WBRZ - Baton Rouge

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• House backs big budget compromise Play Video

  May 10, 2013 6:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a $25 billion budget today which sways from spending plans recommended by Gov. Bobby Jindal. The House stripped $500 million from Jindal's plan which was either one-time money, or not guaranteed. They instead opted for cuts to state... more »

• La. Supreme Court rules voucher funding unconstitutional Play Video

  May 7, 2013 10:47 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The state's highest court ruled today that the funding formula for Gov. Bobby Jindal's key education reform, school vouchers, violates the state's constitution. Today's ruling was 6-1, with Justice Greg Guidry dissenting. It affects Act 2, which diverts per-student funding to private and parochial schools to... more »

• Bryant: $69M more from BP for Gulf restoration

  May 2, 2013 3:14 PM

  JACKSON, Miss. - BP PLC has agreed to pay $69 million more for restoration projects for the Mississippi Gulf Coast following, says Gov. Phil Bryant. The money is part of $1 billion the oil giant agreed two years ago to pay for early restoration work after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon... more »

• Christie proposes measures to curb gun violence

  April 19, 2013 3:39 PM

  TRENTON, N.J. - Gov. Chris Christie has announced a multi-faceted plan to curb gun violence. The proposal calls for expanding government-funded mental health treatment, requiring parental sign-off before minors can buy or rent violent video games and mandating would-be gun owners show government-issued IDs. The New Jersey governor also recommended... more »

• Jindal says he'd veto cigarette tax without offset

  April 18, 2013 3:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal says he'll veto any cigarette tax increase that wins passage from lawmakers, unless it's coupled with a corresponding cut in taxes somewhere else. Jindal says he will oppose anything he considers a net increase in state tax revenue. A few weeks ago, Jindal was... more »

• Jindal won't seek legislative backing on LSU deals

  April 18, 2013 1:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal says he won't seek legislative approval of his administration's LSU hospital privatization agreements, though both the House and Senate have voted that they want such decision-making authority. Jindal said Thursday that he believes the legislative resolutions that have received support in the House and... more »

• Flags at La. buildings lowered to half-staff

  April 16, 2013 4:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal has ordered that state flags at government buildings in Louisiana be flown at half-staff until sunset Saturday. The executive order issued Tuesday is an expression of respect for victims of Monday's explosions at the Boston Marathon. Similar gestures are being made by local governments.... more »

• Sources: Jindal to scrap tax plan, propose 10-year rollout

  April 8, 2013 1:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal is expected to announce he's scrapping his plan to immediately eliminate personal and corporate income taxes, according to multiple sources at the Capitol. Those sources tell WBRZ News 2 the governor will instead propose rolling out the eliminations over the next decade, without... more »

• Jindal scraps tax reforms, 10-year rollout proposed Play Video

  April 8, 2013 1:02 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal announced today he was scrapping his plan to immediately eliminate personal and corporate income taxes, and instead try to phase the changes in over the next decade. Jindal made the announcement during his joint address before the state House and Senate at the... more »

• Jindal to speak on tax reform at session opening

  April 8, 2013 10:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal will open the 2013 legislative session this afternoon with remarks about his tax reform plans. Jindal is scheduled to speak around 1 p.m. before the joint House and Senate, just after the two-month session opens officially at noon. The governor has proposed... more »

• Trina Edwards hospitalized

  April 5, 2013 10:13 PM

  GONZALES- Trina Edwards, the wife of infamous former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, was recently in the hospital. She's pregnant, and posted on her Facebook page the baby is doing okay. "The baby is fine and completely healthy," she wrote. She was having kidney problems, according to a post... more »

• Consulting firm against part of Jindal tax plan

  April 5, 2013 11:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The consulting firm hired by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration for economic analysis of the governor's tax plan says states should not enact a key plank of Jindal's proposal. In a report released nationally, Ernst & Young economists say sales taxes on services bought by businesses are bad... more »

• Conn. governor signs sweeping gun limits into law

  April 4, 2013 12:22 PM

  HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut's governor has signed into law some of the country's tightest gun restrictions in response to December's shooting massacre at a Newtown school. The measure adds more than 100 firearms to the state's assault weapons ban and outlaws the sale of large-capacity ammunition magazines similar to the... more »

