🌱 Local Zoo Mourns Rhino Death + Symphony Summer Candlelight Series

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Baton Rouge Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 93 Low: 70.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy. High: 92 Low: 71.

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Here are the top three stories in Baton Rouge today:

1. A rhinoceros at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo has passed away due to old age. Gemstone, the female black rhino, died on Tuesday, May 30, just one month before her 35th birthday. Zoo officials say the rhino had recently experienced several health issues, including an abscess on her foot that required medications, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy. (WAFB)
2. Baton Rouge police have arrested a local man in connection with the death of his six-month-old son. Luciano Livious Sr., 25, was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish prison earlier this week for charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to a juvenile. His infant son's death was ruled a homicide due to Shaken Baby Syndrome. (BRProud)
3. The Baton Rouge Symphony is launching its Summer Candlelight Series on Jun. 16 with the Candlelight Pride performance. The annual summer series features performances of various genres including pop, hip-hop, and more. This year's series features a subscription package through which community members can buy one set of tickets and receive a second set free. (BRProud)

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Today and tomorrow in Baton Rouge:

Thursday, June 8

• Color Your Life: Beginning Acrylics At Cedarcrest Park BREC Building (3:00 PM)

Friday, June 9

• Summer Song Storycraft For Kids At Scotlandville Branch Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Theatre Baton Rouge is set to host auditions for its Capital Series opener, "Grease" next month. Click to sign up for auditions, which will take place Jul. 8- Jul. 11. (Theatre Baton Rouge via Facebook)
• Looking to add a furry, four-legged friend to your family? Meet Doughball, a fun-loving pup waiting to be adopted from Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge. Drop by today to put in an application for her adoption. (Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge via Facebook)
• Make memories and meet with local businesses during Kidzfest 2023 this Saturday, Jun. 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be face painting, kickball, inflatables, and more to entertain families and kids of all ages. (Baton Rouge Family Fun via Instagram)

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That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new 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.