BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Good news on the crime front came Thursday, as city officials said homicides in East Baton Rouge Parish dropped during the first quarter compared to last year, marking a steady downward trend following years of record-shattering violence. Homicides saw a drop of nearly 36% and nonfatal shootings 24%. "We are seeing real progress," said Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome. The news comes months after law enforcement leaders celebrated a 23% reduction in overall killings in 2022. Louisiana's Republican-controlled House on Thursday passed a budget that cuts teacher pay raises, early childhood education fees and infrastructure projects from Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards' state spending proposal. The package of spending bills now heads to the Senate, where it will likely face headwinds. Today is Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that has become a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, and nothing goes better with the celebration than music. The Baton Rouge scene is offering dozens of choices to help keep your good times flowing tonight. Check out our list of live performances in the area. | 