• Higher Ed Commissioner says budget has problems

  April 4, 2013 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's higher education commissioner says the governor's budget would leave colleges uncertain of their funding levels next year and create cash flow problems at schools. Commissioner Jim Purcell told the House Appropriations Committee that he's troubled by Gov. Bobby Jindal's budget recommendation. Jindal's spending plan would plug... more »

• Treasurer pushes for vote on Jindal tax plan

  March 29, 2013 10:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Treasurer John Kennedy says he thinks voters should decide whether to rewrite Louisiana's tax laws, if lawmakers pass Gov. Bobby Jindal's tax swap. Kennedy said in a column Thursday that the governor's proposal would impact every Louisiana taxpayer, so voters should decide in a statewide election if... more »

• Jindal cancels Medicaid contract under grand jury review

  March 21, 2013 4:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is scrapping a lucrative state Medicaid contract that is the subject of a federal grand jury investigation. Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols issued a statement Thursday announcing the termination of the more than $185 million contract with Maryland-based CNSI. Nichols says she made... more »

• Jindal travels to sinkhole, says buyouts progressing Play Video

  March 19, 2013 3:56 PM

  BAYOU CORNE - Governor Bobby Jindal said today he met with people in Bayou Corne who'd been "uprooted" from their lives because of a sinkhole in the area, and received the latest information about work being done to deal with it. Jindal said Texas Brine, the company which owns... more »

• Gov. Jindal to visit Bayou Corne community

  March 19, 2013 10:27 AM

  BAYOU CORNE - Governor Bobby Jindal scheduled a meeting today with families and officials in the Bayou Corne community, which has been battling the effects of a large sinkhole. Buyouts began this week for property owners evacuated or affeted by the sinkhole, which is on land owned by Texas... more »

• Jindal to reveal tax code revamp proposal Thursday

  March 14, 2013 8:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE- After months of behind-the-scenes discussion, Gov. Bobby Jindal is unveiling the details of his tax code rewrite proposal to lawmakers. Jindal wants to eliminate state income taxes and replace them with other tax hikes. The Republican governor will describe his plan in person to the House and Senate... more »

• Jindal: Buyout process for sinkhole starts this week

  March 13, 2013 3:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal said today Texas Brine will buy out property owners affected by a massive sinkhole which appeared in Assumption Parish last year. Jindal said the buyout process will begin this week, starting with property appraisals. People who volunteer to be bought out will be... more »

• Lawsuit against Jindal considered over reef money

  March 13, 2013 9:52 AM

  BATON ROUGE- Gov. Bobby Jindal's appointees on the state's wildlife and fisheries regulatory panel are threatening to sue the Jindal administration. At issue is Jindal's continuing diversions of millions of dollars donated by oil companies to turn old drilling rigs into artificial reefs to instead pay for other items across... more »

• Jindal to visit sinkhole, push for buyouts Play Video

  March 11, 2013 2:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal's office said he plans to visit the site of the Bayou Corne sinkhole next week, and push for buyouts of property affected by evacuations in the area. Jindal met today with Assumption Parish President Marty Triche and other parish leaders to discuss the... more »

• Governor Jindal responds to Treasurer on budget Play Video

  March 4, 2013 10:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Jindal used a statement to respond to Treasurer John Kennedy's rebuff of the state's budget. You can see the entire statement here: Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols said: "We appreciate the Treasurer's opinion, but given his long track record of half-baked gimmicks and his... more »

• Jindal calls for eliminating 25 boards, commissions

  March 1, 2013 5:27 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor Bobby Jindal's office released a list of 25 state boards and commissions he's asking state lawmakers to eliminate. Jindal's office said the groups were either inactive, fulfilled their original mission or could be absorbed into existing boards and commissions. Jindal also proposed legislation to... more »

• Landrieu: Jindal an obstructionist on Medicaid

  February 26, 2013 11:53 AM

  BATON ROUGE- U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu says Gov. Bobby Jindal's refusal to expand Louisiana's Medicaid program is tied to his presidential ambitions at the expense of benefits for Louisiana. The Democratic senator accused the Republican governor of obstructionism. Landrieu said Jindal seems adamant about putting his political future ahead of... more »

• Jindal budget calls for $424M in one-time cash

  February 22, 2013 10:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers questioned Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration today about decisions in their proposed budget for next year. Jindal's $24.7 billion budget calls for the use of $424 million in one-time cash and college tuition increases to prevent deeper cuts to higher education. Commissioner of Administration Kristy... more »

