Baton Rouge Daily Brief: Public safety updates, weather alerts, and airport parking changes

Local Headlines

Baton Rouge, LA – February 24, 2026 – Police investigate a Port Allen Walmart shooting, a gun is found at a school, and BTR adds new parking options.


Public safety

Deputies in West Baton Rouge Parish are investigating a shooting outside the Walmart on Highway 1 in Port Allen late Monday night. Officials said one person was hit by gunfire around 10 p.m. on Feb. 23 and was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Investigators have not released additional details as the case develops.

In East Baton Rouge Parish, school officials reported that a gun was found in a student’s backpack at Doyle Elementary early Tuesday. Officials said the weapon was removed from campus. Families can expect added attention on procedures that keep weapons off school grounds and on reporting concerns quickly.

Weather: fire danger and a freeze

After several dry, breezy days, forecasters warned of critical fire conditions across the region, with low humidity and gusty winds raising the risk that any outdoor fire could spread fast. A brief return to freezing temperatures was also expected overnight into Tuesday morning, creating a risk for frost and damage to sensitive plants.

Getting around: BTR parking updates

The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport rolled out new parking options aimed at reducing last-minute uncertainty. The airport says travelers can now reserve premium reserved spaces in the short-term garage close to the terminal, book guaranteed garage parking, and reserve covered spots in the economy lot. EV drivers will also see expanded charging locations in the garage, with charging spaces available on multiple levels.

Community notes

A major local fundraiser is back: the Driving the Future campaign for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital kicked off its 16th year, with raffle ticket sales supporting pediatric care across Louisiana. Organizers say the campaign has raised more than $16 million over its first 15 years.

On campus, Planting Seeds of Hope returns to LSU Tuesday night with a free, public program focused on mental health awareness and encouraging people to talk openly when someone needs help. The speaking panel is set for the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

And for a weekend highlight, the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society’s Mystic Krewe of Mutts brought costumes, a downtown parade route, and fundraising for spay-and-neuter efforts.

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