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BATON ROUGE — The Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership released an analysis showing that Kia's 2006 investment in a Georgia community drove sustained gains in various sectors as an example of how Hyundai Steel may bring similar gains to the Donaldsonville area.  The analysis used West Point, Georgia as a case study, examining 20 years of economic change following Kia's announcement of a $1.2 billion assembly plant, including sustained gains in employment, local government revenue, educational attainment and population across the town and neighboring communities.  Hyundai Steel broke ground on a $5.8 billion facility on Sept. 4, expected to create 5,400 jobs. According to the analysis, Kia invested more than $1.9 billion in West Point, with the plant and its suppliers now supporting more than 14,000 jobs in the region.  Following the initial investment, about 30 supplier projects followed the plant to Troup County, creating about a $950 million investment that supported 5,000 jobs.  West Point's city budget also grew from about $12 million in 2007 to $29.8 million in 2025, representing a 60% increase in spending power, allowing the city to lower its property tax rate in 2020, according to the analysis.  The county also saw a 39% increase in employed residents, with the number of adults with a high school diploma rising from 78.2% to 89%.  Following the plant's announcement, poverty in the county fell from a peak of 21.9% to about 17%, with the median age dropping from 45 to 31.  The analysis noted that Louisiana was on a similar path with infrastructure investments at the RiverPlex MegaPark, a $30 million RPCC training center opening in Donaldsonville in early 2028 and additional projects from CF Industries and Linde reportedly already announced at the site.  Permalink| Comments

BATON ROUGE — A woman was arrested by the Baton Rouge Police Department following a fatal crash along Old Hammond Highway on Sunday. According to officers, 35-year-old Merari Mejia, who was operating a 2018 Jeep Wrangler, allegedly failed to yield to oncoming traffic while turning into the roadway, causing a crash with a 2000 Honda dirt bike that resulted in the death of the driver.  Mejia was traveling westbound on Old Hammond Highway when she allegedly made a U-turn in front of the dirt bike, which was traveling eastbound, causing the bike to strike the rear right side of the Jeep before traveling off the roadway, officers said. The driver of the dirt bike, 29-year-old Jacob brown died as a result of the crash.  Meija allegedly admitted to drinking about six to seven beers at a local bar prior to driving, according to arrest documents.  Officers said that Meija exhibited bloodshot eyes and gave off the smell of alcohol. It was also noted that she performed poorly on a standard field sobriety test, according to records.  Meija allegedly scored a .89% on a breathalyzer test over 2 hours after the crash, with the general legal limit being 0.08%.  She was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was later arrested on various charges, including reckless operation of a vehicle, operating while intoxicated, vehicle turning left at an intersection and vehicular homicide.  Permalink| Comments

BATON ROUGE — It's Homecoming Week on LSU's campus!  To celebrate, the university is hosting a series of events leading up to Saturday's homecoming game against Mississippi State, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Here's what's happening on campus: Monday, Oct. 12: Homecoming Kickoff Block Party Tower Drive 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Res Life Fashion Sheaux Royal Cotillion Ballroom at the LSU Student Union Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Tiger Talks Mike the Tiger's Habitat Time: 5:30 p.m. Come see Mike the Tiger at his most active times and learn about the history and upkeep of Mike form his caretakers. Bring your questions! Tuesday, Oct. 13: Tiger Talks Mike the Tiger's Habitat Time: 5:30 p.m. Bounce and Bond Parade Grounds Time: 4 - 7 p.m. Come and enjoy food, inflatables, and forge new connections with other LSU students! Hosted by LSU Student Government Wednesday, Oct. 14: Splatterbeat Parade Ground Time: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Hosted by LSU Residential Life. MGC Mash LSU Student Union Atchafalaya Time: 6 p.m. Dive into fall and mingle with members of MGC! This homecoming, we are joining forces to welcome fall and reflect on who we call home at LSU. Join us as we paint pumpkins, dance, and compete in a costume contest with a cash prize! Hosted by LSU Greek Life. Dairy Store Petting Zoo Old LSU Dairy Store Location Time: 12 - 3 p.m. Hosted by The Dairy Store Thursday, Oct. 15: IFC/PHC Block Party Sorority Row Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Come Kick off Homecoming with Greek Life as we enjoy live music, various food options, and multiple lawn décor structures! Hosted by LSU Greek Life. Late Night LSU HOMECOMING EDITION LSU Student Union Time: 7 - 10 p.m. Build a Mike is back! Enjoy food, music, and a silent disco to celebrate Homecoming! Friday, Oct. 16: Fall Fest Parade Ground Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. NPHC Step Show LSU Student Union Theater Time: 6:30 p.m. The Annual National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show is where the Divine Nine bring their best to the stage. Fraternities and sororities go head-to-head in an electrifying competition for trophies, bragging rights, and a grand prize. Packed with energy, tradition, and culture, this fun-filled night is one you don't want to miss! Hosted by LSU Greek Life. Saturday, Oct. 17: Cheer on Homecoming Court as they walk Victory Hill Homecoming Queen and King announced at halftime LSU vs. Mississippi State Kickoff Time: 11 a.m. Permalink| Comments

#### Summerlike weather is sticking around, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and lower 90s through much of the workweek. A cold front late Friday should finally bring cooler air for the weekend, although rain chances will remain very low. Today and Tonight:  Plan on plenty of sunshine and another warm afternoon across Baton Rouge and the Capital Region. Highs will reach the lower 90s, with some locations potentially approaching record territory for mid-October. Drier air should keep nighttime conditions more comfortable, though a little shallow fog could develop in low-lying areas around daybreak. Use the slider to advance through the next 24 hours of Futurecast Up Next: The heat isn't going anywhere just yet. High pressure will dominate through Thursday, keeping skies mostly clear and rain chances near zero. Afternoon highs will continue running well above normal, with upper 80s and lower 90s expected through the end of the workweek. A cold front is forecast to move through Friday night, bringing a noticeable change for the weekend. Saturday highs should fall into the lower 80s, while overnight temperatures could dip into the 50s. The front isn't expected to produce much rain, but it should briefly deliver the cooler fall weather many have been waiting for. Tropics: The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor a disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms in the eastern tropical Atlantic, west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Development chances remain low at 20% over the next 48 hours and through the next seven days, as unfavorable upper-level winds are expected to limit further organization.  --- - Dave Get the latest 7-day forecast and real-time weather updates HERE. Watch live news HERE. --- The Storm Station is here for you, on every platform. Your weather updates can be found on News 2, wbrz.com, and the WBRZ WX App on your Apple or Android device. Follow WBRZ Weather on Facebook and X for even more weather updates while you are on the go. Permalink| Comments