Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Capital Area United Way will host Jambalaya Jam 2026, an annual fundraiser on Oct.

15 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at North Boulevard Town Square downtown. The event features community cook-offs — local musical acts perform on two stages with VIP tickets offering special lounge access.

The Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge has removed the $10 nightly fee at its Center of Hope Emergency Shelter so guests can access safe lodging without extra cost.

The organization asks locals to help cover shelter costs by shopping at its Thrift Store + donating monthly.

The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge opened applications on Wednesday for a $5,000 Evertt G.

Powers Fund for Creativity that supports innovative local projects. Applicants who live or work in specified parishes can apply through Oct. 29 with the award announced on Nov. 20.

Port Allen High robotics team made history as the first from West Baton Rouge Parish to attend the FIRST Robotics World Championship last April.

The two-year-old Catahoula Blue Dogs finished 11th among 40 Louisiana teams and are already planning improvements for next season.

Baton Rouge Magnet High School led Louisiana with 29 National Merit semifinalists, as announced Wednesday by the EBR Public Schools.

More than 16,000 semifinalists nationwide compete for 6,700 scholarships, and principal Nanette McCann praised students, educators and families (highlighting local academic excellence).

A $25 million renovation is converting Cohn Elementary in Port Allen into an intermediate school on the historic site of the parish’s first high school for Black students.

The campus, with phase one complete and phase two underway to add enrichment and library facilities, will eventually serve over 500 students.

Jay Hardman, the longtime Port of Greater Baton Rouge executive director, will retire Dec.

1 after a 26-year tenure that delivered $45 million in upgrades & prepares the port for future growth as deputy director Greg Johnson takes over.

West Ascension Parish Hospital launched its EPIC Community Connect system live on Sept.

1 to let patients access their medical records. Hospital leaders in Donaldsonville say the system will strengthen care coordination and improve safety (a step toward a more connected healthcare experience).

Our Lady of the Lake emergency department is undergoing a $55 million renovation to boost capacity, reduce wait times and improve care for patients and caregivers.

A home on North Afton Parkway is coming soon to the market, but neighbors say its condition does not match the online AI-generated images.

Neighbors note wood rot, overgrown grass and debris that indicate neglect while records show lapsed permits and unpaid taxes.

St Michael's senior running back Deontae Camel returned for week one after an ACL injury, running 141 yards + scoring three touchdowns + catching a pass as his team won 49 to 14 over Loranger.

Coach Zachary Leger said his performance showed determination to reach the next level.

LSU QB Sam Leavitt credited his strong 51-10 win over Clemson last Saturday to a strict wellness routine that included early phone curfews, blue light glasses (to filter glare), and organic zucchini chips from local growers.

His disciplined habits helped set the stage for his debut performance.

LSU is backing away from plans to add two ex-NFL rookies to its 105-man football roster amid a legal dispute over eligibility rules involving the NCAA and SEC - the move comes as legal challenges continue to unfold.