Latest news with #SidEdwards
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
East Baton Rouge mayor announces EMS, fire department merger
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards announced the merging of the city's emergency medical services and the Baton Rouge Fire Department. The new plan would focus on reducing duplicates in administrative and operational areas, while strengthening the frontline service. It would also reflect Edwards and his administration's efforts to align resources effectively and ensure taxpayer dollars are working at their highest potential. 'This merger is a potential opportunity to create a more unified and responsive emergency services system,' said Edwards. 'While a transition like this will take time, it positions us to deliver faster, smarter, and more effective service to the people of Baton Rouge. Public safety has always been a top priority for my administration, and this strategic consolidation will help streamline operations and enhance outcomes for our residents.' As part of the transition, EMS employees will join the Fire and Police Civil Service system. 'I understand that this change may bring uncertainty, especially for EMS employees, but I'm confident in our ability to ensure a successful transition that benefits both our employees and our citizens,' said Chris Landry, interim director of Emergency Medical Services. Edwards said during a Monday press conference that no layoffs are part of this merger. 'I'm deeply grateful to every member of EMS and the fire department for their continued commitment to service. Your work saves lives, and you have the full support of my office as we take this important step together,' Edwards said. According to Baton Rouge Fire Chief Michael Kimble, service would remain the same for all areas. A tribute to history and progress: Baton Rouge celebrates Juneteenth, former mayor Kip Holden Latest News LSU Baseball champs trade cleats for Cane's combos in championship celebration Three arrested in fatal shooting of Tickfaw grandmother LSU fans are celebrating College World Series win with new merchandise Juvenile arrested, accused of stabbing man in Denham Springs Republicans report progress, but no deal on critical SALT issue Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana Bond Commission OKs 3 East Baton Rouge tax plan ballot measures
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Baton Rouge mayor's office announced that the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved three ballot measures that are part of his tax plan. In May, the Metro Council approved a majority of Mayor-President Sid Edwards' Thrive EBR plan to rededicate taxes. Edwards' office said the plan proposes the renewal and rededication of portions of existing millages from the library system, Council on Aging and Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control. The plan aims to address the budget while maintaining critical services and reducing debt without increasing taxes. 'I'm pleased the State Bond Commission approved our request,' Edwards said. 'Now it's up to the voters to decide. Thrive EBR is a smart way to help fund our infrastructure and pay down debt at no additional cost to taxpayers.' Voters will see three ballot measures in the election set for Nov. 15. East Baton Rouge mayor announces EMS, fire department merger Latest News Puerto Rico bans gender-affirming care for trans people under 21 Airfare by algorithm: Delta leans into AI pricing — but is it a good thing? Road closures, high water reported in Baton Rouge, surrounding areas Republicans to tee up House vote on Epstein resolution White House faces bipartisan pressure to release Epstein documents Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Baker city leaders launch mobile unit service to help with utility bills
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) – In Louisiana, where utilities can spike during the hot summer months, many families struggle to keep up. But a new partnership is bringing hope and helping those who need it most. 'What we want to do is meet the community where they are, and we want to be in the community providing basic needs because everybody deserves basic needs. We want to be accessible as a mayor's office to our community to make sure that whatever they need, we can meet that need,' said Christopher Toombs, who works with the Office of Mayor-President Sid Edwards. Toombs says covering basic needs like electricity is critical. For families facing financial challenges, help with utility payments can mean a chance to get back on their feet. 'I've seen families completely transform by having their basic needs met. I mean, when you lose your energy and you need energy, and the energy is turned on, you see opportunity. When you have rental assistance, people that need help with their rent and their rent is made, then that gives them another 30 days to get more support.' This not only helps the community in paying their bills but also with many other services and needs as well. The purpose of having events like this is to build trust and show residents that help is available if needed. 'The city government is here to help assist and propel you to the next step in life. If you want a career, we've got you with EmployBR. If you want to help with some basic needs, we've got you with OSS. If your child needs an opportunity for early education, we've got Head Start.' Family alleges Grindr fails to protect minors, leading to death of Florida teen Baker city leaders launch mobile unit service to help with utility bills Chrysler at 100: Plans for a bold comeback Illinois woman loses $62K to scammer impersonating Kevin Costner Scientists hooking flies on cocaine to study addiction: Reports Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Baton Rouge mayor's ‘Pothole Posse' aims to fix city potholes quickly
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards has launched a new initiative to address one of the parish's most persistent complaints: potholes. Dubbed the 'Pothole Posse,' the program represents what Edwards said is 'a renewed commitment to identifying and repairing potholes quickly and efficiently.' 'We want to do them right, but we want to do them quickly,' Edwards said. 'There's no reason for a pothole to be sitting on our roads in EBR Parish for months so we're trying to pick up the pace.' The mayor's office said that more than 1,660 potholes have been filled across the parish this year. The Department of Public Works' Street Maintenance Division handles the repairs once work orders are submitted. On average, the city receives 80-120 pothole reports per week. Keeping pets safe in the summer heat: Local experts share tips In addition to road repairs, the administration is working to improve lighting infrastructure, with a recent focus on Plank Road, where over 50 malfunctioning streetlights were fixed and upgraded with LED lighting in partnership with Entergy. Residents who spot potholes or lighting issues are encouraged to report them through the City-Parish's 311 system. The Wallace Foundation, Southern University to host youth football camps in June Michelle Obama breaks silence on Malia dropping last name Louisiana bill would allow concealed guns at parades Baton Rouge mayor's 'Pothole Posse' aims to fix city potholes quickly Cleanup underway after 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel leaks into Baltimore's harbor Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Louisiana bill on Baton Rouge blight moves forward
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A bill that gives the local government more authority in dealing with blighted property has advanced in the regular legislative session. Blight is a growing problem in cities all across Louisiana. The issue of rundown properties in Baton Rouge had the attention of Mayor-President Sid Edwards as he was preparing to take office. 'Since 2016, more than 64,000 calls for service in East Baton Rouge on blight issues have occurred, almost 19 calls a day,' said Edwards. Senate Bill 236, authored by Sen. Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge), is aimed specifically at Baton Rouge. Its goal is to make sure the governing authority can condemn, demolish, or remove dilapidated and dangerous property more efficiently. Originally, the bill named Edwards specifically as the one to make the designation. Some amendments have changed some of that language, but the bill is still meant to speed up the process and to provide some relief, especially for people who live near these blighted properties. Edmonds told the House Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs that before Edwards took office, his transition team spoke to about 150 people to find out what issues were the most important for the city. 'Out of all the issues one of the top was the subject of blight, so we formed one committee that did nothing but that, the mayor, Sid Edwards, walked multiple parts of the district, and committee members, not all but some walked too, and began to look at how to prepare our city for a great win in the future,' said Edmonds. The measure passed out of the committee with no opposition. The bill must now go to the House. Louisiana Senate reins in tax cut and school voucher plans Louisiana bill on Baton Rouge blight moves forward More people speak out against Clinton tax preparer accused of fraud AI may cut drug discovery time, says scientific software leader Keeping pets safe in the summer heat: Local experts share tips May Street closures in effect, Baton Rouge residents concerned with traffic congestion Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
