Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana confirmed layoffs statewide on Friday — the job cuts are part of cost-management measures amid rising medical and pharmacy expenses and changing federal programs — as the company streamlines its workforce.

The company did not disclose how many positions were eliminated.

Two juveniles aged 12 and 14 were taken into custody in Walker after detectives linked them to vehicle burglaries that occurred between Aug.

4 and Aug. 7 near Ball Park Road in the Meadow Crossing Subdivision — each faces one count of possession of a firearm by a juvenile and ten counts of vehicle burglary.

On Friday, August 4th, 83-year-old Ellsworth Hull pleaded guilty to manslaughter for fatally beating his 40-year-old special needs son with a wooden mop handle and metal broomstick at their Shelley Street home in Baton Rouge, and district Judge Colette Greggs set a Sept.

8 sentencing date—Hull will face 10 years in prison as part of the plea deal.

Deputies in Livingston Parish stopped 38-year-old Dori Osborn after finding a handgun in her car during a traffic stop and later used a warrant to search her home on Gunboat Landing Road—seizing suspected meth, opioid pills, marijuana, and several guns including a rifle, shotgun, and revolvers that led to her arrest on multiple charges.

Enrollment at West Baton Rouge Career Academy jumped by over 100 students to 350 on August 7 as the school added courses in medical terminology and industrial electronics.

The academy—founded in fall 2024 with a $1.3 million grant—continues to give high schoolers the hands-on experience needed to prepare for local workforce challenges.

Zachary’s health care is getting a big update this fall when the new Lane Regional Medical Center will open in September after August inspections.

The four-story, 85,000-square-foot hospital features four modern surgical suites + 48 patient rooms in a $90 million investment.

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.