Masks option in BR schools

with Jennifer Wadsworth | Assistant metro editor

Good morning. Here's a look at our latest headlines. 

Masks optional

Waning COVID positivity rates prompted East Baton Rouge public school leaders to ease up its mask mandate. Starting Monday, face-coverings will be optional for staff and students — for the most part. Charles Lussier explains the new guidance here. 

Sex crimes case

Lawyers for Cynthia Perkins — a Livingston Parish woman accused with her ex-husband of a slew of sex crimes — asked a judge to delay her imminent trial so her attorneys can have more time to weigh evidence received from prosecutors this week that could help her defense. James Finn has the story. 

Self-defense claim

Attorneys for a Baton Rouge man charged with second-degree murder in the 2020 shooting death of a panhandler outside Trader Joe’s argues in a new court filing that the state’s evidence “is not strong” enough, as Joe Gyan Jr. reports. 

Have a great weekend!