🌱 Father Arrested For Murder Of 5-Year-Old + BR Has 4th Worst Traffic

Hey, Baton Rouge! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's everything you need to know in Baton Rouge today.

First, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 75 Low: 50.

Here are the top three stories in Baton Rouge today:

1. A father has been arrested for murder after his 5-year-old died in a Baton Rouge hospital. Aaron Hawkins reportedly brought his daughter to Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, where she was pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy later revealed the girl had been beaten to death. (WBRZ)
2. According to the TomTom annual traffic index report, Baton Rouge has the fourth worst traffic in the United States. It is the smallest city in the top five, with New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Franciso being the other four. The Baton Rouge Area of Chamber hopes that the new Mississippi Bridge will help the flow of traffic. (BRProud.com)
3. A day after his arrest, a suspected gang member was stabbed at East Baton Rouge jail. Charleston Street, 25, was attacked and stabbed just hours after he arrived in prison. Street had been booked on a weapons charge and is recovering at a local hospital. (WBRZ)

Today in Baton Rouge:

• Nature Around Us At East Baton Rouge Parish Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Like wine? Join the Baton Rouge Zoo Foundation for their 2nd Annual Wild Wine Walk on Friday, May 20th! Guests ages 21 and older are invited to stroll through the zoo for an early evening of wine tastings, food samples, and more! (Instagram)
• Kick-off your weekend with Rebirth Brass Band today at Live After Five. Then flow through downtown Baton Rouge's art and culture on today and tomorrow with music, art, and fun at the Ebb & Flow Festival from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge. (Facebook)
• Reminder: If you are attempting to contact the Baton Rouge Police Department, please dial 225-389-2000. In case of an emergency call 911. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early Monday with a new 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.