🌱 S. University Receives Construction Grant + Capitol Renovations

Hi all. I'm here with your Saturday edition of the Baton Rouge Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Humid with a thunderstorm. High: 93 Low: 78.
• Sunday: Partly sunny, hot and humid. High: 96 Low: 79.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Baton Rouge Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Baton Rouge Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories today in Baton Rouge:

1. Southern University has received $1.265 million from Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis in order to bring A.W. Mumford Stadium up to energy efficiency standards. Lewis stated that the funding aims to decrease energy consumption, lower costs, promote sustainability, minimize emissions, and enhance the overall game day experience. Lewis further expressed his belief that historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) can serve as pioneers in sustainable initiatives, inspiring other educational institutions and communities to follow suit. (BRProud.com)
2. Delvin Puckett, 29, from Baton Rouge, was stopped by a deputy of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office (EBRSO) in the 16000 block of Castle Ridge Avenue near Jefferson Highway, where a bottle with 23 acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride pills was seized by law enforcement. Puckett claimed that the pills were for his disabled brother. Puckett initially denied having any firearms but admitted to having one under the driver's seat after being asked a second time; after searching the car, law enforcement seized a Glock-17 with a 24-round extended magazine and a bag containing 13.51 grams of what is likely marijuana. In addition to the seizures, according to the EBRSO, there was an outstanding bench warrant for Puckett, who is a convicted felon. (BRProud.com)
3. Legislators have earmarked $7.7 billion in the state construction budget for upgrades to the state Capitol in Baton Rouge. The majority of the funding, $7 million, will be used for exterior waterproofing of the Capitol, while the remaining $700,000 is dedicated to repairing the east plaza deck and roof. Additionally, the Pentagon Barracks, the historic complex where legislators reside during legislative sessions is slated to receive $2.5 million for upgrades. (Louisana Illuminator)

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Baton Rouge? Partner with the Baton Rouge Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Today and tomorrow in Baton Rouge:

Saturday, June 24

• Crystal Clear At Central Branch Library (All day)
• Free Live Music Concert Series - Levitt AMP Baton Rouge At Scotlandville Plaza (5:00 PM)
• 18 Steak Entertainment Presents: Live Music At 18 Steak (7:00 PM)

Sunday, June 25

• Redeemer Summer Book Club At Redeemer Baptist Church (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today, the Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library will be hosting a "Walrus Make-&-Take" event where kids can partake in a foam walrus craft! The event will take place beginning at 9:00 a.m. and children between the ages of 4 and 11 can participate. (East Baton Rouge Parish Library)
• The Lousiana Museum of Modern Art will be opening its summer classics presentation next week on Jun. 29! Click the link to view some of the artwork that will be on display. (Louisiana Museum of Modern Art via Instagram)
• Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge spotlighted Terry, a dog in need of adoption! A (very cute) photo of Terry is available at the link. (Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (Jun. 27)
• Add your event

That's it for today. See you all soon for another 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.