Down the road: The mandatory evacuation for residents in a one-mile radius around the Air Liquide Specialty Chemicals plant in Port Allen has been lifted, and U.S. 190 has been reopened. State police say the road reopened and the evacuation was lifted just before 8:15 this morning. Although emergency officials are still cleaning up the wreckage left behind from Monday’s chemical plant fire, Trooper Stephen Hammons says it’s safe for residents to go back home and for motorists to travel near the site.
At the door: Portico restaurant and bar has opened its doors at 11777 Coursey Blvd, near the intersection of South Sherwood Forest Boulevard, in the space formerly occupied by Calendar’s restaurant. Owners Stephen Walker and Kenny O’Neil—who both graduated from LSU and thereafter lived in Baton Rouge in the 1990s—opened the first Portico in Monroe in 2006 and added a Ruston location in 2009. The former Calendar’s building has been completely renovated. “The soul of Portico is in the etceteras: outdoor dining, live music, and a top-notch wine, beer and specialty drink menu,” reads a release announcing the Monday opening of the Baton Rouge location. Check out the Portico website here for more details and the full menu.
Impersonal attendants: She smiles, answers questions and can guide you to the nearest restroom or to your connecting flight. But don’t try and shake her hand. That’s because “she” is an avatar, the latest high-tech venture at New York’s three major airports. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey unveiled the device at Newark Liberty and La Guardia airports. Those two, along with JFK Airport, will be the first airports in North America to get an avatar this summer. The Port Authority is renting them for about $180,000 for six months. They cost about $250,000 each. More than 100 million travelers pass through the three airports annually, according to the Port Authority.
Today’s poll question: Whom are you most excited to see perform at Bayou Country Superfest this weekend?
