Tagged News

• Central Police: Mayor Wade Evans' toxicology report shows no impairment after May crash Play Video

  May 26, 2026 1:50 PM

  CENTRAL — The Central Police Department has released the results of a completed investigation into a two-vehicle accident that Central Mayor Wade Evans was involved in on May 19. According to investigators, Evans was driving a city-owned Ford F-150 southbound on Blackwater Road after leaving a public event. He... more »

• Several Metro Council members subpoenaed to testify in corruption probe; report says ex-mayor, too Play Video

  April 28, 2026 6:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Multiple Metro Council members have been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury looking into alleged corruption inside Baton Rouge government, sources told the WBRZ Investigative Unit on Tuesday. The sources said Council members Rowdy Gaudet, Denise Amaroso and Brandon Noel were among those who received... more »

• Mayor Edwards among group of global mayors to complete Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership initiative Play Video

  April 16, 2026 10:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards was among a group of mayors from 45 cities across the world who completed the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership initiative this week. This week, Edwards finished the final class of the program, which featured mayors from 16 countries, in... more »

• Baker Mayor proposes limit on new hair salons, barber shops and tire shops along busy corridors Play Video

  April 14, 2026 7:13 PM

  BAKER - Baker Mayor Darnell Waites is proposing a temporary moratorium to limit where some small businesses can operate. Barber shops, beauty salons, tire shops, and smoke shops are all included. CeCe's Beauty Parlor sits right off Main Street in Baker. It's a small business that has been there... more »

• Killian mayor thanks Gov. Landry after botched water system installation leaves town dry Play Video

  April 10, 2026 4:29 PM

  KILLIAN — Killian Mayor Caleb Atwell thanked Gov. Jeff Landry on Friday after requesting his help following a failed water system installation that left residents without water for 37 hours. Atwell posted a letter to the governor on social media Thursday, stating the town followed all state directives for... more »

• 4 Metro Council members propose new strategy for city-parish raises, mayor says his plan to fund BRPD is solid Play Video

  April 8, 2026 11:42 AM

  BATON ROUGE - In response to recent criticisms over alleged unfair pay raises, four Metro Council members held a press conference Wednesday to ask for equal pay for city-parish employees across the board. "We want to ensure that everybody in this parish understands that we see them, we hear... more »

• 5 accused of malfeasance in Mamou, Ville Platte, Opelousas; troopers allege misuse of state database Play Video

  April 7, 2026 4:29 PM

  VILLE PLATTE — Four law enforcement officials and a mayor were booked Tuesday on criminal charges, State Police said. Those arrested were Mayor Ryan Williams, 40, police Sgt. Darrien Guillory, 33, and communications officer Chasessica Basco, 41, of Ville Platte; Mamou Police Chief Charles "Pat" Hall, 53; and Opelousas... more »

• Stop the Violence community walk brings violence prevention to Baton Rouge communities Play Video

  March 23, 2026 7:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Sid Edwards' Violence Prevention Collaborative and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office held the Stop the Violence community walk on Monday at St. Pius X Community Activity Center. The walk, featuring all branches of law enforcement, is meant to support ongoing violence prevention in the... more »

• Mayor-President Sid Edwards' office addresses homelessness in East Baton Rouge Parish Play Video

  March 18, 2026 6:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Mayor-President Sid Edwards has made reducing homelessness a priority, boasting on social media of major reductions in homelessness throughout the city. In January 2025, Matthew Edwards started working as a coordinator for the Mayor's Office of Homelessness Prevention. "Ultimately, we're just trying to help these... more »

• Is Gonzales mayor being overpaid? Council sorting out the math involved Play Video

  March 16, 2026 7:13 PM

  GONZALES — Gonzales city officials are looking into whether the mayor is being paid too much. The Advocate reported Monday that Mayor Tim Riley's salary has climbed from around $125,590 to $134,035 in the past 15 months. While the city council approved paying Riley $130,237 last August, Councilman... more »

• KOK Wings & Things to host Q-and-A session with Mayor-President Sid Edwards Play Video

  March 6, 2026 2:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - KOK Wings & Things co-owner Trejan Vinson joined WBRZ Noon News on Friday to announce a special event with the mayor's office. The restaurant will host a Q-and-A session with Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards. This comes after video posted online shows the mayor at KOK... more »

