Good morning, Baton Rouge.

A new study from the Annie E.

Casey Foundation showed that Louisiana’s child poverty rate jumped from (11% to 19%) over the past three years, affecting about (200,000 children) and leading the nation. The report linked the rise to higher costs and expiring public assistance programs and noted that Louisiana will not provide SNAP benefits in November.

The 58th Greater Baton Rouge State Fair opened Thursday (Oct.

23) and will run for 11 days until Sunday (Nov. 2), with admission tickets available at $10 or $15 for a wristband.

Stacey Verdicanno, the founder of Witches Ride, has turned her dream into reality by opening a shelter for domestic abuse survivors in West Feliciana Parish thanks to a generous donation & support from the Purple House Foundation, aiming to break generational cycles of violence.

Sheriff Spillman advised anyone facing abuse to seek help immediately & use trusted community resources when law enforcement is not an option.

Investigators released new details about a missing 13-year-old from Baker and are asking for community help in finding the child.

The 58th Greater Baton Rouge State Fair opened Thursday night at 16072 Airline Highway—events will continue through the weekend.

A Baton Rouge legal service Toups and Co. launched a one-time food drive called The Toups and Co. Community Table to help families losing food benefits during the federal government shutdown—donations of nonperishable items can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Prairieville office. The drive aims to gather enough supplies to distribute food before Thanksgiving if the community supports the effort.

ZenaTech Inc. will open a new office in downtown Baton Rouge as the US hub for its AI division — the company plans to hire up to eight engineering and AI software specialists before 2026 to boost its work on next-generation drone technologies.

The move is set to further integrate its efforts in AI drones, quantum computing, and enterprise services.

On Wednesday, the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication honored journalist Stanley Nelson at the Old State Capitol—he spent decades uncovering civil rights-era murders and published over 150 stories that gave victims’ families essential answers.

DOTD will begin a $3 million project to patch, mill and overlay La.

30 between La. 74 and the East Baton Rouge Parish line on Thursday, Oct. 30 plus motorists will face daily alternating lane closures on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as crews replace guardrails, mailboxes and striping until Feb. 6.

Gov. Jeff Landry is working to ensure that seniors, people with disabilities and children on SNAP will have food if the government shutdown continues through Nov 1 — he is talking with other governors and leaders to prevent hunger while details of the plan remain pending.

Local charities are urging extra donations to help meet the growing need.

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women–Metro Baton Rouge Chapter will host the ‘Kicking Breast Cancer to the Sidelines: Tailgating with the 100!’ event on Oct.

25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southern University—attendees will honor survivors and access catered food, live entertainment, souvenirs and health resources while supporting breast cancer awareness during the SUBR vs. FAMU football game.

Trevin Simon ran 34 times for 519 yards and 7 touchdowns on Thursday as Ascension Catholic ATH beat St. John of Plaquemine, setting a school record and staying in strong contention for Sportsline Player of the Week.

His performance this season (he has been in contention almost every week) gives the Bulldogs a competitive edge.

LSU women's basketball hosted Mississippi College on Oct 23 in an exhibition game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center; the game began at 7 p.m. and was free to attend while airing on LSU Sports Radio + SEC Network.

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.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

2-3:30 p.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a family-friendly live music experience with Blippi and friends.

Merry Market

9 AM - 5 PM — Rev Center — Free entry — Explore local vendors showcasing handmade goods, artwork, and culinary delights.

The Fall Round Up

8 AM - 3 PM — Hollingsworth Richards Ford — $30 — Celebrate Mustang and Ford-powered vehicles with jambalaya, silent auctions, and fun for a good cause.

Aloha Baton Rouge Showdown 2025

7:00-8:30 a.m. — Raising Cane's River Center — Competitors vie for coveted Summit bids in this exciting cheerleading showdown.

UCA Baton Rouge Regional Cheerleading Competition

7-10 a.m. — 275 S River Rd, Baton Rouge — In-person event — Witness local cheer teams showcase their skills at this exciting competition.