🌱 Catalytic Converter Heists + Is BR Drinking Water Unsafe?

Hello again, Baton Rouge! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Baton Rouge Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Baton Rouge Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Baton Rouge long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

A thunderstorm in spots. High: 84 Low: 68.

Here are the three top stories in Baton Rouge today:

1. The alleged ringleader behind recent catalytic converter heists had thieves targeting cars across Baton Rouge. The man suspected of organizing the criminal operation was booked on additional charges on Monday. Arrest documents reveal Matthew Gibson, the suspect, had a network of thieves who were stealing the parts from parked cars around the area throughout last year. (WBRZ)
2. There's a current legal battle over how to find out whether Baton Rouge's drinking water is at risk. In an effort to better understand the risk saltwater intrusion poses to large amounts of drinking water, Baton Rouge-area regulators are trying to independently monitor how much water industrial users are pumping out of the ground. However, Baton Rouge Water Co. has sued to stop those meters, claiming they are inaccurate and will add unnecessary costs for customers. (The Advocate)
3. After billions of tourism dollars were swiped from the city's economy over the past two years, Baton Rouge's tourism is making its return to pre-pandemic levels. With countless events coming up, more people are choosing to stay in Baton Rouge, with about 10,000 people staying in hotel rooms a night. (BRProud.com)

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Today in Baton Rouge:

• A/C rotation ACLS renewal course - East Baton Rouge Parish EMS Public Events (8:00 AM)
• Jones Creek Aerobics - East Baton Rouge Parish Library (9:30 AM)
• Painting Workshop - East Baton Rouge Parish Library (12:30 PM)
• Teen Tech Club - East Baton Rouge Parish Library (3:30 PM)
• GUGL: The Grown-Up Gaming League - Board Game Night (6:00 PM)
• Painted Mardi Gras bead Dog - East Baton Rouge Parish Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Spring (and love) is in the air at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo! Visit today with your little ones. (Facebook)
• Find your Mardi Gras look by shopping at Love in Baton Rouge! (Instagram)
• Explore Louisiana’s Capital City of Baton Rouge to experience the outdoor activities, delicious food, and more! (Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll see you soon!

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.