Good morning, Baton Rouge.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Baton Rouge as local groups (including the IRIS Domestic Violence Center) serve over 2,500 survivors and children with free, confidential support each year.

The Historic Highland Road Grill reopens this Thursday, Oct.

15, at 8635 Highland Rd, blending 33% classic Sammy’s recipes, 33% local style, and 33% new dishes. Family owners (from Willie’s Restaurant) have rehired some familiar staff so patrons get a taste of both nostalgia and fresh flavors.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux unveiled renderings for its next-generation sports bar prototype—a flexible 3,688 sqft design seating 125 guests on Perkins Road; the first location will open in early 2027 (designed by Madrid-based Livit).

Students from Zachary High School and Episcopal competed as the East Baton Rouge Parish team at the National 4-H Food Challenge in Dallas, finishing fifth nationally and earning a $1,000 grant to train younger teams locally.

The project produced 60 meals and collected 150 pounds of food for local pantries.

Kindergartners from Bains Lower Elementary took part in a three-day water safety program at Americana YMCA (designed to build essential pool skills) to learn how to stay safe in and around the water.

On Sept. 13, an LSU AgCenter agent led a boiling water canning class at West Feliciana High School with participants from several parishes learning to preserve food safely.

The interactive program taught proper canning techniques as teams prepared pickled zucchini.

Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport launched a new wayfinding platform to help travelers plan trips and move around the terminal.

The interactive map is on the BTR website + the free GoodMaps app gives extra navigation details.

Legends Global and Oak View Group are under review to manage downtown’s Raising Cane’s River Center + a selection committee meets today while the VBR board will approve a winner on Nov.

30 and Metro Council on Dec. 9.

East Feliciana Parish is under a burn ban as Police Jury President Louis Kent declared a state of emergency Tuesday morning due to extreme heat, wildfire risk, and drought (posing a threat to life and property).

The Louisiana Office of State Parks launched the free State Parks Passport program that lets visitors collect stamps at 32 state parks and historic sites for prizes including park gear and overnight stays.

Passport requests are available online, and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said each stamp marks a new adventure.

LSU football received $500,000 from Kentucky after Wildcats fans stormed the field following the overtime loss on (Oct.

10), which triggered a $500,000 SEC fine for violating rules. The penalty directs fines to the opposing team under current league policies.

A dense fog on Tuesday kept LSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams from flying to SEC Media Days in Birmingham; coach Mulkey held a Zoom interview with players instead.

The disruption happened as both teams prepared for the new season.