Pat Sloan-Turner
@patsloanturner.bsky.social
Baton Rouge city politics reporter @TheAdvocateBR. Tripawd dog dad. Tips: [email protected]
Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards' own security detail detained a man wielding a knife outside of Edwards' office this morning.
No one was hurt during the incident, and officials said the man "appeared to be mentally ill and intoxicated."
No one was hurt during the incident, and officials said the man "appeared to be mentally ill and intoxicated."
Man with knife detained outside mayor’s office in Baton Rouge City Hall
The confrontation happened outside the mayor’s office.
www.theadvocate.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards' own security detail detained a man wielding a knife outside of Edwards' office this morning.
No one was hurt during the incident, and officials said the man "appeared to be mentally ill and intoxicated."
No one was hurt during the incident, and officials said the man "appeared to be mentally ill and intoxicated."
JUST IN: LSU's efforts to build an arena could face another new hurdle.
A suit was filed today claiming the taxes tied to the arena were created to dodge voter approval and that LSU misled the public about taxpayer money going to the developer.
A suit was filed today claiming the taxes tied to the arena were created to dodge voter approval and that LSU misled the public about taxpayer money going to the developer.
Tax in LSU area tied to new arena faces legal challenge over lack of voter approval
The lawsuit says the taxing district was illegally created in a way to circumvent voter approval.
www.theadvocate.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:12 PM
JUST IN: LSU's efforts to build an arena could face another new hurdle.
A suit was filed today claiming the taxes tied to the arena were created to dodge voter approval and that LSU misled the public about taxpayer money going to the developer.
A suit was filed today claiming the taxes tied to the arena were created to dodge voter approval and that LSU misled the public about taxpayer money going to the developer.
DEVELOPING: The developer behind an $11 million low-income Baton Rouge housing deal with the city-parish has just been charged by AG Liz Murrill on 7 counts of financial crimes.
The project was also the subject of federal subpoenas served last year.
The project was also the subject of federal subpoenas served last year.
Developer behind $11M Baton Rouge housing project charged with financial crimes
He faces charges of theft, bank fraud and money laundering, among others.
www.theadvocate.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:56 PM
DEVELOPING: The developer behind an $11 million low-income Baton Rouge housing deal with the city-parish has just been charged by AG Liz Murrill on 7 counts of financial crimes.
The project was also the subject of federal subpoenas served last year.
The project was also the subject of federal subpoenas served last year.
Kelly LeDuff is now Baton Rouge’s community development director.
But back in February, he was a contracted employee for Sid Edwards’ office, something state law prohibits, as his father is - and was - a senior mayoral aide.
But back in February, he was a contracted employee for Sid Edwards’ office, something state law prohibits, as his father is - and was - a senior mayoral aide.
Contract given to son of top Baton Rouge mayoral aide sparks ethics questions
Baton Rouge officials say nothing improper happened. But ethics attorneys say the law tells a different story about a father-son duo close to Mayor Edwards.
www.theadvocate.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Kelly LeDuff is now Baton Rouge’s community development director.
But back in February, he was a contracted employee for Sid Edwards’ office, something state law prohibits, as his father is - and was - a senior mayoral aide.
But back in February, he was a contracted employee for Sid Edwards’ office, something state law prohibits, as his father is - and was - a senior mayoral aide.
In 2018, St. George committed to cover 19% of the East Baton Rouge DA, court, coroner and prison budgets.
In court in 2022, they again said they'd pay.
But in 2025, operating as an actual city for more than a year — St. George has yet to pay a dime.
In court in 2022, they again said they'd pay.
But in 2025, operating as an actual city for more than a year — St. George has yet to pay a dime.
As Baton Rouge faces layoffs, parish leaders say other cities are not paying their fair share
As Baton Rouge faces another budget crisis, the fight over how to fund the system is intensifying, fueled by frustration that St. George and other cities don’t contribute a dime.
www.theadvocate.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:24 PM
In 2018, St. George committed to cover 19% of the East Baton Rouge DA, court, coroner and prison budgets.
In court in 2022, they again said they'd pay.
But in 2025, operating as an actual city for more than a year — St. George has yet to pay a dime.
In court in 2022, they again said they'd pay.
But in 2025, operating as an actual city for more than a year — St. George has yet to pay a dime.
With Baton Rouge bracing for hundreds of city layoffs, council members called out one of their own last night.
“It's just a slap in the face … to the 4,000 employees that are sitting there wondering whether or not they're going to have jobs next week.”
“It's just a slap in the face … to the 4,000 employees that are sitting there wondering whether or not they're going to have jobs next week.”
