Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Firefighters responded to an early morning house fire on Olga Lee Drive today and to a blaze at an abandoned car wash on Lorri Burgess Avenue on Sept.

28. Early voting for the October 11 election began on Sept. 27 while a local pediatrician offered advice on Tylenol use for pregnant women after new concerns linking it to autism emerged.

Current and potential business owners in downtown Baton Rouge will receive free consulting services on Fridays starting in October at 247 Florida St.—a partnership between the Downtown Development District and the SBDC at LSU helps with access to capital, marketing, cybersecurity, business planning and new technology adoption. Services run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with walk-ins welcome and online appointments available.

The third annual Lebanese Festival in Baton Rouge will feature Lebanese food, music, and dance — as local organizers plan a community celebration of cultural traditions.

Attendees will enjoy traditional crafts and live performances during the event.

The Louisiana Department of Education received $13.5 million from the federal government for charter schools.

It said the funds will boost literacy, math, attendance and college and career readiness as schools apply for the money—adding to a previous $55 million award.

Southeastern Louisiana University reported its strongest fall enrollment in 13 years with a 7.8% increase to 15,570 students—gains included record numbers in its Honors Program and rises among undergraduates and graduates.

University officials said focused recruitment in Northshore and Southeast Louisiana helped drive the growth.

Four candidates are running for a seat on the 19th Judicial District Court to finish the remaining 13 months of former Judge Fields’ term after he joined the First Circuit bench; the primary is set for Oct.

11—if no one wins over 50 percent, a runoff will occur on Nov. 15, and the candidates emphasize community service, legal expertise and transparency in their campaigns.

In Zachary, questions arose when mayor pro tempore Jennifer Landry emailed HR to set interim clerk Karen Burdette’s salary at $18,000, prompting debate over whether a public vote was needed.

Council Attorney John Hopewell said there is no rule against the decision, and the council unanimously approved the salary at their Sept 23 meeting.

Early voting is underway for the Oct.

11 election in Baton Rouge—voters cast ballots for the 19th JDC judge seat and other local offices from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Voters will also choose on tax renewals to fund crime prevention, downtown development, parks, roads, and school funding.

A representative of the EBR Mayor-President’s office warned that if all three THRIVE ballot items fail, city-parish departments will face a 12% funding cut—raising the risk of layoffs.

City-Parish employees and retirees must opt in to a new medical insurance plan after the Metro Council voted 11-1 at a special meeting on Wednesday.

The change will save over $16 million, although Councilman Darryl Hurst opposed it over concerns that it might not cover serious medical needs.

Local eateries are rolling out new menus as Salt Pepper Oak now serves southern breakfast items from Tuesday through Saturday mornings while a second Chicken Wagon opens on Coursey Boulevard with extended hours—Caroline’s Cookies offers a Taylor Swift-themed cookie pack available until Oct. 3.

Parenting resource group Red Stick Mom has released a fall guide packed with local activities such as pumpkin patches, hayrides and scenic outdoor events to help families enjoy the season — the guide also offers school resource information for next year.

LSU Tigers lost 24—19 to Ole Miss on Sunday, September 28 and fell to No. 13 in the AP Top 20 Poll.

The Tigers will play South Carolina on Saturday, October 11 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.

Fall Fest 2025

9 AM - 2 PM — Baton Roots Community Farm — Free entry — Experience hands-on urban farming and seasonal arts while connecting with the community this fall.

Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Manship Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of Red Hot Latin Jazz from the son of the legendary Tito Puente.

Dominick Michael with Southland Band

9 PM - 1 AM — Texas Club — Ticketed event — Enjoy live music from Dominick Michael and his band in a vibrant atmosphere.

27th Annual Scrabble Challenge

Join us at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 16th, for an evening of fun as L'Auberge Casino & Hotel hosts our annual Scrabble Challenge. The event includes 3 rounds of 'just for fun' team Scrabble play, a silent auction, wine cork pull, 50/50 cash split raffle, with buffet and beverages.

Boo at the Zoo

All day — BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo — Check for ticket details — Experience festive photo opportunities and princess character meet and greets amidst Halloween-themed displays.

The Addams Family Musical

7:30-9:00 p.m. — River Center Theatre for Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a devilishly delightful musical comedy featuring everyone's favorite creepy, kooky family.

Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

8-11 p.m. — Chelsea's Live — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the iconic sounds of Led Zeppelin with a tribute experience marking their 30th anniversary.

Halloween Costume Party

8 PM — WingBar and Daiquiris — $5 General Admission — Enjoy a spooky night with wings, drinks, and a cash prize for the best costume.