Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pointe Coupee Parish is hosting its second annual Wild Game Cookoff this weekend at its fairgrounds; the free event features a cooking competition, food tasting, games, raffles, and live music, kicking off Saturday at 10 a.m.

Mo Vij used the sale proceeds of his tech company to start 365Labs, a public safety software firm on his Highland Road campus that now employs 70 people and earns up to $50 million in recurring revenue.

He will break ground next month on the second phase of his real estate venture offering over 220 residential units.

Baton Rouge residents have a full weekend of local art, food and culture.

They can join the MAP: The Art of Blackness event tonight at 7 p.m. (Pura Vida Coffee Bar), enjoy the free Taste of the Deep South Festival and LSU Museum’s art break Saturday and Sunday, and catch an opera and Wild Pour fundraiser on Sunday.

Louisiana’s Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention launched PlaySafe Louisiana, a free interactive game that teaches youth how to spot and report online dangers.

It was unveiled on Wednesday at Parkview Baptist School (a resource for parents and teachers) and works on smartphones, tablets, or computers.

ExxonMobil Baton Rouge and the Foundation for East Baton Rouge School System have opened applications for the Star STEM Teacher Grant Program, offering $2,500 to twenty fourth- through 12th-grade teachers for innovative classroom STEM projects+ applications run from Sept.

15 until Oct. 15 with winners announced in November.

LSU Student Senate held a meeting on Wednesday, Sept.

16 where Student Body President Ben Barousse addressed the ban on ranked-choice voting that LSU used for student government elections. The board's decision, based on a new statewide law, may lead to simple majority voting amid mixed reactions.

LSU Faculty Senate met on Wednesday, Sept.

16 in Dalton J. Woods Auditorium to honor three late professors (Draayer, Lee, Legoria) and review campus policy updates, including revised policy 104 and launch of an AI Council led by Emily Elliot. The next meeting is set for Oct. 15.

Volunteer Louisiana has opened the request for proposals for 2027-2028 AmeriCorps State Formula grants to help local agencies, schools and nonprofits serve community needs; Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said eligible applicants can access the materials on the Volunteer Louisiana website + proposals are encouraged from rural areas.

Louisiana is preparing a bid to host a new U.S. Space Academy in New Orleans after NASA requested applications for a campus that could open temporarily by fall 2028.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Gov. Landry’s team will submit their proposal by Oct. 26—leveraging the region’s rich aerospace history.

The NFL FLAG football league launched in EBR on Thursday with registration open for boys and girls aged 6 through 18 at a $45 fee (the first 400 players receive 50% off), and a skills clinic plus kickoff jamboree are planned on Dec.

5 with a seven-week season starting Jan. 13.

Ricky Mitchell was named Sportsline Player of the Week after throwing for 363 yards and four touchdowns in Woodlawn’s week two win over Brusly & leading an eight-minute, game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.

His strong performance follows a season opener loss to St. Amant.

Actor Morgan Freeman (first on the program) will serve as the celebrity guest picker on ESPN's College GameDay this Saturday at The Grove in Oxford, ahead of the No. 7 LSU vs. No. 8 Ole Miss football game that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CT at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

LSU President Wade Rousse urged students, alumni and fans to represent the Tigers with pride while reminding them to respect Ole Miss fans ahead of a game scheduled for Saturday, 6:30 p.m. in Oxford.