Council members accuse colleague of overspending amid Baton Rouge budget crisis
Metro Council members pointed the finger at one of their own, accusing him of overspending his community center’s budget.
www.theadvocate.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM
With Baton Rouge bracing for hundreds of city layoffs, council members called out one of their own last night.
“It's just a slap in the face … to the 4,000 employees that are sitting there wondering whether or not they're going to have jobs next week.”
“It's just a slap in the face … to the 4,000 employees that are sitting there wondering whether or not they're going to have jobs next week.”
Today was one of the most difficult days I have faced as Mayor-President," Sid Edwards said. "These were people I care about, respect, and who worked tirelessly to make a difference for our City-Parish."
Sid Edwards begins process of government layoffs after Baton Rouge votes down Thrive plan
Sid Edwards has begun to layoff city-parish workers after Thrive tax plan failed at the polls Saturday, with up to 200 Baton Rouge government jobs now on the line.
www.theadvocate.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Today was one of the most difficult days I have faced as Mayor-President," Sid Edwards said. "These were people I care about, respect, and who worked tirelessly to make a difference for our City-Parish."
The tears at Sid Edwards' watch party last night were not because a candidate lost or simply because the Thrive measures failed.
For his employees, a brutal truth was setting in:
The realization that some of them would be losing their jobs.
For his employees, a brutal truth was setting in:
The realization that some of them would be losing their jobs.
Why Sid Edwards’ Thrive plan failed — and why Baton Rouge government now faces painful times
Tears from Baton Rouge employees Saturday night tell the story: Thrive fell short amid mistrust and unclear messaging, and now layoffs are coming.
www.theadvocate.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:16 PM
The tears at Sid Edwards' watch party last night were not because a candidate lost or simply because the Thrive measures failed.
For his employees, a brutal truth was setting in:
The realization that some of them would be losing their jobs.
For his employees, a brutal truth was setting in:
The realization that some of them would be losing their jobs.
All 3 of the mayor’s tax rededications known as Thrive are going to fail.
Will be a rough day at Baton Rouge city hall Monday. Lots of layoffs coming.
Will be a rough day at Baton Rouge city hall Monday. Lots of layoffs coming.
November 16, 2025 at 3:37 AM
All 3 of the mayor’s tax rededications known as Thrive are going to fail.
Will be a rough day at Baton Rouge city hall Monday. Lots of layoffs coming.
Will be a rough day at Baton Rouge city hall Monday. Lots of layoffs coming.
It is finally Thrive decision day in Baton Rouge.
Will Mayor Sid Edwards major tax overhaul buck the odds and get voter approval?
Will Mayor Sid Edwards major tax overhaul buck the odds and get voter approval?
Baton Rouge votes Saturday on Mayor Sid Edwards' Thrive tax proposals. Here’s what to know.
After months of campaigning, voters will decide whether the mayor ends his first year with a political win. Here's what to know about Thrive:
www.theadvocate.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:47 PM
It is finally Thrive decision day in Baton Rouge.
Will Mayor Sid Edwards major tax overhaul buck the odds and get voter approval?
Will Mayor Sid Edwards major tax overhaul buck the odds and get voter approval?
Former speaker of the Louisiana State House of Representatives has been indicted on theft charges after related to the disappearance of an ancient cypress board that used to hang at the state capitol.
Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder indicted for theft of 'rare state artifact'
He was indicted after an ancient cypress board went missing from his office,
www.theadvocate.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Former speaker of the Louisiana State House of Representatives has been indicted on theft charges after related to the disappearance of an ancient cypress board that used to hang at the state capitol.
The mayor says his proposed budget for 2026 is the last one in which his office/the city-parish will fund Baton Rouge’s public defender’s office.
After that, they’ll need to fund themselves, he says.
After that, they’ll need to fund themselves, he says.
Baton Rouge courts could grind to a halt under budget cuts plan, DA and public defender say
Baton Rouge has one of the slowest court system in the entire country. Officials worry that the mayor's impending cuts could slow it even more.
www.theadvocate.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The mayor says his proposed budget for 2026 is the last one in which his office/the city-parish will fund Baton Rouge’s public defender’s office.
After that, they’ll need to fund themselves, he says.
After that, they’ll need to fund themselves, he says.
JUST IN: Mayor Sid Edwards has named Christel Slaughter his full-time Chief Administrative Officer. Slaughter has served as acting CAO — the top job in the mayor's office — since Sept. 9.
Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards permanently appoints Christel Slaughter as top administrator
Slaughter has been serving as Edwards' interim top administrator.
www.theadvocate.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:38 PM
JUST IN: Mayor Sid Edwards has named Christel Slaughter his full-time Chief Administrative Officer. Slaughter has served as acting CAO — the top job in the mayor's office — since Sept. 9.
