 BY DEANNA B. NARVESON | Staff writer Upcoming election: Significant change is coming to Gonzales. No matter who residents elect as their next mayor, the city will simultaneously elect its first Black mayor and a newcomer, a significant feat since only four men have held the position over the past 50 years. Gonzales has traditionally preferred incumbents. Former Mayor Barney Arceneaux, who stepped down earlier this year, was elected in 2008. Before him, current Councilman Johnny Berthelot held the position from 1985 through 2008, and former Mayor Nelson Roth had the role for 12 years before Berthelot. Read the full story from Ascension Parish reporter Christopher Cartwright about the race and its candidates.
Suspension: A Baton Rouge police officer tied to BRAVE Cave abuse allegations served a weeklong suspension earlier this month, according to discipline records obtained by The Advocate. Cpl. Joseph Carboni was sidelined Oct. 1-7 after officials determined he used excessive force when he tased a handcuffed 15-year-old boy in the head during a June 2023 raid, Baton Rouge Police Department records showed. Read more.
Jambalaya festival: After years of fun in the heart of Gonzales, the annual Jambalaya Festival will be moving to the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Ascension Parish next year. The 58th Jambalaya Festival is scheduled for May 23, 24 and 25, and will, like always, offer the World Jambalaya Cooking Champion cook-off as well as live music and a carnival. Read the full story. | 