• 2 ON YOUR SIDE: Gonzales mayor and local business owner at odds over unpaid HVAC bill at home Play Video

  March 5, 2026 4:31 PM

  GONZALES - A small business owner says the mayor of Gonzales hasn't paid an overdue bill, and it's time to pay up. The mayor tells 2 On Your Side that he doesn't owe anything. John Murphy is an entrepreneur with a small HVAC business called Air Vantage. Most of... more »

• Mayor-President Sid Edwards announces annual workforce experience for high school students Play Video

  February 27, 2026 12:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Sid Edwards announced an annual workforce experience for high school students on Friday. The 2026 Mayor's Youth Workforce Experience is a paid eight-week summer career awareness and internship program being offered to high school students. The program aims to connect teens with professional mentors,... more »

• Barney Arceneaux to retire as executive director of Louisiana Municipal Association in May Play Video

  February 24, 2026 10:57 AM

  GONZALES — Barney Arceneaux, the longtime mayor of Gonzales and current Executive Director of the Louisiana Municipal Association, will be retiring in May, a spokesperson said. Arceneaux's last day will be May 1. Arceneaux took the role at the Louisiana Municipal Association in 2024 after serving as mayor... more »

• Ponchatoula mayor provides clarification on boil water advisory Play Video

  February 18, 2026 3:50 PM

  PONCHATOULA — Ponchatoula Mayor Wesley Daniels on Wednesday provided some clarification regarding a boil water advisory that was issued for the city on the prior day. Daniels said Ponchatoula residents who live north of La. 22 and east of the railroad tracks are under the boil advisory. Residents who... more »

• Third annual Hearts for Heroes tribute transforms Davis Rhorer Plaza at City Hall Play Video

  February 9, 2026 10:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Sid Edwards, along with the Mayor's Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs and Baton Rouge City Constable Terrica Williams, hosted the third annual Hearts for Heroes tribute on Monday at City Hall. The tribute honors veterans of East Baton Rouge Parish by transforming the Davis Rhorer... more »

• Recall petition filed against Mayor-President Sid Edwards; he says it ignores what he's accomplished Play Video

  February 2, 2026 3:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Just 13 months into his term as mayor-president, Sid Edwards is the subject of a recall petition. Paperwork was filed Friday with the Secretary of State's office seeking to remove Edwards as the city-parish's chief executive. It alleges Edwards has failed to provide effective leadership, demonstrate... more »

• GSmoove Steppas host inaugural Thanksgiving in the Park with surprise visit from Gonzales Mayor

  November 15, 2025 8:08 PM

  GONZALES - The GSmoove Steppas hosted their inaugural Thanksgiving in the Park in Gonzales on Saturday with a surprise visit from Gonzales Mayor Timothy Riley. Thanksgiving in the Park was created to bring residents together in the spirit of gratitude while giving back to the community. The community-focused... more »

• St. George and Central's mayors join Angelo's Landscape Group's weed eating contest Play Video

  November 7, 2025 6:03 PM

  ST. GEORGE - Angelo's Landscape Group hosted its annual company Field Day on Friday in St. George. The event was joined by Central Mayor Wade Evans and St. George Mayor Dustin Yates, who both participated in the weed-eating competition. The Field Day took place from 8:30 a.m. to... more »

• Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayor's race, capping a stunning ascent

  November 5, 2025 7:07 AM

  NEW YORK (AP) — Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York on Tuesday, capping a stunning ascent for the 34-year-old, far-left state lawmaker, who promised to transform city government to restore power to the working class and fight back against a hostile Trump administration. In a victory for... more »

• St. George says it will take over public works, other civil services within city limits on Nov. 1 Play Video

  October 21, 2025 9:35 AM

  ST. GEORGE — The City of St. George will take over public works operations, maintenance and citizen-service support within the city's limits at the start of November, officials at Mayor Dustin Yates' office said. St. George will continue to use East Baton Rouge Parish's 311 system until Nov. 1.... more »

• Baker officials formally rename cemetery in remembrance of former mayor Play Video

  October 8, 2025 7:09 AM

  BAKER — On Tuesday, Baker officials formally rededicated the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery as the Norman E. Pete Heine Memorial Gardens. Heine served as Baker's mayor from 1964 to 1976; he died in December. The city council voted for the name change three years ago, but some people... more »

• Baton Rouge city leaders weigh in on National Guard deployment in the city Play Video