Last night, Edwards brought the Baton Rouge Metro Council a 2026 budget that includes hundreds of layoffs and double digit % point cuts to almost every agency.
But BRPD and fire - who together account for about half the budget - are unscathed.
But BRPD and fire - who together account for about half the budget - are unscathed.
Sid Edwards proposes steep Baton Rouge budget cuts, 100s of layoffs — but not for police
Edwards’ budget would slash departments and layoff hundreds — but leaves police and fire untouched.
www.theadvocate.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Last night, Edwards brought the Baton Rouge Metro Council a 2026 budget that includes hundreds of layoffs and double digit % point cuts to almost every agency.
But BRPD and fire - who together account for about half the budget - are unscathed.
But BRPD and fire - who together account for about half the budget - are unscathed.
From cops vs. libraries to paying down debt.
Sid Edwards’ “Thrive” tax plan has changed a lot in the past 8+ months, and now voters are finally about to weigh in.
Sid Edwards’ “Thrive” tax plan has changed a lot in the past 8+ months, and now voters are finally about to weigh in.
Sid Edwards' Thrive proposal will test voters’ trust — and East Baton Rouge's finances
After eight months of changes, Sid Edwards’ Thrive tax plan goes before voters, testing both public trust and Baton Rouge’s financial future.
www.theadvocate.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:24 PM
From cops vs. libraries to paying down debt.
Sid Edwards’ “Thrive” tax plan has changed a lot in the past 8+ months, and now voters are finally about to weigh in.
Sid Edwards’ “Thrive” tax plan has changed a lot in the past 8+ months, and now voters are finally about to weigh in.
“If it's just ICE agents we would like to wait till at least after thrive election. I think it will hurt us getting passed," Edwards texted a consultant last month.
The mayor now says he’s completely against ICE in Baton Rouge.
The mayor now says he’s completely against ICE in Baton Rouge.
Sid Edwards says he doesn't want ICE in Baton Rouge after texts cause stir on social media
Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards says he doesn't want ICE in city after text messages surface.
www.theadvocate.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:07 PM
“If it's just ICE agents we would like to wait till at least after thrive election. I think it will hurt us getting passed," Edwards texted a consultant last month.
The mayor now says he’s completely against ICE in Baton Rouge.
The mayor now says he’s completely against ICE in Baton Rouge.
Councilwoman Coleman to the mayor's OCD Director Kelly LeDuff last night:
"If this thing was executed in August, and here we're getting almost to Thanksgiving, and … no monies have been issued, something's wrong with this picture."
"If this thing was executed in August, and here we're getting almost to Thanksgiving, and … no monies have been issued, something's wrong with this picture."
Baton Rouge Metro Council presses city-parish officials over stalled opioid money
Metro Council members pressed city officials Wednesday over monthslong delays in distributing opioid relief funds to District Attorney Hillar Moore's office and local nonprofits.
www.theadvocate.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Councilwoman Coleman to the mayor's OCD Director Kelly LeDuff last night:
"If this thing was executed in August, and here we're getting almost to Thanksgiving, and … no monies have been issued, something's wrong with this picture."
"If this thing was executed in August, and here we're getting almost to Thanksgiving, and … no monies have been issued, something's wrong with this picture."
The latest from @faimon:
"To say that Edwards doesn’t need this right now risks underplaying the pivotal moment of his first year."
"To say that Edwards doesn’t need this right now risks underplaying the pivotal moment of his first year."
Faimon Roberts: Edwards administration turmoil is hurting Thrive's chances
Mayor-president Sid Edwards' Thrive EBR plan is key to his first year and to East Baton Rouge Parish, columnist Faimon Roberts argues. But turmoil in the Edwards' administration, most recently the suspension of Assistance CEO Monique Appeaning, is hurting its chances.
www.theadvocate.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The latest from @faimon:
"To say that Edwards doesn’t need this right now risks underplaying the pivotal moment of his first year."
"To say that Edwards doesn’t need this right now risks underplaying the pivotal moment of his first year."
UPDATE: Mayor Sid Edwards has placed senior staffer Monique Appeaning on leave, as an investigation into her conduct is underway.
A complaint filed last week claims she runs the office “like a mafia boss” and used a slur against an employee.
A complaint filed last week claims she runs the office “like a mafia boss” and used a slur against an employee.
Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards places top aide on leave amid misconduct investigation
Mayor-President Sid Edwards placed one of his top aides on leave as his office investigates a complaint accusing her of misconduct.
www.theadvocate.com
October 18, 2025 at 1:52 AM
UPDATE: Mayor Sid Edwards has placed senior staffer Monique Appeaning on leave, as an investigation into her conduct is underway.
A complaint filed last week claims she runs the office “like a mafia boss” and used a slur against an employee.
A complaint filed last week claims she runs the office “like a mafia boss” and used a slur against an employee.
Autopengate — Baton Rouge edition:
Several council members are questioning the use of Mayor Sid Edwards’ autopen and whether a staffer currently under scrutiny is authorized to operate it.
Several council members are questioning the use of Mayor Sid Edwards’ autopen and whether a staffer currently under scrutiny is authorized to operate it.
Metro Council raises red flags over autopen use by Baton Rouge mayor Sid Edwards' staff
Several members of the Baton Rouge Metro Council are questioning the use of an autopen device in Mayor-President Sid Edwards' office, and whether a recently scrutinized aide has had access to it.
www.theadvocate.com
October 17, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Autopengate — Baton Rouge edition:
Several council members are questioning the use of Mayor Sid Edwards’ autopen and whether a staffer currently under scrutiny is authorized to operate it.
Several council members are questioning the use of Mayor Sid Edwards’ autopen and whether a staffer currently under scrutiny is authorized to operate it.
“What I don’t want is take-down soldiers. I don’t want them coming in here and busting down doors…”
What will the National Guard's role be in Baton Rouge? Here’s what officials are hoping.
While the mayor thinks a guard presence could deter crime, others say they would be better used to address underlying factors like blight.
www.theadvocate.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:04 PM
“What I don’t want is take-down soldiers. I don’t want them coming in here and busting down doors…”
SCOOP: A top aide to Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards has been accused by a staffer of using slurs, bullying employees and wielding "unchecked authority" "more like a mafia boss than a government worker."
Metro Council has called for a full investigation.
Metro Council has called for a full investigation.
Complaint says top Baton Rouge mayor's aide bullied employees; council wants investigation
The document, obtained by The Advocate, says the leader's "unchecked authority" is wielded "more like a mafia boss than a professional government worker."
www.theadvocate.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:58 PM
SCOOP: A top aide to Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards has been accused by a staffer of using slurs, bullying employees and wielding "unchecked authority" "more like a mafia boss than a government worker."
Metro Council has called for a full investigation.
Metro Council has called for a full investigation.
For a year and a half, St. George has been creating its brand new government from scratch - one they hope will look different than other Louisiana cities.
Meet the company tasked with making leaders’ vision of privatization a reality.
Meet the company tasked with making leaders’ vision of privatization a reality.
St. George's startup city: Meet the company building a privatized government from scratch
St. George has tapped IBTS to build its government from the ground up and contract out services, aiming to create a city that operates more like a private enterprise than a traditional government.
www.theadvocate.com
October 6, 2025 at 1:21 PM
For a year and a half, St. George has been creating its brand new government from scratch - one they hope will look different than other Louisiana cities.
Meet the company tasked with making leaders’ vision of privatization a reality.
Meet the company tasked with making leaders’ vision of privatization a reality.
Baton Rouge mayor Sid Edwards says he welcomes extra manpower but wants more info about a National Guard deployment.
In his statement this afternoon, Edwards did not address local Democrats’ call for him to reject Gov. Landry’s request.
In his statement this afternoon, Edwards did not address local Democrats’ call for him to reject Gov. Landry’s request.
Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards welcomes help, seeks more details on National Guard deployment
Baton Rouge mayor Sid Edwards said extra boots on the ground would be welcome in Baton Rouge, but wanted more information about Gov. Jeff Landry's request to deploy the National Guard in Louisiana cities.
www.theadvocate.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Baton Rouge mayor Sid Edwards says he welcomes extra manpower but wants more info about a National Guard deployment.
In his statement this afternoon, Edwards did not address local Democrats’ call for him to reject Gov. Landry’s request.
In his statement this afternoon, Edwards did not address local Democrats’ call for him to reject Gov. Landry’s request.
Democratic members of Metro Council are calling on Mayor Sid Edwards to reject Gov. Jeff Landry’s effort to bring National Guard troops to Baton Rouge.
Baton Rouge council Democrats call on Mayor Edwards to reject request for National Guard
Gov. Jeff Landry's proposal for National Guard troops in Louisiana cities has drawn sharply different reactions across the state.
www.theadvocate.com
September 30, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Democratic members of Metro Council are calling on Mayor Sid Edwards to reject Gov. Jeff Landry’s effort to bring National Guard troops to Baton Rouge.