Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Denham Springs' Spring Park is moving closer to reopening its ADA-compliant pathway to the historic springs as new accessible tables and benches were delivered Tuesday.

The project involves local contractors to ensure safe access to the town's landmark springs.

World's Finest Chocolate announced its first NIL deal with LSU running back Harlem Berry on Wednesday+ it also signed UCLA receiver Leland Smith as part of its Let Them Reign campaign, which helps kids build life skills through fundraising.

Baton Rouge Alliance for Students has released its Youth Voice Report as school resumes, drawing on responses from over 500 local middle and high school students to assess safety, mental health, and teacher support.

The report finds 81% face mental health challenges while only 33% say their schools offer enough support (students who name their board rep feel heard nearly three times as much).

The Disaster Recovery Center in Pointe Coupee Parish, opened after Tropical Storm Arthur, is set to close permanently today.

Residents in Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes can still apply for FEMA disaster assistance until Oct. 1 or visit the Terrebonne Parish Library for help.

Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jefferson Hughes III began his defamation trial Tuesday in an Iberville Parish courtroom - he claims a 2019 editorial wrongly accused him of improper conduct in a custody case and is seeking $10M in damages, with ethics expert Keith Fisher set to testify this week.

North Oaks Health became Louisiana's first Purple Heart Hospital after a ceremony on July 1 at North Oaks Medical Center, where military families, veterans, and community leaders attended the event.

The designation joins a national network of hospitals committed to honoring veteran service (through dedicated care and partnerships).

Data released this week shows that measles vaccination for Louisiana kindergarteners fell to 90.3%, nearly five points below the threshold to prevent outbreaks.

Vaccine exemptions grew to 4% over four years following a 2024 law that requires schools to inform parents.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed a case of Naegleria fowleri, a rare nearly always fatal brain infection, in a resident who likely contracted it while swimming in Lake Claiborne, Claiborne Parish, on Wednesday.

Officials say it is one of only three cases in Louisiana since 1937.

LSU gymnastics associate head coach Courtney McCool Griffeth spoke at the Zachary Rotary Club on Aug.

6, sharing her journey from early beginnings to Olympic success. She noted that 21 of the team’s 24 gymnasts return, setting a promising stage for January competitions + inspiring local pride.

Grand Isle will host the national broadcast of the Hurricane Hole Louisiana Open presented by Visit Jefferson Parish, with ESPN+ live coverage from August 28–30 at Hurricane Hole Resort (free public festivities include weigh-ins, seafood, live music, and fireworks) as the event draws elite anglers and families.