🌱 Shooting + Crash Near Choctaw Dr. + 'Severe Drought' For BR

Morning, Baton Rouge! I'm Nicole Fallon-Peek, your temporary host of the Baton Rouge Daily. Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant. High: 76 Low: 43.

Here are the top three stories in Baton Rouge today:

1. On Tuesday afternoon, Baton Rouge police were on the scene near the intersection of Choctaw Drive and Greenwell Springs Road for two reported events: a shooting and a vehicle crash. No injuries were reported, and police are currently investigating both incidents. No information has been released about how the crash and the shooting are related, or any individuals involved. (BRProud.com)
2. Parts of the Baton Rouge metro area are currently categorized as being in a "severe drought," according to WBRZ. In a typical year, Baton Rouge accumulates nearly 11 inches of rain, but so far in 2022, there have been just 4.29 inches of recorded accumulation. Severe drought conditions lead to poor grass growth, stressed trees, and low creeks and bayous. (WBRZ)
3. On Mar. 1, Baton Rouge General Birth Center crowned the first two newborns of the day as the Mardi Gras baby king and queen. Baby girl Amaya Landry and baby boy Denou were both born between the hours of 7 and 8 a.m. yesterday, and the Birth Center staged their newborn photo with tiny crowns and Mardi Gras beads. Both babies and their mothers are reported to be healthy and doing well. (BRProud.com)

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Today in Baton Rouge:

• Grab & Geaux: Hoop There it is - East Baton Rouge Parish Library (9:00 AM)
• Mini Book Magnets - East Baton Rouge Parish Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new fur baby to bring home? There are plenty of adorable animals up for adoption in the Baton Rouge area. (Baton Rouge Patch)
• If you're in the market for a new home, these Baton Rouge-area properties have just been listed for sale. (Baton Rouge Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— 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.