🌱 City Accepting Solid Waste Contract Bids + Explosion Injures Two

Welcome back, Baton Rouge! Let's get this Wednesday started off right. Here's everything worth knowing in Baton Rouge today.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and comfortable. High: 79 Low: 51.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Baton Rouge:

1. East Baton Rouge will be seeking bids for their trash-hauling contract after the current deal expires. Republic Services, the current waste and recycling contractor, will submit a bid; however, city officials encourage any company to compete for the spot. The current contract will expire in 10 months. (The Advocate)
2. The list of possible new bridge sites crossing the Mississippi River is getting a little bit shorter. Taxpayers had an opportunity to view a list of 10 possible sites at the Bluebonnet Regional Library on Monday evening. Six open houses will be held in total prior to the narrowing of potential build sites. See the full list of open houses and locations at the link. (The Advocate)
3. Two construction workers are hurt after an explosion at St. Agnes Church yesterday morning. According to firefighters, the explosion was caused by someone lighting a torch in the presence of a gas leak. BRFD says that the two construction workers are in stable condition. Mayflower St. and South 10th St. were closed to clean up debris from the explosion. (WGNO New Orleans)

Today in Baton Rouge:

• Grand Opening at CenterWell Senior Primary Care Denham Springs (10:00 AM)
• Teen Tech Club at East Baton Rouge Parish Library (3:30 PM)
• Virtual Teen Book Club at River Center Branch Library (4:00 PM)
• Metropolitan Council Regular Meeting at Council Chambers (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Theatre Baton Rouge is holding auditions! The auditions will take place on May 7th and 8th. The show will be the 76th Season Gala, "Sunday With Sondheim." (Facebook)
• The Louisiana Art & Science Museum invites you to its 60th Anniversary Gala. The event will feature Mighty Women by Ashley Longshore. (Instagram)
• BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo celebrated International Flamingo Day! Read some fun facts about flamingos here. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.