🌱 Transit Masking Mandate Dropped + I-12 Crash Results In One Dead

Hey, Baton Rouge! Let's get you started this Thursday with everything you need to know going on around town today.

First, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 87 Low: 64.

Here are the top three stories today in Baton Rouge:

1. The city of Baton Rouge has dropped some of its mask mandates following a federal judge's ruling. Masking will now be optional for transit system buses and at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. The three airlines operating out of the Baton Rouge Airport say that masking is optional on their flights. (The Advocate)
2. One person died after a fiery vehicle crash that occurred on I-12 East at Millerville Rd. on Wednesday morning. The crash involved one vehicle, which caught fire in the woods near I-12. The cause of the crash has not yet been released. (BRProud.com)
3. A suspect is wanted for the attempted robbery of the Dollar General on Plank Road. Around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, a suspect reportedly entered the store with a weapon, demanding money. Officials say the store's employees activated the emergency button, causing the suspect to flee. (WAFB)

Today in Baton Rouge:

• Open House At CenterWell Senior Primary Care (1:00 PM)
• High Five Book Club At East Baton Rouge Parish Library (4:30 PM)
• Celebrate The Earth At East Baton Rouge Parish Library (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• April is Autism Acceptance Month. During this time The Baton Rouge Zoo wants to celebrate and promote acceptance of the condition that occurs in one in every 54 children in the United States. The Zoo is proud to be certified as a sensory inclusive facility, by promoting an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with sensory needs. (Facebook)
• Baton Rouge Police will have its weekly Community Walk and Talk today in the Belaire Community. They are meeting at Belaire High School parking lot located at 12121 Tams Dr at 3:00 p.m. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— 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.