Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Baton Rouge Police arrested Alex Burns, 28, on Wednesday after he allegedly shot Kimberlyn Martin, a 29-year-old pregnant mother outside her Highland Road apartment on July 27—her boyfriend survived the shooting after being reported as the intended target.

Baton Rouge Police say 19-year-old Southern student Roderick Forkner was fatally shot when his car hit a Smoothie King sign near Government Street early Monday—his passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries—and Southern University expressed condolences.

A Baton Rouge man, Nugene Eackels, 49, was charged with second-degree murder after Frank Johnson was fatally shot on August 3 on Byron Avenue—police matched his fake 911 call to surveillance video evidence and booked him on August 29.

SNT Energy—a South Korean manufacturing firm—invested $59.4 million in West Baton Rouge to open a facility that will create over 400 jobs and boost the local economy.

Site Selection magazine recognized Baton Rouge as one of the top 10 U.S. metros for job creation and capital investment — data were gathered from January 2021 to July 2025 using the Conway Projects Database and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Maps Dashboard.

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber said the ranking reflects strong local projects driving economic growth.

LSU has not received any active shooter threat after several schools got false alerts since August 21, but chief of police Marshall Walters said officers will be sent immediately if a threat arises.

The university is upgrading its camera system to strengthen emergency response and keep students and staff safe.

Federal and state officials visited the Louisiana State Penitentiary on Wednesday to announce that Angola will house what immigration agents label as the worst criminal illegal aliens in a section called Camp 47—this move follows media reports that Louisiana officials were negotiating with the White House to use the prison for detention operations.

Today, the 14th annual Bella’s Ball will be held at L’Auberge Casino Hotel in Baton Rouge from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.—the event supports childhood cancer research by funding personalized radiation studies and providing over 1,200 Comfort Care Bags statewide.

Guests can enjoy signature dishes, live entertainment and auction opportunities that benefit local hospitals.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was named the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week after LSU beat Clemson on September 3, and cornerback Mansoor Delane earned the Bednarik Award National Player of the Week in his first start following a transfer from Virginia Tech.

Nussmeier completed 28 of 38 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown — while Delane made two pass breakups, one interception and two tackles to help secure the national honors.

Frank Foster Live Performance

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Texas Club — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a night of live country music in Baton Rouge.

Lainey Wilson's Whirlwind World Tour

7-9 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience high-energy country hits and heartfelt storytelling in Baton Rouge!

Lainey Wilson Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets starting at $69 — Experience an evening of country music with Lainey Wilson live in Baton Rouge.

Ivan Neville Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of Ivan Neville in an intimate setting.

2nd Annual Luncheon & Kitchen Tour

10 AM – 1 PM — Acadian House Design + Renovation — Cost not listed — Enjoy a delightful luncheon and inspiring kitchen tours, all while supporting the Bella Bowman Foundation.

Blueprint for OASIS Accuracy Workshop

09:00 AM-06:00 PM — L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — Check Official Website — Enhance your home health care skills and explore OASIS accuracy and emergency preparedness strategies.

Farm Fête

6-9 p.m. — Red Stick Farmers Market — Fundraiser — An evening of local flavors with farmers and chefs supporting community outreach.

Brew at the Zoo

Evening event — BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo — Fundraising for the zoo — Enjoy a variety of beers in a unique atmosphere while supporting local wildlife.

The Buddy Ride

11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. — 15001 River Rd, Baton Rouge — Donations welcome — Participate in the 7th Annual Buddy Ride to support Keep Tiger Town Beautiful and help clean up Baton Rouge.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Tickets available — Experience the unique sound of Unknown Mortal Orchestra live in Baton Rouge.