A fierce debate over masks in schools; bridges not safe for school buses

The Advocate's Top Headlines

with Matthew Albright | Assistant metro editor

Good morning. There's a lot going on today in and around Baton Rouge: Let's get you up to speed.

Happening now: A fight over masks in schools

The state board that oversees schools is meeting today and discussing whether Gov. John Bel Edwards' mask order applies to K-12 schools and students. A large crowd has shown up, and many are vocally protesting the mask rules.

It seems like a similar situation to a hearing at the State Capitol earlier this week, which was disrupted by anti-mask, anti-vax audience members.

We'll have more on what the board decides later today.

Bridges not safe for school buses?

Over the past few years, engineers have determined that several bridges in Ascension Parish had degraded and were no longer safe for heavy vehicles. But the parish's school bus drivers weren't aware of those rulings.

Now that they are, drivers are having to take detours, making some bus rides lengthier and causing some traffic issues. This story explains what happened.

Greening up underneath I-10

A lot of places underneath I-10 in Baton Rouge are eyesores. State and local leaders have big plans to make bigger, better parks and greenways in those areas, and they have a few million dollars with which to do it.

They want the public's help in deciding what the beautification efforts should look like. This story explains the projects and how you can weigh in.

Thanks for reading, and have a great afternoon.