🌱 East Baton Rouge 991 Fee Increase? + Local HS Graduate Missing

Hi Baton Rouge! Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, your weekend weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny, a stray t-storm. High: 88 Low: 67.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 87 Low: 67.
• Monday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 89 Low: 68.

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Here are the top three stories today in Baton Rouge:

1. East Baton Rouge Parish residents could see higher phone bills due to an increase in the 911 fee. On Wednesday, May 31, the East Baton Rouge Communications District's board of commissioners will vote on a proposal, which would raise the 911 fee to fund needed improvements to the parish's 911 services. If the proposal passes, residential landlines will see a $4.32 annual increase, business landlines will see a $5.88 annual increase, and cellular lines will see a $4.80 increase. (The Advocate)
2. Authorities are searching for 18-year-old Cameron Robbins, who just graduated from University Laboratory School (U-High) in Baton Rouge a few days ago. On May 24, Robbins went overboard while on a graduation boating excursion in the Bahamas. The former U-High baseball player was allegedly acting on a dare when he jumped overboard. U-High baseball coach Justin Morgan said, "Cameron is a kid who is truly loved by his teammates, teachers, and fellow classmates... Our thoughts and prayers have been and will remain with the Robbins family during this difficult time." (WAFB)
3. Baton Rouge Police have identified the victim of a shooting on the 12000 block of Robbie Avenue on Thursday night, May 25. A spokesperson confirmed that Cedrid Battiste, 46, died at the scene. As of early Friday morning, the investigation is still ongoing and no suspect has been named. (WAFB)

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This weekend in Baton Rouge:

Saturday, May 27

• Grooving On The Grass, Chris Leblanc Band, Dominick Michael At Red Stick Social (11:00 AM)
• Memorial Weekend 3-Day Poolside Concert Series At Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge (3:00 PM)
• Kountry Wayne At Raising Cane's River Center Theatre (7:30 PM)

Sunday, May 28

• Jazz! In Black and White At Gallery 14/Eleven XI (6:00 PM)
• Memorial Weekend 3-Day Poolside Concert Series At Crowne Plaza Executive Center Baton Rouge (11:00 AM)

Monday, May 29

• Memorial Day Finale At Capital Park Bar & Grill (5:00 PM)
• BR Concert Band Memorial Day Concert At Main Library at Plaza (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• “Re-Election,” starring Tony Danza, is filming in and around Baton Rouge and needs extras between the ages of 18 and 20 years old! Filming starts Tuesday, May 30; view the link for more information. (BRProud.com)
• On May 26, the Baton Rouge Police Department discussed the recent rash of shootings in Baton Rouge during a press conference. View the link to see the video. (WAFB)
• On May 25, a Baton Rouge man was arrested for allegedly buying alcohol for minors and for driving recklessly on Perkins Road. Stephen Sommers, 29, is facing charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), speeding, unlawful purchase of alcoholic beverages by persons on behalf of persons under 21, improper lane usage, and no/expired inspection sticker. (BRProud.com)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you next week with your next 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.