Good morning, Baton Rouge.

Capital Area United Way hosts Jambalaya Jam today at North Boulevard Town Square in downtown Baton Rouge from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., featuring cooking teams, live music and family activities — a festive day for all.

Oktoberfest is set to take place on Sunday, Oct.

18 at Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux on Burbank Drive from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; the event will feature German food, drinks, music, games and a stein-holding contest to support the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

Hyundai-POSCO Louisiana Steel announced nearly 40 new jobs at its Ascension Parish facility now under construction.

The company plans to hire 1,300 roles at the Donaldsonville site by 2029 to fill positions in engineering, construction, and support services.

Southern University’s interim president Orlando McMeans urged a legislative task force on Monday at the State Capitol to revise the state's higher education funding formula to address a $1.2 billion funding gap with LSU and support campus services by seeking a $60 million-$100 million investment for repairs (targeting aging infrastructure).

Southern University’s Cafe LaCumba opened yesterday with a tailgate-themed menu run by the Dietetic Internship Program inside Pinky Thrift Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will reopen on Oct.

28 with a new theme for the semester.

Up to 60 LSU football players will join a study testing a rapid saliva screening tool for concussions this season.

The clinical project, funded by a $250,000 grant (from CAP), will conclude in June 2027 and brings together experts from LSU and local health centers.

The Minority Women’s Movement hosted a breast cancer awareness scavenger hunt at Coates Hall on Tuesday, Oct.

13 to educate students on early symptoms and debunk myths. Activities like Think Pink Trivia helped participants learn about the disease and stressed early detection (a crucial step for treatment).

Baton Rouge bars are hosting themed Halloween cocktail pop-ups throughout October.

The Station Bar & Grill leads with The Haunting featuring spooky drinks + special events, while other venues offer unique sips and festive activities.

Local high school football teams secured wins this week with strong showings from St. Amant, Ascension Christian, Ascension Catholic, Dutchtown, and East Ascension; *key plays* included Jourden Hickerson’s four touchdowns and freshman Braeden Landry’s 186 rushing yards, and Week 7 regional matchups are scheduled.

Denham Springs' defense shone in its win over East St. John, holding the opposition to three first downs in the second half and scoring a safety from Evan Sikes to lift the Yellow Jackets to a 5-1 record.

The team will prepare for four upcoming District 5-5A games.