Good morning, Baton Rouge.

An alliance of state and local agencies will launch the Safe Wheels Alliance this month to give domestic abuse survivors free vehicle maintenance as Baton Rouge Community College students work in the IRIS Domestic Violence Center lab—helping survivors overcome transportation challenges for work and family care. The pilot program may expand statewide if it meets its goals.

Avenues Recovery Center is hosting its second sober tailgate of the season for LSU fans with no alcohol or drugs—kicking off today at 11 a.m. before the game.

The event offers students, alumni, and community members a safe space to enjoy Homecoming and Parents Day with snacks, music and recovery resources.

A deadly crash on I-12 East near Airline Hwy on Friday, Oct.

10, forced a shutdown of the road for several hours—officials later reopened the interstate.

A new 105-room Hampton Inn & Suites is planned to be built on a vacant lot at 7931 Summa Ave between Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, with an opening scheduled in the first quarter of 2027 and nightly rates set between $125 and $145. Athena Hospitality Group, led by chief strategy officer Vince Patel, will manage the $10.4 million project and expects to hire 20 to 25 people while offering amenities like an indoor pool and studio suites with minibars.

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber rebranded itself as Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership on Thursday night during the BRAC Impact event that marked its 20th anniversary as an economic development group.

The new branding—featuring a kaleidoscope logo and revamped website—keeps the organization's mission and team unchanged.

Southern University will start its homecoming celebrations tomorrow with a parade at 1 p.m. on Harding Boulevard—leading into a week of planned events for students, alumni, and community members, including art shows, a family day, and a football game against Prairie View A&M on Oct. 18 at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Helix Community Schools $7.1 million on October 10 to help transform Baker High School and Park Ridge Achievement Academy into Type 3 charter schools—adding FinTech and Performing Arts programs.

The grant will also fund a new K-5 program at Helix Mentorship and Maritime Academy so the campus becomes a full K-12 school.

On Friday night, Thu Tran, a deaf Woodlawn High School 10th grader, signed the national anthem in American Sign Language before kickoff at 7 p.m. at the Panthers' home game at Woodlawn Football Stadium — making her the first student to perform the sign language rendition and the first deaf student in JROTC.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System marked World Mental Health Day on Friday, October 10 with students and staff wearing green to honor hope and renewal.

The district hosted scavenger hunts, giveaways, and educational sessions to stress that mental health deserves equal attention as physical health.

Scotlandville High students led a Day of Healing event today — sharing their views on safety and violence and asking adults to listen closely to their concerns.

Former LSU basketball star Angel Reese announced she will walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on October 15 — making her the first professional athlete to serve as a Victoria's Secret Angel.

Reese, who won a national championship with LSU and now plays for the Chicago Sky, will set a new record in sports.

LSU signed a multimillion-dollar uniform sponsorship deal and planned jersey patch placements for all sports + it is the first Power Four school to do so while the NCAA will vote on new uniform rules in January and a potential rollout will come in August.

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.

An Evening with Josh Gates

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Explore ghost stories, monsters, and thrilling adventures with the Emmy-nominated host.

Family Fright Night: Halloween Concert in the Cosmos

Spooky Concert in the Cosmos — Evening — Louisiana Art & Science Museum — Check event pricing — Enjoy classic Halloween movies and tunes with stunning visuals in the planetarium.

Blackberry Smoke Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Blackberry Smoke, known for their soulful Southern rock sound.

Ozzmosis Tribute Event

7-10 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — Tickets required — Experience the legendary music of Ozzy Osbourne performed by top musicians.

Louisiana Book Festival

09:00 AM-06:00 PM — State Library of Louisiana — Check Official Website — Celebrate literature with engaging activities, book signings, and discussions for readers of all ages.