edwards and the Office of Community Development launched a $300,000 Commercial Building Façade Improvement Program to help local business owners revamp storefronts along Scenic Highway, Scotland Avenue and Nicholson Drive.

Applications must be submitted online by Aug. 28 (grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 per project).

The commission's Monday recommendation for rezoning nearly 36 acres along W.

Orice Road for a townhome and single-family home project, and for a special-use permit for a laydown yard at 630 W. New River Road, now awaits final City Council approval.

LSU is ranked No. 13 in the preseason coaches poll and will open its season on Sept.

5 (against No. 23 Clemson) as the Tigers prepare to face five SEC opponents in Top 25 matchups.

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.