  September 30, 2025 3:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge city leaders weighed in Tuesday after Gov. Jeff Landry requested the National Guard be deployed in the city. Landry submitted a request for 1,000 Louisiana National Guardsmen to the U.S. Department of War on Monday night to address "ongoing public safety concerns regarding high... more »

• '1 Million Steps 2 Safety' 5K promoting safer streets to be held at La. State Police Headquarters

  September 25, 2025 11:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announced Thursday that it will host the "1 Million Steps 2 Safety" 5K starting at the Louisiana State Police Headquarters on Oct. 25. The event celebrates Pedestrian Safety Month and is about "working as a team to make our streets safer,... more »

• Addis replaces Mayor's Court system with new Magistrate Court Play Video

  September 22, 2025 7:06 PM

  ADDIS - The City of Addis is making a major change to its justice system. Instead of the mayor presiding over cases, a newly created magistrate court will now take over. Mayor’s courts are common in small towns across Louisiana, but officials in Addis say the system has been... more »

• Mayor's plan to merge EMS, BRFD moving forward less than week after pause ordered by judge Play Video

  August 26, 2025 9:19 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Sid Edwards' plan to merge EMS services with the Baton Rouge Fire Department is moving forward after a brief pause spurred on by a temporary restraining order last week. The Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board voted Monday morning to expand Baton Rouge Fire... more »

• Public records reveal what's wrong with Killian's water after more than two years of ongoing issues Play Video

  August 12, 2025 5:26 PM

  KILLIAN - In Livingston Parish, there’s a small town with a big water problem, and residents say for years they haven’t reached for a glass from their tap. In Killian, residents say their water is discolored, smells like chemicals, and is undrinkable. Public records could reveal the depth of... more »

• WBRZ FLASHBACK: Zachary is born Play Video

  August 7, 2025 8:16 AM

  ZACHARY — This week in Louisiana history, the city of Zachary was born. Zachary was founded on 160 acres of plantation land that Confederate general Daryl Zachary sold to the Illinois Central Railroad for a dollar. On this land, a community sprang up around the train tracks and the... more »

• Mayor talks blight, changes coming to streamline condemnation process Play Video

  August 5, 2025 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - One of the most common calls to 2 On Your Side involves some form of blight. Property blight is a big one. It's something that East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards says has become magnified since taking office. In terms of tearing down condemned properties, the... more »

• Gonzales city leaders at stalemate over 2026-2027 fiscal budget Play Video

  July 14, 2025 11:59 PM

  GONZALES - Monday's Gonzales City Council meeting ended the way it started, with no budget. Mayor Tim Riley says it is scary that the city is running without a financial plan. "I am just concerned about our police department and our fire department, very concerned. If we run out... more »

• Newly elected Killian mayor wants to suspend police department for a year, have LPSO take over Play Video

  July 9, 2025 5:58 PM

  KILLIAN — After only nine days in office, the new mayor of Killian is set to introduce a proposal at Wednesday's town hall meeting to suspend the Killian Police Department for one year and fire the department's current employees. Mayor Caleb Atwell plans to overhaul law enforcement in Killian... more »

• Mayor announces 'Operation Stay Cool' to repair A/C units for eligible homeowners Play Video

  July 2, 2025 11:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Mayor-President Sid Edwards announced a new initiative that aims to help low-income homeowners in need during the sweltering Louisiana summer heat. The Operation Stay Cool initiative will provide A/C unit repairs or replacements for eligible residents and will use federal crisis funding. The funds would include... more »

• Jackson Mayor James Norsworthy III dies at 75 Play Video

  June 27, 2025 3:58 PM

  JACKSON — The longtime mayor of Jackson, James Norsworthy III, died earlier this week after a battle with cancer. Norsworthy died peacefully at his home Thursday at the age of 75, an obituary said. Mayor Norsworthy was a lifelong resident of Jackson before serving as mayor for 21... more »

• Mayor-President announces plan to merge Baton Rouge Fire with Baton Rouge EMS Play Video

  June 23, 2025 2:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE — The Baton Rouge Fire Department and Baton Rouge EMS are being merged into a single entity, the Mayor-President’s Office announced Monday afternoon. According to a news release, the consolidation would focus on reducing duplication in administrative and operational areas. Officials said that the merger will be... more »

• 'I warned this would happen:' Former mayor criticizes current administration for financial crisis Play Video

