Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Former UFC champion Jon Jones has joined the Baton Rouge ownership team of Prince St. Pizza as the restaurant prepares to open in early fall, and he is expected to attend the grand opening.

Jones retired in 2025 and now supports the expansion of the popular pizzeria.

House Brew is opening its first brick-and-mortar shop at 278 North St downtown with a soft launch on Aug.

11 and a grand opening on Aug. 15—this new café will serve coffee, baked goods, and breakfast items to local state workers and residents.

The inaugural Capital City Music Festival will be held on Oct.

24 at the Lawn at L'Auberge Casino Hotel and will feature blues legend Kenny Neal, Cupid, Lil Nathan plus food trucks and line-dancing classes (with a family tribute honoring Neal's recovery).

The Baton Rouge Blues Festival & Foundation has named J.

Hover as its new executive director, effective immediately. He brings live music and nonprofit expertise as the organization plans its 45th annual event on the weekend of April 16.

The Louisiana Center for the Book at the State Library announced the nominated book titles for the 2027-2028 Readers’ Choice program for K-12 students; school and public librarians selected the list (with starred reviews, Guild picks, and notable books) so libraries can stock collections before student voting begins.

LSU officials said yesterday a viral social media post falsely claimed an Oklahoma man with a criminal record would enroll for fall classes, confirming the university has no record of the individual (citizens are urged to rely on verified information).

The U.S. Department of Labor approved Louisiana's plan to merge its 15 workforce boards into one statewide system that will operate until June 30, 2028.

The change aims to cut down on overlap and boost job training while local leaders work together during the transition.

Louisiana officials said SNAP participation dropped 22 percent after work rule changes left 166,000 residents without aid.

The state now faces a potential $95 million repayment due to an 8.14 percent error rate (above the 6 percent threshold).

The Louisiana Department of Health reported Thursday that 5 residents died and 4 were hospitalized from Vibrio vulnificus (a dangerous bacteria found in warm coastal waters) after open wounds were exposed to seawater, and officials urged at-risk individuals to take precautions.

LSU football will rise this fall as defensive coordinator Blake Baker signs a new three-year, $9.3 million contract and leads a team of returning veterans and impactful transfers.

Gayle Benson surprised former Saints quarterback Drew Brees today when she placed a No. 9 jersey on a Tom Benson statue at the team facility in Baton Rouge — a gesture honoring the late owner's legacy — and marking a unique moment in local sports history.