Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Big River Economic & Agricultural Development Alliance celebrated its 30th anniversary while connecting local farmers with consumers by hosting over 130 markets across 17 parishes.

Executive director Darlene Adams Rowland highlighted improved food access and community trust at Main Street Market on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Starting Oct. 1, all 138 SONIC Drive-In locations will offer the Blue Pelican Slush, a blend of Sprite, blue coconut flavoring and sweet cream, with proceeds aiding waterway preservation.

A launch event is set for 10 a.m. Oct. 8 at the Siegen Lane location — a statewide initiative.

Emeril’s Chop House held its grand opening at 4 p.m. Thursday at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel, adding a fresh dining option for local food lovers.

East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council proclaimed today as Dolly Day to honor late country music star Dolly Parton—celebrated for her Imagination Library that delivers free books to children.

Dolly Diamonds will host a 9 to 5 film screening and Dolly Look-Alike Contest at the Main Library at Goodwood.

Louisiana drivers are paying over $4 for regular gasoline as diesel holds near record highs above $6.

Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Wednesday to let farmers and timber harvesters use dyed diesel through Oct. 22.

Southern University named six semifinalists for its new president search and will interview them in the coming weeks in Baton Rouge.

The university has lacked a permanent leader since last year and hopes to select one soon.

The Way to Work Career Fair invites local job seekers to register at thewaytoworkla.com for employment opportunities.

Additional event details will be shared soon.

UL System schools released team-level revenue sharing budgets, exposing details that contradict a new law requiring only total spending to be disclosed.

Louisiana Tech will spend nearly $2 million (with most for football) and ULL will allocate $1.5 million, while an attorney said the information was posted online in error.

Southern University will conduct a partial campus power outage tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., affecting academic buildings, the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, F.G.

Clark Activity Center, and Bethune, Grandison, Reed and White residence halls while generators supply temporary power—full service will resume on Sunday.

LSU received a $20 million NSF grant on Thursday to build a laser-driven X-ray facility that will study atomic and molecular reactions and create new research opportunities.

The project will also provide hands-on training for beamline scientists in collaboration with Southern University and Xavier University.

FEMA awarded grants through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant program to Louisiana fire departments – including those in Natabany, Northeast Bossier Parish and Caddo Parish.

The awards aim to boost firefighter safety and enhance community service.

EBR Schools and Miles for Smiles Mobile Dental Care launched a program to offer dental services (cleanings, fillings and repairs) to 20 local elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year; a ribbon-cutting at Brownfields Elementary on Thursday marked its start.

Ochsner Health expanded pediatric and women's services at Ochsner Medical Complex – The Grove near Bluebonnet Blvd. and Mall of Louisiana, adding six pediatric physicians, two OB-GYNs and extended clinic hours for same-day and next-day appointments; the $50 million project will add 80 more providers over the next two years.

Sportsline Player of the Week: Ashton Stark delivered a standout performance for Lutcher Bulldogs Saturday with eight catches for 141 yards, two receiving touchdowns, a rushing and passing touchdown and two interceptions in their 49-35 win over Slidell.