Tagged News

• City and parish leaders discuss how de-consolidated government would work Play Video

  November 21, 2025 6:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - With the looming deadline for the East Baton Rouge Metro Council to approve the budget for next year, long-term solutions are being discussed to stabilize the city-parish, and some leaders are saying that changing the form of government for the city-parish could resolve some issues. After... more »

• LDH prepares to distribute 100% of federal SNAP funds Play Video

  November 14, 2025 11:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Health plans to distribute 100% of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to eligible recipients within a week. Full federal benefits will be paid to eligible SNAP households that haven't received their November benefits, and all households that only received 65% of... more »

• Roseland protestors ask governor, EPA to take action as US 51 remains closed 50 days after explosion Play Video

  October 14, 2025 12:48 PM

  ROSELAND — More than 50 days after an explosion at the Smitty's Supply plant in Roseland, community members gathered Tuesday to protest the still-closed stretch of U.S. 51. The demonstrators gathered at the corner of La. 1048 and U.S. 51, the latter of which has been closed since the... more »

• Governor orders State Police, local law enforcement to enhance gameday security after shooting at LSU Play Video

  October 13, 2025 10:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry said Monday that he has ordered the Louisiana State Police to work with local authorities to come up with an enhanced security plan for LSU games after a shooting that left two people injured during the Homecoming game on Saturday. The governor has... more »

• Gov. Landry, EPA give update on cleanup efforts more than a month after Smitty's Supply explosion Play Video

  October 1, 2025 12:37 PM

  AMITE — State and federal officials said Wednesday they have cleaned up more than 4 million gallons of oil more than a month after explosions at Smitty's Supply polluted the area with an oily chemical residue, but they are still just three-quarters of the way finished. WATCH THE PRESS... more »

• 70 for 70: Former Gov. Mike Foster's legacy reflects his gubernatorial grandfather, Louisiana's nature Play Video

  August 26, 2025 8:30 AM

  FRANKLIN — Louisiana politics is in former Gov. Mike Foster's blood. His grandfather, Murphy J. Foster Sr., was the state's 31st governor. More than 100 years after his grandfather left office, Mike Foster served as the state's 53rd governor between 1996 and 2004. But Mike Foster, who grew... more »

• Sunday Journal: The Katrina Governor Play Video

  August 11, 2025 12:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE — This week on Sunday Journal, join JP as he continues his look back on Hurricane Katrina, the storm that hit New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast in 2005. During this second part of JP's The Katrina Project, he takes a look at the... more »

• Landry signs order asking feds to ban unhealthy purchases with food stamps; says it's outright ban Play Video

  May 1, 2025 3:43 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order Thursday that requests the federal government to ban soda and candy purchases from Louisiana's food stamp program, despite saying in a public statement that the order would outright ban the practice. Landry's executive order cites Arkansas and Indiana as... more »

• Governor announces $17.5 billion export operation in southwestern Louisiana Play Video

  April 29, 2025 12:12 PM

  BATON ROUGE — State economic development officials on Tuesday announced a $17.5 billion investment in a liquified natural gas production facility in Calcasieu Parish in southwestern Louisiana. Louisiana LNG should produced up to 16.5 million metric tons of LNG per year, according to a statement from Woodside Energy Group,... more »

• 70 for 70: Jimmie Davis Play Video

  April 29, 2025 11:13 AM

  WBRZ's 70 for 70 will profile some of the personalities who have been on Channel 2's air since it went to broadcast 70 years ago. This week on 70 for 70, bask in the sunshine with former Louisiana governor Jimmie Davis. Davis served as the governor of the... more »

• Louisiana Highway Safety Commission: Distracted driving costs money and lives in Louisiana Play Video

  April 3, 2025 11:15 AM

  BATON ROUGE - April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and to raise awareness about the issue, the Louisiana Department of Highway Safety Commission hosted a news conference. Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple, State Police Superintendent Col. Robert Hodges, Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Joe Donahue and Stop Distractions... more »

• Jeff Landry orders flags flown at half staff to honor Alice Foster, wife of late Louisiana governor Play Video

  March 10, 2025 12:23 PM

  FRANKLIN — Alice Foster, whose husband Mike was governor of Louisiana from 1996 to 2004, has died. She was 84. Foster was a Virginia native but lived in St. Mary Parish for 48 years. During her time as the first lady, she supported many causes around the state including... more »