  June 9, 2025 8:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE — In a video posted to her Instagram, former Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome responded to accusations that her administration's failures led to a current budget crisis. Broome referenced a media report where Sid Edwards claimed the city's budget would fail if his Thrive! initiative does not pass,... more »

• Local lawmakers and officials offer condolences after Kip Holden's death Play Video

  May 14, 2025 12:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers, officials and other prominent names in the capital city are offering their condolences after former Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden died early Wednesday morning. Former Metro Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle who served during Holden's time said she was very sad to hear about Holden's passing, and... more »

• Former EBR Mayor-President Kip Holden dies at 72 after decades of civil service Play Video

  May 14, 2025 8:10 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Former Mayor-President of Baton Rouge Melvin "Kip" Holden died after a "lengthy illness," WBRZ learned Wednesday morning. He was 72 years old. Holden served as the city-parish's first Black mayor-president from 2005 to 2016. His tenure was bracketed by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the... more »

• St. George mayoral candidate says he's 'not a quitter' Play Video

  March 28, 2025 8:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Ahead of a statewide election Saturday, the new city of St. George will also see its first mayoral election. Candidate Jim Morgan spoke with 2une In Friday morning about his plans for the fledgling city. Morgan said one of his biggest priorities is to bring... more »

• Dustin Yates asks voters to help him 'complete the mission' days before St. George's first election Play Video

  March 27, 2025 4:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE — With the city's first election around the corner, St. George Interim Mayor Dustin Yates on Thursday reiterated his commitment to help create a school system for the city. "That's why we went through the process of creating a city," Yates said in an appearance on 2une... more »

• AT&T installs new 5G site in Donaldsonville to enhance connection along La. 1, for first responders Play Video

  March 20, 2025 5:21 PM

  DONALDSONVILLE — Donaldsonville's wireless coverage was enhanced with the installation of a new AT&T cell site on Thursday. The new site will boost signals along La. 1, the company said, with first responders and their response times benefiting from the increased connectivity. “Reliable communication is critical for our... more »

• City-parish unveils new funding plan appeasing mayor's office, library following reallocation concerns Play Video

  March 11, 2025 3:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Mayor-President Sid Edwards and the parish library system announced Tuesday that they came to a compromise after weeks of concern over a portion of the library's budget possibly being reallocated to other sources. "I am very happy to say, that after much deliberation in many meetings... more »

• City officials will be updating traffic signals throughout this week Play Video

  March 3, 2025 9:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE - City officials will be updating traffic signals throughout the parish this week, which may cause delays for your morning commutes. Officials said mechanics will be working on multiple signals' firmware at a time and the updates should take no longer than ten minutes for each. ... more »

• Mayor-President Sid Edwards says city crime situation 'better' under his leadership Play Video

  February 20, 2025 6:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Halfway through his first 100 days in office, Mayor-President Sid Edwards says he is still learning the ropes. "The biggest adjustment for me is the slow pace — the slow pace of government. As a coach, I like to rock and roll. I like to go,"... more »

• Baker mayor named to National League of Cities' 2025 Small Cities Council

  February 13, 2025 12:24 PM

  BAKER — The mayor of Baker on Thursday was appointed to the National League of Cities' 2025 Small Cities Council. Mayor Darnell Waites was elected to a one-year term on the council to develop and guide programs among local elected officials from similar communities, NLC President and Mayor of... more »

• St. George council votes yes on city leaders' salaries Tuesday evening Play Video

  January 14, 2025 6:03 AM

  ST. GEORGE - After many public comments opposing the proposed pay raise for St. George leaders, the council voted 5-2 to a reduced pay scale for incoming administration. The full time mayor's salary will be $160,000, and the full time police chief's salary will be $140,000. "The police chief... more »

• Mayor-President Sid Edwards names 30 business, political, community figures to join transition team

  January 9, 2025 4:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE — East Baton Rouge Mayor-President-Elect Sid Edwards on Thursday announced a list of 30 local business leaders, politicians and former colleagues of Edwards during his time as a football coach at Istrouma High School that are joining his transition team as he continues to settle into the mayoral... more »

• Mayor-President Sid Edwards honors Badawi, Hunter families with presentation at Metro Council meeting Play Video

