Good morning, Baton Rouge.

LSU and Southern fans can catch the Tigers’ home game against Texas A&M and the Jaguars’ road game against Jackson State at L’Auberge Casino’s new venues.

The casino opened Emeril’s Chophouse with a ribbon cutting and its Sportsbook Restaurant lets guests bet and dine before the games.

Legends Global fired long-time general manager Wayne Hodes last month amid concerns about maintenance, and Visit Baton Rouge now operates the River Center while proposals for a new operator close Oct.

5 (redevelopment plans include a 350-room hotel and expanded meeting space).

WAFB's Fall Food Drive will take place Friday, Oct.

2 in Baton Rouge (providing food for local families).

St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church on Plank Road will host a free Blue Mass honoring first responders on Sunday at 10 a.m.—the service will recognize local law enforcement and first responders for their dedication.

Councilman Anthony Kenney Jr. urged residents to follow safety and cleanliness guidelines for the Southern University Homecoming Parade in Scotlandville Sunday at 1 p.m. The parade route on Harding Boulevard, Scenic Highway and Scotlandville Avenue (with planned traffic adjustments) will help ensure smooth public movement and community pride.

Twistella Cafe opened Sept.

1 at 630 Arlington Creek Center Blvd., Ste. D + it will host a grand opening on Oct. 1. The cafe imports authentic matcha from Japan and has already sold out its custom drinks while offering Italian sodas and sweet treats.

Baton Rouge-based Marucci Sports returned to private ownership after founder Kurt Ainsworth led a group to purchase the company for $225 million from Fox Factory Holding Corp.—the move keeps current brands and leadership in place.

The firm will announce a new Player Advisory Board after the World Series.

On Sept. 17, a relic containing Pope St. John Paul II’s blood was displayed at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite after visits in Prairieville and Baton Rouge; it will next appear at Mater Dolorosa in Independence before touring churches in Morgan City, Houma, Larose and Thibodaux.

Southern University Law Center's Clinical Legal Education Program in Baton Rouge received $1 million from the Louisiana Bar Foundation to boost hands-on learning and expand legal services for underserved residents.

The funding strengthens the program's commitment to providing students with real-world experience and supporting community needs.

Former LSU provost Roy Haggerty resigned in 2025 after Gov. Jeff Landry ordered a live tiger on the field at a football game last fall—he now serves as provost at OSU following his testimony on the incident.

East Baton Rouge Parish Schools will host Magnet Mania 2026 at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum on Oct.

4 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), where parents can explore various magnet programs and enjoy student performances while entering a contest for a spot for school year 2027-28.

The Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office asks residents to display blue lights at their homes throughout October to honor Deputy Charles Riley.

Blue light bulbs will be available for pickup at the sheriff's office in the Iberville Parish Courthouse and at the Eastbank and North End Substations.

Woman's Hospital mobile mammography coach will bring advanced 3D breast imaging statewide with required appointments.

It will visit Helena Parish on Oct. 1, Ascension on Oct. 5, East Baton Rouge on Oct. 6 and Oct. 14, and Assumption on Oct. 16 (call ahead for scheduling).