🌱 NOLA To Baton Rouge Train Route In Limbo + Starbucks On Strike

Hello and happy Thursday! I'm back in your inbox this spring morning to walk you through all the most important things happening locally. Today's issue includes news about:

• The DOTD is behind on submitting plans for a NOLA to Baton Rouge Passenger Train.
• Maple Street Starbucks goes on strike.
• The ACLU's letter to Louisianians.

But first, today's weather: Clouding up; breezy, humid. High: 83 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories today in New Orleans:

1. The Louisiana DOTD is running out of time to draft its plans for a passenger rail between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The DOTD must send those plans to Joint Transportation Committee before April 10. With many other tasks to be completed ahead of the deadline, it seems like plans for a passenger rail might be falling behind. (FOX 8 Local First)
2. The Maple Street Starbucks joined the hundreds of other stores currently on strike to demand union negotiations with the company. The strike is planned to continue through at least noon on Wednesday where customers are currently unable to cross the picket line. (WGNO New Orleans)
3. The ACLU of Lousiana has issued a letter of advice for the public on concerns of censorship, specifically regarding book-banning, as instances have been rising recently. The ACLU wants to help Lousiana residents have a clearer understanding of what is and is not allowed under the constitution, and what this means for curating library selections. (KATC News)

Today in New Orleans:

• Tulane University Track & Field vs North Carolina State University (All Day)
• Teen Gaming Night at the River Ridge Library (4:30 PM)
• Hip Hop Artists and Tulane Professors Talk (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The New Orleans Health Department along with the Office of Youth and Family will be hosting a webinar on to help you understand the new changes to Medicaid coverage on April 5. (New Orleans Health Department via Facebook)
• The New Orleans Film Festival 2023 Gala is coming up on Saturday, April 22 at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport. (New Orleans Film Festival via Facebook)
• New Orleans City Park's service Earth Day is coming up on April 22 with a anti-litter volunteer event! (New Orleans City Park via Facebook)

That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Shannon Denney

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New Orleans Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]