  January 8, 2025 9:58 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards honored two victims of the Bourbon Street attacks and their families at a Metro Council meeting Wednesday. Edwards started with Kareem Badawi , an Episcopal high school alum who was attending the University of Alabama. Edwards discussed Badawi's desire to see... more »

• Bogalusa mayor says anyone who believes his involvement in drug ring is 'sadly mistaken' Play Video

  January 8, 2025 10:51 AM

  BOGALUSA - A city mayor who was arrested Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a drug operation said anyone who believes in his charges is "sadly mistaken." Tyrin Truong, 25, was arrested Tuesday and booked for drug dealing and soliciting prostitutes. He bonded out later Tuesday afternoon. "... more »

• Bogalusa mayor arrested; attorney general disappointed by his drug, prostitution allegations Play Video

  January 7, 2025 10:22 AM

  BOGALUSA — Louisiana's attorney general expressed disappointment Tuesday in Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Troung, saying he had let people down by becoming involved in a Washington Parish drug operation. State Police arrested Truong, 25, and accused him of dealing drugs and soliciting prostitutes. Others were charged, too, and Attorney General... more »

• Gonzales swears in first Black mayor, other elected city officials Play Video

  January 6, 2025 4:53 PM

  GONZALES — Tim Riley was sworn in as the first Black mayor of Gonzales on Monday at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center along with other city officials. Riley said he is honored to serve the people of Gonzales. "Instead of focusing on Tim Riley being the very first... more »

• Franklin lifts boil advisory in place since August; secures $2.4 million to modernize water system Play Video

  December 20, 2024 12:02 PM

  FRANKLIN — City officials said Friday that a boil advisory that had been in place for Franklin residents since August was lifted. The Louisiana Department of Health issued the boil notice on Aug. 19 following reports of issues with the water supply's turbidity — a measure of the level... more »

• Port Allen Mayor-Elect discusses goals for first term, plans to 'restructure the office' Play Video

  December 11, 2024 6:17 PM

  PORT ALLEN — Port Allen will have a new mayor in January. Terecita Pollard Pattan defeated Clyde Robertson Sr. in November and will succeed current Mayor Richard Lee. Mayor-elect Pattan has worked for the city of Port Allen since 2005, and as she puts it, has worn many... more »

• Iberville Parish President supports Gov. Landry's tax plan to borrow money from new bridge project Play Video

  December 9, 2024 6:17 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - Despite Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle claiming that $40 million allocated for the Baton Rouge regional bridge project is being postponed for two years, he added Monday that there’s no reason to panic. The funds, which were originally designated for the new Mississippi River Bridge, are being... more »

• Ted James, No. 3 in mayoral race, endorses incumbent Sharon Weston Broome ahead of runoff Play Video

  November 21, 2024 10:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Ted James announced Thursday he would be endorsing the incumbent Baton Rouge mayor, Sharon Weston Broome, ahead of the runoff election. Early voting begins Friday for the runoff election that will see another showdown between Sid Edwards and Sharon Weston Broome. The endorsement comes after... more »

• Donaldsonville mayoral candidate arrested for money laundering after theft arrest earlier in month Play Video

  October 31, 2024 4:51 PM

  GONZALES — A Donaldsonville mayoral candidate previously arrested for stealing copper wire from utility poles turned himself in to deputies Thursday after he was accused of laundering $100k and other financial crimes. Glenn Price, 68, was released on bond Thursday afternoon after turning himself in on money laundering and... more »

• Early voting closes Tuesday for Nov. 5 election Play Video

  October 18, 2024 11:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Early voting for the Nov. 5 election where voters will elect a new American president, choose who will lead East Baton Rouge Parish and vote on various other ballot measures across the capital area started Friday. Early voting runs from Friday through Oct. 29 — excluding... more »

• Secretary of State recommends eligible voters register to vote on final day of registration Play Video

  October 15, 2024 4:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Tuesday is the last day to register to vote online for the Nov. 5 election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry said that historically, Louisiana has had a high voter registration rate, adding that it hovers around 90% of eligible voters. "We always have new voters... more »

• Baton Rouge mayor candidates address key issues in effort to win over undecided voters at Press Club Play Video

  October 14, 2024 6:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Four candidates for East Baton Rouge Parish mayor-president went to the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday to win over undecided voters. Mayoral candidates Ted James, Nathaniel Hearn, Steve Myers and incumbent Sharon Weston Broome answered some remaining questions as the campaign winds down. ... more »