• Gov. Jindal to reveal budget plan today

  February 22, 2013 7:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal says his proposed $24.7 billion budget for next year relies heavily on privatization plans for LSU's charity hospitals to offset the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding. Congress cut Louisiana's Medicaid payment rate last year. That's a significant factor... more »

• No new details on income tax elimination from Jindal

  February 21, 2013 5:15 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal gave no new details today on his plans to eliminate the state's income tax when he preview his proposed budget plans for next year. Jindal said he is still meeting with legislators to discuss revenue-neutral solutions to eliminating the state income tax, and... more »

• John Bel Edwards running for governor

  February 20, 2013 11:21 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The Democratic leader in the Louisiana House says he's running for governor in 2015. Rep. John Bel Edwards of Amite becomes the first Democrat to say he'll be a candidate in the race. He announced his plans Wednesday on a Baton Rouge-based radio show hosted by Jim... more »

• Detroit's financial crisis now in governor's hands

  February 20, 2013 6:42 AM

  DETROIT - How to address Detroit's financial crisis is now in the hands of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder. A state-appointed review team has determined Detroit is in a financial emergency, saying in a report that "no satisfactory plan exists to resolve a serious financial problem." The finding means Snyder has... more »

• Jindal's trips for Romney cost La. taxpayers

  February 18, 2013 12:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Taxpayers spent more than $18,000 to cover Gov. Bobby Jindal's security detail during his trips to stump for former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The other costs of Jindal's trips for non-state business, such as flights, meals and hotels, are paid for by his own campaign,... more »

• Jindal seeks release for nonviolent drug offenders

  February 15, 2013 12:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal wants to let some nonviolent drug offenders out of prison early if they complete an intensive treatment program. The governor says he believes his proposal would reduce the likelihood prisoners would end up back in jail, and also cut prison operating costs. The measure... more »

• Bryant: Timing, sirens saved lives in Miss. storm

  February 11, 2013 12:14 PM

  HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Gov. Phil Bryant said more than 60 people in Mississippi were hurt in storms this weekend, but no one was killed due to ample tornado warnings. Bryant said Monday that sirens in Hattiesburg gave people as much as 30 minutes of warning that a twister was... more »

• Jindal, McDonnell to talk about education reform

  February 8, 2013 6:25 AM

  RICHMOND, Va. - A week after enlisting former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in his campaign for education reform, Gov. Bob McDonnell is calling on a fellow Republican leader from Louisiana. Governor Jindal is scheduled to appear with McDonnell at a news conference Friday in Richmond. They will talk about McDonnell's... more »

• Reality series starring Edwin and Trina Edwards delayed

  January 30, 2013 11:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A reality TV series starring former governor Edwin Edwards and his new wife has been delayed. "The Governor's Wife" was scheduled to air on A&E Feb. 27. Today Trina Edwards posted on Facebook that the "premier date has officially been pushed back to March 13 because... more »

• Former Ill. Gov. Ryan to be released from prison

  January 30, 2013 2:39 AM

  CHICAGO - George Ryan is about to become the latest Illinois governor to go through a prison door. This time he's headed out. The 78-year-old Republican has served five-plus years for corruption. Authorities are expected to release him from a prison in Terre Haute, Ind., sometime Wednesday. He's expected to... more »

• Health care budget cuts begin this week

  January 28, 2013 5:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The state's Medicaid hospice care received a last-minute reprieve from shutdown, but Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is moving ahead with other health care cuts this week. Slated for elimination are programs that provide behavioral health intervention services for at-risk children and that pay for at-home visits by... more »

• Trial set in lawsuit against state retirement plan

  January 24, 2013 10:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge judge is hearing arguments in a lawsuit challenging Gov. Bobby Jindal's 401(k)-style retirement plan for future rank-and-file state workers. The Retired State Employees Association of Louisiana claims the law is unconstitutional because it didn't get a two-thirds vote in the state House of Representatives.... more »

• Edwards asks feds to end supervised release early

  January 22, 2013 2:37 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana's flamboyant former Gov. Edwin Edwards says he's done his time, paid $2 million in fines and forfeitures and done everything required for his supervised release, and wants the supervision to end now. Federal prosecutors support the request. They say Edwards has served more than 18 months... more »

