Good morning, Baton Rouge.

NAACP Louisiana will host its 83rd annual State Convention in Baton Rouge this October with the theme 'Reigniting the Call for Justice.' The three-day event will include a Freedom Fund Banquet on Oct.

4 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with keynote speaker Roland Martin (tickets cost $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of ten).

The former Victoria's Toy Station building was sold for $985,000 to Major-Tiemann Investments LLC, and The Modern Munchkin Co. will move from the Electric Depot to the Government Street space by mid-October.

Owner Whitney Tiemann said she will make needed repairs—like replacing the roof and fixing flooring—while keeping the toy store's friendly play concept intact.

After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event in Utah Wednesday, LSU conservative student groups expressed sorrow and called for an end to political violence—he was scheduled to speak at LSU's Greek Theater on Oct.

27.

Better in BTR shifted its focus from attracting talent to keeping local talent by involving LSU and Southern students in community projects.

The chamber updated its logo — inspired by Richmond's RVA design — and will soon update its website to showcase local investments like the LSU arena and Raising Cane’s River Center redevelopment.

A study by Riverbend Research with BREADA shows the Red Stick Farmers Market boosts Baton Rouge's economy by generating $6.8 million in yearly activity and by supporting 41 vendors who rely on it for much of their income—many saying they depend on the market to stay in farming.

The market also improves food access by serving 1,400 residents and neighborhoods that have few healthy food options.

Today, 26 East Baton Rouge public schools will host a Grandparents’ Day lunch—held between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.—where grandparents dine with their grandchildren in a family celebration.

The event, sponsored by the Child Nutrition Program, charges $6.75 for the adult meal featuring chicken pasta, whole baked sweet potato, green beans, fresh fruit, a dinner roll and milk.

Roseland residents at a community meeting learned that independent tests by contamination expert Scott Smith found heavy metals, oil leaks, and potential contaminants in air, water, and soil from the August explosion at Smitty's Supply.

EPA whistleblower Robert Kroutil and Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré urged locals to petition parish officials for air monitoring — pushing for further independent tests to clarify the impact, and residents said the results confirmed their concerns.

Louisiana summers are growing hotter and more dangerous as climate change raises temperatures and increases humidity, creating longer heat waves.

Heat-related deaths reached a record 86 in 2023—nearly four times the rate seen in past decades—raising concerns for vulnerable residents.

Baton Rouge residents will attend a public open house today at Glen Oaks High School to view concept images and ask questions about the MOVEBR road project on Mickens Road.

The project proposes a three-lane section with shared-use paths from Hooper to Lanier and a two-lane roadway from Lanier to Joor Road — all within a $25 million budget — while traffic and design studies are underway.

Lawsuits over new congressional maps have been filed in several states including Texas, where groups say the maps weaken Latino voting power, and Louisiana, which will rehear a redistricting case on Oct.

15th—legal challenges in North Dakota, Mississippi and Utah could affect how the Voting Rights Act is enforced and how future maps are drawn.

Baton Rouge officials said the I-10 widening project is now expected to finish in 2031 — the work will improve highway safety and ease traffic for commuters.

The East Flanacher Road Bridge in Zachary will be replaced in a five-month project beginning Monday and finishing by mid February — drivers will be directed to alternate routes including Samuels Road, Mount Pleasant-Zachary Road and Old Scenic Highway.

Library Executive Director Tamie Martin warned that if voters do not pass the tax millage on Nov.

15, the West Baton Rouge library will risk closing and lose its $3 million yearly funding — a vote against the tax means a vote against library services. The library, which offers more than 80,000 materials and community programs, has cut spending by $500,000 this year to prepare for a potential shortfall.

College football fans can relax while East Baton Rouge EMS stands ready with 18 workers at each stadium and handled over 60 heat-related calls over the weekend.

The service works with other local EMS teams & has agreements in place to support quick care on game days.

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.

Ruthie Foster Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of Ruthie Foster, influenced by her gospel roots and vibrant musical journey.

Bachtoberfest

Evening — EBRPL - Main Library — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a cozy outdoor concert featuring beer, brats, and Bach melodies.