🌱 Help ID Jones Creek Rd. Bank Robber + LSU Requests State Funds

Happy Thursday, Baton Rouge! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 71 Low: 43.

Here are the top three stories in Baton Rouge today:

1. The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect who robbed a bank on Jones Creek Road. Officials say a man walked into Bancorp South Bank around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and passed a note to the teller "making threats and demanding money." The suspect reportedly fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of money, and no weapon was seen. (WAFB)
2. Louisiana State University is hoping to improve its campus through state funds, but the school may not get all of the whopping $731 million requested by University President William Tate. Lawmakers reportedly balked at the massive "wishlist," which includes $150 million earmarked for improving academics and building a new library. According to WBRZ, the House Ways and Means Committee will "review LSU's request" before writing a bill for the House to vote on. (WBRZ)
3. East Baton Rouge officials have received more money from the federal government, which will be used to help struggling local families pay their rent. The EBR Metro Council gave final approval to this use of funds at their meeting yesterday. Tasha Saunders, Director of Community and Urban Development for the City-Parish of Baton Rouge, said about 4,000 families have been waiting to have their Emergency Rental Assistance Program checks released since the program ran out of funding in January 2022. (WAFB)

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Today in Baton Rouge:

• Wire Rose Ring Grab & Geaux At East Baton Rouge Parish Library (All Day)
• Preschool Storytime At East Baton Rouge Parish Library (10:30 AM)
• Crafting For A Cause Book Club At East Baton Rouge Parish Library (1:00 PM)
• Game Night At East Baton Rouge Parish Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A Baton Rouge Magnet High School student has been named as a Louisiana Young Hero by Louisiana Public Broadcasting for her "academic curiosity, community spirit, and strong ethics." Congratulations to senior Victoria Williams! (BRProud.com)
• Southern University campus police say there were shots fired in the parking lot of Jones Hall on Tuesday evening. No injuries were reported. (WBRZ)
• The Junior League of Baton Rouge’s seventh annual Touch-A-Truck fundraiser will take place at the BREC State Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 26. Admission is $10 per person (free for ages 2 and under), and tickets should be purchased in advance at touchatruckbr.org for guaranteed participation and shorter wait times. (The Advocate)

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

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.