Good morning, Baton Rouge.

An animal shelter in Baton Rouge has reached critical overcapacity with 250 dogs and over 270 cats and is asking local residents to act as emergency foster parents or adopters to prevent possible euthanasia.

Workers need homes for 75 dogs and 75 cats by Friday, August 8—adoption fees are $10 until Sunday, August 10.

At the Zachary MLK Committee Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Lane Regional Medical Center staff including pediatric nurse practitioner Kara Sullivan greeted hundreds of schoolchildren and families while local sponsors, officials, and community groups provided needed supplies and gifts. The event—co-chaired by Johnnie Evans and Tina Clark and originally rooted in honoring Martin Luther King Jr.—also awarded scholarships to recent high school graduates.

BREC’s Zachary Community Park will host the third annual Really Hot Air Balloon Festival with nine hot air balloons floating overhead Friday and Saturday — the event will include tethered balloon rides starting at 4 p.m., nightly balloon glows, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, live music, an open splash pad and a Saturday car show from 4 to 5 p.m.

LSU’s 19-member presidential search committee will meet at 9 a.m. on August 19 in the board room of the LSU Foundation Building + it will choose a replacement for former President William Tate IV, who left in June.

AAA Louisiana warned local drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to be alert as traffic is expected to rise when Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes begin classes on Aug 8, urging motorists to slow down, avoid distractions and check for children since law enforcement will enforce hands-free rules in school zones.

Mayor-President Sid Edwards met with 2une In's John Pastorek on Tuesday after returning from the Harvard City Leadership Initiative in New York City and said his social programs and law enforcement have helped lower crime in Baton Rouge.

He added that he will work with Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott—who reduced violent crime by 63%—to find more ways to improve public safety.

Families in Baton Rouge are finishing up back-to-school routines and last-minute shopping—health experts recommend that parents also discuss any seasonal concerns with their doctors—so students get ready for a safe return.

This advice comes as families prepare for school to begin in just a few days.

Parish mosquito control said on Monday they found the season’s first West Nile virus mosquito near Bueche and began extra steps like daytime larviciding and night sprays; a parish-wide spray will run until Wednesday night.

George Bragg urged residents to use free larvicide from the Port Allen office and take steps like wearing long clothing and using repellents—measures meant to protect them from bites—and limit outdoor time at dusk and dawn.

Officials shared health tips today by urging parents to make kids’ meals—rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains—to help fight germs.

The advice comes as families in south Louisiana prepare for the new school year.

District 4-5A football enters 2025 with significant coaching changes and revised matchups after a competitive 2024 season that saw Central upset Ruston and the Broncos exit the playoffs early.

The Broncos will open at home against Scotlandville on Oct. 10, host Liberty Magnet on Oct. 17, and travel to Central on Nov. 1 — a schedule that aims to rectify last season’s results.

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.

Randall King Concert

9:00 – 10:30 p.m. — Texas Club — Ticket prices on sale — Experience live music from Randall King in a popular local venue.

Frank Foster Live Performance

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Texas Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of live country music in Baton Rouge.