• Trump appoints Landry, nine others to Council of Governors Play Video

  February 20, 2025 8:25 AM

  WASHINGTON, D.C. - Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced his appointments to the Council of Governors, one of whom being Louisiana governor Jeff Landry. The Council of Governors is a bipartisan group designed to strengthen relationships between the federal and the state governments. Landry, along with nine other governors... more »

• Governor responds to students' questions by blasting Hammond teacher on social media Play Video

  February 18, 2025 2:25 PM

  HAMMOND - Governor Jeff Landry responded to multiple submissions from students by blasting a Hammond grammar school teacher and current state education system on social media Tuesday. The submissions Landry shared were sent in on Feb. 7. They are as follows: "My teacher says climate change is bad... more »

• LSU law professor under investigation from university files suit for temporary restraining order Play Video

  January 29, 2025 4:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A tenured LSU law school professor who was removed for political comments made during class filed a suit seeking a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief, according to his attorney. Ken Levy was teaching a class Jan. 14 about police and public interactions when, according to... more »

• Legislature sends bills reducing income, sales, corporate taxes to governor as special session wraps Play Video

  November 22, 2024 4:47 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Legislators on Friday adjourned their third special session of the year, this one focused on changes to the state's tax policy. Six bills were passed that will make changes to various aspects of the state's tax policy, including the reduction of corporate tax rates, the elimination... more »

• Jeff Landry raises major doubts about a stalled $3 billion coastal restoration project Play Video

  November 22, 2024 7:11 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry raised serious objections Thursday to a $3 billion project long hailed as key to restoring the state’s eroding coastline, decrying the growing cost and predicting dire harm to a coastal culture dependent on fishing, shrimping and oyster dredging. The Republican governor’s... 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 »

• Landry announces tax reform designed to move Louisiana forward, lower income tax Play Video

  October 1, 2024 11:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE - In a press conference Tuesday, Governor Jeff Landry announced a new tax reform to "Move Louisiana Forward" and put the state on par with its neighbors. Landry said the state's "failing tax system" is the cause of its low ranking in economic growth and development, but... more »

• Landry signs executive order tasking Board of Regents with protecting free speech on college campuses Play Video

  October 1, 2024 9:04 AM

  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order Tuesday that will task the Louisiana Board of Regents with ensuring the protection of freedom of speech on public university campuses. The executive order will also require an annual report to the governor's office and the legislature on any... more »

• State officials announce plans for beautification efforts for New Orleans ahead of SuperBowl LIX Play Video

  June 4, 2024 11:58 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - In a press conference hosted by Gov. Jeff Landry, the governor himself as well as city and state officials outlined some plans to use Super Bowl LIX as a way to draw people and businesses to New Orleans. "My intention is that we use this event... more »

• Governor Landry signs several bills in Tuesday ceremony; says he vetoed food desert bill due to lack of funding Play Video

  May 28, 2024 9:56 AM

  BATON ROUGE — At a ceremony celebrating the bills he did sign, Gov. Jeff Landry on Tuesday said he vetoed a bill addressing the availability of fresh produce because there was no guarantee there would be funding for it. The governor signed several bills Tuesday related to education, safety,... more »

• Landry vetoes bill requiring state agriculture officials to join fight against food deserts Play Video

  May 27, 2024 4:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry has vetoed a bill that would have directed state agriculture officials to set up programs targeting areas of the state where it's difficult to obtain fresh produce. The House and Senate overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 287, which would have established grant or loan... more »

• Louisiana entering another hurricane season in insurance crisis Play Video

  May 23, 2024 3:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - This hurricane season, property owners are still navigating an expensive insurance market . "I think we're very deep in an insurance crisis," said Louisiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. After a tough 2020 and 2021, four hurricanes and 800,000 insurance claims, Louisiana remains in... more »

• Gov. Edwards delivers farewell address Wednesday evening

  January 3, 2024 4:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards delivered his farewell address Wednesday evening in Amite as Governor-Elect Jeff Landry will be inaugurated in the coming week. The Governor's speech Wednesday celebrated the changes he's made during his eight years in office. Edwards said the state is in a... more »

• After hiring firm to help clean up State Police, agency unveils plan for 'transformational reform' Play Video

  October 10, 2023 4:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - More than a year after Louisiana State Police hired law enforcement consultants to identify problems within the agency amid the fallout of the Ronald Greene cover-up, LSP leadership showcased steps it's taking toward "agency-wide transformational reform." "Unusual for a police agency to approach us or any... more »