• Gov. Jindal announces new executive counsel

  January 18, 2013 4:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The top lawyer for Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has resigned from the job after only three months. The governor's office gave no reason Friday for Gary Graphia's decision to leave the position of executive counsel that he took in October. Instead, Jindal simply announced his replacement while... more »

• 2 BESE appointees leaving the board this month

  January 18, 2013 4:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two of Gov. Bobby Jindal's appointees to the state's top school board are leaving the positions, and the governor has tapped his former chief of staff to fill one of the vacant spots. Penny Dastugue of Covington and John Bennett of Port Allen announced Friday that they... more »

• Bryant: Miss. should resist federal limits on guns

  January 16, 2013 11:09 AM

  JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said Wednesday that he wants the state to resist any presidential order that might restrict gun rights. Republican Bryant made the call shortly before President Barack Obama issued 23 executive orders designed to curb gun violence. "I am asking that you immediately pass... more »

• Jindal tax plan would keep incentive programs

  January 15, 2013 4:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The leader on Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposed tax code rewrite, Tim Barfield, says the administration wants to keep most of the state's economic development incentive programs as part of the revamp. Many of the programs give credits or exemptions to income taxes. Though Jindal is proposing to... more »

• Lawsuit challenges Jindal budgeting tactics

  January 15, 2013 1:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two Jefferson Parish lawmakers have lodged a legal challenge against the state's budget, asking a judge to declare its financing a violation of Louisiana's Constitution. Reps. Kirk Talbot and Cameron Henry, both Republicans, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in state district court in Baton Rouge. The lawsuit is... more »

• Gov. Jindal names new press secretary

  January 11, 2013 5:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal has recruited his latest press secretary from Wisconsin. Jindal announced Friday that he's hired Sean Lansing for the $65,000-a-year position. The move comes as the Republican governor has started unveiling proposals to rewrite Louisiana's tax code and ramping up efforts to sell the ideas... more »

• Governors warn Congress over debt limit

  January 9, 2013 10:41 AM

  WASHINGTON - Governors are warning Congress that lingering uncertainty over raising the nation's debt limit could hinder their state budgets and job growth. Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin are outlining state agendas in 2013 as part of the National Governors Association. Markell says the postponing of... more »

• Group gives LA high marks for education changes

  January 7, 2013 9:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Sweeping changes to the education system in Louisiana received accolades from a group that tracks education policies. A report by StudentsFirst ranked Louisiana the best in the nation for "putting students first." "The state has adopted meaningful educator evaluations, and it requires districts to base all... more »

• Budget cuts hit domestic violence programs

  January 4, 2013 11:35 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La.- Gov. Bobby Jindal's latest round of budget cuts are falling on shelters that take in battered women and other domestic violence prevention providers. The reductions were made to help close a $166 million midyear budget deficit. The Advocate reports that funding for family violence prevention and intervention... more »

• New reality series to focus on Trina and Edwin Edwards Play Video

  January 4, 2013 11:14 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Former governor Edwin Edwards and his new wife are the focus of the latest reality TV series to come out of Louisiana. Production on "The Governor's Wife" has already finished, and it is scheduled to air on A&E Feb. 27. According to reports, the show... more »

• Criminal cases made Pa. AG hand over NCAA suit

  January 3, 2013 3:09 PM

  STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Pennsylvania's attorney general says she granted Gov. Tom Corbett the authority to file a federal antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA because her office is currently prosecuting three Penn State administrators. Attorney General Linda Kelly told The Associated Press on Thursday that "an actual conflict of interest... more »

• NJ Gov. Christie blasts fellow Republican Boehner

  January 2, 2013 3:23 PM

  NEWARK, N.J. - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is blasting fellow Republican John Boehner for the House Speaker's decision to delay a vote on Superstorm Sandy relief and says the inaction is "inexcusable." Christie said Wednesday that the House is playing politics with the $60 billion aid request and it's... more »

• Governor: NCAA sanctioned Penn St. to weaken it

  January 2, 2013 12:11 PM

  STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - An antitrust lawsuit by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett against the NCAA argues the organization acted illegally and was motivated by a desire to gain power for its president and weaken the university. The 43-page complaint being filed Wednesday seeks to vacate all of the punishment related... more »

