 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer The goal of the second annual “Summer of Hope” initiative is more than just hoping fewer people are affected by gun violence as temperatures rise. The program seeks to diagnose and assist with the causing factors of gun violence, like poverty and mental illness, for the city's most at-risk residents. "I believe we can create a future where gun violence is no longer a problem in our community," Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said at a news conference. The announcement comes as parish homicide counts reflect a downward trend in killings since 2021.
Authorities have released more details uncovered in their investigation into the shooting that left Denham Springs Cpl. Shawn Kelly hospitalized in critical condition. Included in the report are apparent rage events involving the suspect in the 45 minutes leading up to the shooting, including one where he followed a teen home from the same shopping plaza where the gunfire later occurred. Read a timeline of events here.
For everyone looking for a diverse menu of food and music, the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival is cranking up for its sixth year this weekend. The event is free and family-friendly, but bring your lawn chairs to enjoy the music on stage. Sean “Boss Hogg” Huey, of Café Express, is this year’s Pioneer Award honoree for his contributions to the soul food industry. | 
