Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux is preparing to debut its next generation sports bar concept at 8150 Perkins Road in early 2027.

The smaller venue aims to boost game day viewing with improved screen visibility, acoustics + a more efficient kitchen.

Hyundai hosted an open house Thursday at the LeMann Memorial Center in Donaldsonville to present its $5.8B steel plant project set for 2029.

A judge's ruling cleared legal hurdles, and residents learned the company plans more community engagement and job openings in September (details to follow).

Boots on the Bayou returns Oct.

24 + 25 at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales with a lineup to be announced Sept. 1 and a new QR code system replacing wristbands as festival traditions resume. Additional events in Baton Rouge round out a busy local calendar.

The Texas Club off Florida Boulevard is hosting a Back to School Bash today, featuring Louisiana-based artist Connor Martin who will headline a show for 18+ audiences; doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the performance starting at 9 p.m.

Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority hosts a free Acadian Cultural Heritage Event today from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Baton Rouge, where exhibitors share heritage displays and guided tours are offered at the LSU Center for River Studies (featuring the River Model).

AT&T opened a Connected Learning Center at Dow Westside YMCA in Addis offering high-speed internet, Dell computers, and free digital literacy courses (with tutoring and mentoring) for residents.

A $50,000 investment and Mayor David Toups’ support aim to expand tech access for local families.

Capitol Elementary sorted students into four houses on Friday morning to boost school pride, leadership, and teamwork among students + staff.

The system, inspired by Ron Clark Academy, will have challenges that award points for academics and behavior as the school year unfolds.

LSU officials advise students as classes resume this fall, with the Student Government’s chief of staff sharing key tips and the Provost highlighting campus safety (including a free on-campus app) to support a strong start.

The eastbound left-turn lane at the intersection of Sullivan Road and Hooper Road will close Monday, Aug.

31 at 6 a.m. until Saturday, Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. for roadwork to install a raised median + officials note that schedules may change with weather.

Gov. Landry signed six bills before Aug.

25 that give tax breaks and legal protections to aerospace companies, paving the way for SpaceX’s Starship launchpad in Abbeville (Vermilion Parish).

The Louisiana Department of Health and Southern University expanded a suicide prevention training program statewide under a three-year contract to help residents and professionals recognize warning signs and connect to resources (including mental health experts and educators).

They will celebrate 988 Day next month.

Southern University starts a new era today as Marshall Faulk makes his collegiate coaching debut at Legion Field at 2 p.m. against Alabama State; the Jaguars, coming off a 2-10 season, expect improvement under the New Orleans native (formerly Colorado’s running backs coach).

LSU previewed this year's game day menu + offered samples to staff, students and campus employees ahead of the Tigers’ home opener at Tiger Stadium today.

A Louisiana judge blocked the SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey from punishing schools that play players who signed NFL contracts this summer, ruling the policy violates court orders.

The temporary restraining order and show-cause order will be examined at a hearing on Thursday.