Good morning, Baton Rouge.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation provided a mortgage-free home in Prairieville for the family of fallen BRPD officer Matthew Gerald.

The gift honors his service and is part of a nationwide program supporting 55 families on the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 (a lasting tribute).

The Iberville Firing Range in Plaquemine is hosting a concealed carry class on Saturday, Sept.

26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course serves both first-time applicants and experienced carriers (registration costs $100).

Baton Rouge firefighters held a moment of silence Friday morning to mark 25 years since 9/11 and honor the first responders who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks.

The tribute reflected on the ongoing dedication and courage of the fire service.

The St. George Fire Department honored lives lost on 9/11 on Friday, including Lt. Michael Scott Lamana, who served at Fire Station 64 and as a reserve deputy in East Baton Rouge Parish.

He also served as a Navy Flight Officer at the Pentagon.

West Baton Rouge’s Spirit of Louisiana fire truck, gifted after 9/11, is honored on its 25th anniversary as local officials and firefighters reflect on its legacy (a symbol of unity and healing).

The truck once served communities with hope after the Twin Towers attack.

WBRZ is covering the Oldies But Goodies Festival in Port Allen, which starts today with a BBQ cook-off and continues Sunday with an antique car show and live music by That 70's Band.

The event highlights community charm and vintage favorites close to home.

Local needlepoint businesses such as Merritt Walker Designs and Maggie Lou Needlepoint draw attention with canvases showing marine life and Baton Rouge icons at shops like The Elegant Needle.

The unique designs (inspired by personal and local stories) highlight creativity in our community.

Port Allen Middle School, a historic building on the National Register (since the late 20th century) and a longtime educational hub, will close its middle school chapter this year before reopening as the WBR Early College and STEM Academy next school year.

State education officials report absenteeism fell to just under 22% among public school students in 2025-26, although rates remain above pre-pandemic levels.

They are providing $6 million (with 72 districts receiving funds) to hire improvement specialists and adopt proactive attendance measures.

Hard Rock Construction, working with MOVEBR, will stripe bus stops as part of the Bus Rapid Transit Project tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the intersections of St. Ferdinand and North Boulevard and Florida and 4th streets (officials said this timing avoids heavy traffic for safer work).

Since early June, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed 18 heat-related deaths statewide (12 among seniors and six from the Northshore), showing an increase from earlier months.

The 2026 Baton Rouge 9/11 Heroes Run is open for registration online (visit travismanion.org to sign up) until the event begins.

The race will honor local heroes in Baton Rouge later this year.