Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Today, the Companion Animal Alliance shelter in Baton Rouge reported overcrowding with over 500 cats and dogs during peak summer intake, and it offers a $10 adoption fee through Sunday to help prevent the need for euthanasia—volunteers can also help by walking dogs and socializing cats. This call for community support comes as the shelter receives all stray and surrendered animals from East Baton Rouge Parish.

Baton Rouge veterans gathered yesterday on August 7 to honor those wounded or killed in service as part of National Purple Heart Day under the leadership of Commander Jason Sedotal, a veteran injured in 2004.

The city declared August as Purple Heart Month and will hold a recognition ceremony on Tuesday, August 13 at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to pay tribute to local veterans.

Ronn Bell was sentenced to life in prison Thursday — he was found guilty of murdering his 75-year-old landlord, civil rights activist Sadie Roberts-Joseph, whose body was discovered in the trunk of her car near a vacant house on North 20th Street after he fell behind on rent.

Baton Rouge police arrested 22-year-old Jalyn Washington for second-degree murder after he allegedly shot and killed Donald Trim outside the AM Mart on Highland Road in September 2024, with Trim dying at the scene.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will visit a Baton Rouge school Monday, Aug.

11 — she will tour classrooms and join a literacy roundtable at Jefferson Terrace Academy to review improvements in LEAP scores and early reading skills.

Transportation Director Rob Howle visited 2une In to explain bus safety rules as students returned to school on Thursday.

He said a new camera system on 500 buses+ will help train drivers and spot safety issues for better route management.

Students at Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts School returned to class on Thursday in a new building that features dedicated arts classrooms, a computer lab with 26 MAC computers + a full auditorium with retractable seats and performance spaces; principal Louis Moore said the facility took five years to complete.

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.