• Homeless man booked with burn ban violation after setting woman's clothes on fire, police say

  September 5, 2023 1:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A man was booked with arson and an additional charge for violating the state's burn ban after setting fire to a woman's clothing over the Labor Day weekend. The Baton Rouge Police Department arrested 46-year-old James Williams, who was described by BRPD as a homeless man,... more »

• Poll gauges popularity of Edwards, Biden, Trump across Louisiana

  August 23, 2023 2:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards is winding down his two terms in office with support from a majority of voters, according to a new statewide poll sponsored by WBRZ and other Louisiana organizations. President Joe Biden, another Democrat, fares far worse. Edwards, who is unable to... more »

• Poll: Landry, Wilson likely to advance, but one of them is 'best positioned' to become governor Play Video

  August 22, 2023 4:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The frontrunners at the start of the 2023 campaign for Louisiana governor are the frontrunners today, according to a new statewide poll—but it is Republican Jeff Landry who is "best positioned to win" the race this fall. WBRZ and several partner organizations commissioned the poll, which... more »

• La. pastor killed in crash remembered as 'wonderful man' by governor, parishioners Play Video

  August 3, 2023 5:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards says people all over Louisiana, not just within, the Catholic community, are mourning the death of Father Mark Beard. The Baton Rouge Diocese announced Beard's death Wednesday afternoon, saying he was killed in a car wreck near the Louisiana-Mississippi state line earlier... more »

• Landry adds to campaign cash stash, new filing shows

  July 17, 2023 7:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The gubernatorial frontrunner in the polls added nearly $3 million to his bottom line in the past three months, new campaign finance reports show. Attorney General Jeff Landry took in more than $4.6 million since April and finished with $9.1 million in "funds on hand" at... more »

• Citing 'devastating' effects on public, Edwards puts line item veto to work

  June 29, 2023 6:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards used his line item veto powers on Thursday to strike what he called "painful" cuts from the budget given to him by the state legislature. In his letter to the leaders of the House and Senate, Edwards said he signed "House Bill... more »

• Graves throws support to Waguespack in governor's race

  June 7, 2023 2:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In a video shot on a backdrop of biscuits, eggs and coffee, 6th District U.S. Rep. Garret Graves endorses Republican Stephen Waguespack in the race for governor of Louisiana. The move signals a break from the state party establishment, which has rallied to the cause of... more »

• EBR District Attorney Hillar Moore will not run for governor

  February 28, 2023 3:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Putting to rest months of speculation, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore on Tuesday said he will not run for governor. "I love the office I hold as well as the people (you) that I work for and with every day," Moore said in... more »

• Landry dominates governor's race in 'cash on hand'

  February 16, 2023 2:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has opened up a sizable lead in at least one aspect of the 2023 race for governor -- campaign cash. Campaign finance reports filed on Wednesday show Landry -- who has the backing of the state GOP apparatus -- has $5... more »

• Nungesser: State party chairman 'a disgrace... ought to resign' Play Video

  January 19, 2023 6:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A growing schism in the Louisiana Republican Party landed on the airwaves of a New Orleans radio station Thursday, when Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser unloaded on Chairman Louis Gurvich, calling on him to resign. The public venting of frustrations took place on the Newell Normand program... more »

• After another child death under DCFS watch, governor silent about leader he appointed Play Video

  November 8, 2022 5:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards' office has not responded to repeated requests for comment following the death of another child who succumbed to a fentanyl overdose after the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services failed to act in time . The Governor appointed the leader of... more »

• Edwards to travel to London to watch Saints play, meet with business leaders

  September 27, 2022 6:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Gov. John Bel Edwards will head to England on Wednesday to watch the New Orleans Saints play during the weekend and to meet with executives of energy and insurance companies, his office said. "Following his arrival Thursday morning in London, the governor will join the delegation... more »

• Louisiana gets $176 million in federal money to boost access to affordable internet

  June 7, 2022 10:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana will receive $176.7 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury to help provide easier access to affordable, high-speed internet. The project is among the first funded through the American Rescue Plan, which was crafted to help the country bounce back from the effects of the... more »

• Text messages show communication between governor's staffers and prosecutors in Ronald Greene case Play Video

