Investigating Baton Rouge sewer backups

with Matthew Albright | Assistant metro editor

Good morning! Here are some of our biggest stories today. 

Baton Rouge sewer problems

Over the past decade, sewer fees in Baton Rouge have soared. That's because we're under a federal order to improve a sewer system that allows too much rainwater to flow in, causing nasty backups throughout the system.

We've been paying those higher fees for decades now. And, while things have improved, the city still hasn't fully fixed the problem — hundreds of backups still happen every year.

This story explains what's going on. 

Governor under scrutiny

Gov. John Bel Edwards is under growing scrutiny for his handling of the death of Ronald Greene in State Police custody. Revelations that the governor was told of a "violent, lengthy struggle" with officers before Greene's death — even has his family and the public were told he died in a car crash — have spurred criticism and calls for more answers.

This morning, the state House speaker called for an inquiry into the governor over the issue. 

Super Bowl-bound Joe Burrow

After sending the Cincinatti Bengals to the Super Bowl with a stunning come-from-behind victory Sunday, former LSU stars Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Shelvin are basking in the spotlight. Burrow will be the first ex-LSU quarterback to play in a Super Bowl since 1982. 

The front page of the local newspaper showed Shelvin hoisting Burrow onto his shoulder — much like he did after LSU beat Alabama in 2019. The players' families and current and former LSU players went wild on social media. 

Thanks for reading, and have a great day.