  February 8, 2022 4:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Staff for Governor John Bel Edwards were in constant communication with people tied to the investigation into the death of Ronald Greene in May 2019. Text messages obtained through a public records request by the WBRZ Investigative Unit showed the governor's lawyers, state and federal prosecutors... more »

• Another governor's office employee tests positive for COVID, unrelated to previous cases

  August 2, 2021 2:59 PM

  UPDATE: The governor's office announced another staffer tested positive for COVID on Thursday. This is the sixth case since July 30. The governor said the employee was vaccinated, and this case is unrelated to the previous cases in the office. This is a breaking update. Please read the... more »

• Live music returns, bars reopen statewide as Louisiana moves into Phase 3 Wednesday Play Video

  March 1, 2021 11:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday the state will move into a modified phase 3 of its reopening plan. The loosened set of restrictions will take effect statewide when the current phase 2 order expires Wednesday. The executive order is set to stay in effect for... more »

• Governor Edwards requests a Major Disaster Declaration for Louisiana from President Biden following severe winter weather

  February 26, 2021 10:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Due to last week's severe winter weather, Governor John Bel Edwards is asking for a major disaster declaration from President Joe Biden for the state of Louisiana. The impacts of the wintry precipitation and below-freezing temperatures posed a serious threat to the lives of the people... more »

• Governor responds as thousands continue waiting for unemployment benefits Play Video

  January 22, 2021 6:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As another week comes to a close, the Louisiana Workforce Commission still has a backlog of claimants waiting for their benefits. Friday, Governor John Bel Edwards said that the Workforce Commission is doing the best it can to catch up. WBRZ asked him what he'd like... more »

• Former Gov. Edwin Edwards back at home after weekend in hospital

  December 26, 2020 4:15 PM

  Former governor Edwin W. Edwards is back at home after he was admitted into the hospital over the weekend for non-COVID reasons. The four-term former governor was admitted into the hospital over the weekend for testing, a source told WBRZ. He was at Ochsner LSU Health Medical Center... more »

• Louisiana's state treasurer released from hospital after testing positive for COVID-19

  December 3, 2020 3:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State Treasurer John M. Schroder was released from the hospital Friday night after contracting the coronavirus , his office announced Saturday. Schroder's office announced Thursday, that he was admitted to the hospital for complications related to COVID-19. The 59-year-old state official is currently resting... more »

• Gov. Edwards: recent statewide effort to combat COVID 'inadequate' Play Video

  November 19, 2020 9:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE - During a 90-minute press conference Thursday, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Louisianans are not doing enough to fight "COVID fatigue" and significant increases in both cases and hospitalizations are the result. "The mitigation efforts put forth being put forth by the people of Louisiana over the... more »

• Judge denies request to enforce petition ending Louisiana's coronavirus restrictions Play Video

  November 12, 2020 8:30 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A judge has denied a request from Louisiana Republicans to force Governor John Bel Edwards to temporarily drop the state's coronavirus restrictions. The mandamus from Attorney General Jeff Landry would have ordered that the governor abide by the petition signed by lawmakers last month which called... more »

• Edwards releases statement on election results

  November 7, 2020 12:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards released a statement Saturday morning, congratulating Joe Biden on being elected president. Earlier in the day, Biden was announced as the presumptive president-elect. Click HERE to read more on Saturday's election news. "Congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect... more »

• Areas still shattered from Laura now under evacuation orders ahead of next hurricane

  October 7, 2020 1:15 PM

  LAKE CHARLES - A mandatory evacuation was ordered by parish officials in Lake Charles Wednesday. The southwestern area of Louisiana is expected to be impacted by Hurricane Delta as early as Friday. The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury posted on social media Wednesday: " The Calcasieu Parish Executive Policy... more »

• Louisiana bar owners anxious to learn more about phase 3 Play Video

  September 10, 2020 6:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Some Louisiana businesses, including bars, have had a rough time during the pandemic. Now with the news that the state is moving toward phase 3 of reopening, there's some hope that more businesses can open their doors. At the start of phase 2, bars were allowed... more »

• 87,000 unemployed workers likely won't qualify for federal aid, governor says Play Video

  August 18, 2020 9:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - 10 days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to extend federal unemployment assistance at a rate of $300 per week, roughly 87,000 Louisiana workers don't stand to qualify. After being approved for the assistance, Louisiana expects to have its first batch of funds in... more »