• Governor to sue NCAA over Penn state sanctions

  January 1, 2013 3:47 PM

  HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett says he plans to sue the NCAA in federal court over sanctions imposed against Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal. The Republican governor has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday in State College to announce the... more »

• Jindal administration makes cuts across agencies Play Video

  December 14, 2012 12:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is using a mix of cuts, one-time patches and hiring freeze savings to close a nearly $166 million budget gap. Cuts are planned to doctors and hospitals that care for Medicaid patients. Programs that provide hospice care for the poor and disabled and dental... more »

• Pot legalized in Colorado with gov's proclamation

  December 10, 2012 3:27 PM

  DENVER - Using marijuana for recreational use is now effectively legal in Colorado. Gov. John Hickenlooper declared a voter-approved marijuana legalization amendment as part of the state constitution on Monday. It was the last procedural step needed for the amendment to take effect. The drug became legal in Washington state... more »

• AG refuses to enter debate over budget tactics

  December 5, 2012 10:22 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Attorney General Buddy Caldwell's office isn't lodging an opinion about whether Gov. Bobby Jindal's budgeting tactics are in line with the state constitution. A letter was sent this week to Republican Rep. Kirk Talbot declining to rule on his question of whether the state budget uses unconstitutional... more »

• Ruling expected this afternoon in voucher lawsuit

  November 30, 2012 10:48 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Closing arguments ended a short time ago in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Gov. Bobby Jindal's new school voucher program. Judge Tim Kelley recessed the court until 2 p.m., at which time he plans to give his ruling. Teacher unions and school boards say... more »

• Testimony wraps up in lawsuit against vouchers

  November 30, 2012 7:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A three-day trial in a lawsuit challenging Gov. Bobby Jindal's voucher program as unconstitutional is wrapping up. Baton Rouge Judge Tim Kelley asked lawyers to give their closing arguments Friday. It was unclear if he would rule immediately after their arguments or request additional information in the... more »

• Testimony in voucher lawsuit continues Thursday

  November 29, 2012 10:26 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Testimony is continuing for a second day in a Baton Rouge trial over whether Gov. Bobby Jindal's statewide voucher program is unconstitutional. Judge Tim Kelley said he expects to rule this week on the lawsuit from teacher unions and school boards seeking to shut down the vouchers... more »

• NJ Gov. Christie announces re-election bid

  November 26, 2012 2:51 PM

  MIDDLETOWN, N.J. - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has announced he will seek re-election to a second term. Christie says he want New Jersey residents to know that he's "in this for the long haul" as he leads the state's recovery from Superstorm Sandy. The governor confirms he... more »

• Sandy cost NY, NYC $42B in damage, loss

  November 26, 2012 1:18 PM

  ALBANY, N.Y. - Gov. Andrew Cuomo says Superstorm Sandy ran up a $42 billion bill on New York and the state and New York City will make big requests for disaster aid from the federal government. The cost includes $32 billion for repairs and restoration, but also includes an additional... more »

• Dardenne shows interest in 2015 governor's race Play Video

  November 19, 2012 5:32 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne gave a familiar phrase when asked if he has considered running for governor saying, "I've got the job I love." He followed with that by saying, "The only other job I would be interested in having would be governor." Dardenne became the... more »

• Recall organizers fined $500 each by ethics board

  November 16, 2012 12:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two Calcasieu Parish teachers who led failed recall efforts against Gov. Bobby Jindal and House Speaker Chuck Kleckley have been fined $500 each for failing to file campaign finance reports on time. Angie Bonvillian and Brenda Romero missed a deadline to file a report 45 days after... more »

• NY governor to seek $30B in superstorm federal aid

  November 12, 2012 10:37 AM

  ALBANY, N.Y. - An administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to request at least $30 billion in federal disaster aid to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy. The official wasn't authorized to speak publicly because the details haven't been finalized. The official confirms that the administration will use the money to... more »

• State lawmakers looking for compromise with federal health care plan Play Video

  November 8, 2012 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE- Some state lawmakers hope Governor Bobby Jindal will help work through issues with President Obama's healthcare reforms, now that the election is over. The health care plan is aimed at guaranteeing health care coverage for the uninsured, among other reforms. Governor Jindal had previously stated he... more »

• Virginia company chosen for debt collection work

  November 8, 2012 5:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has chosen a private company to help devise a strategy for improving collection of millions of dollars in unpaid debts owed to state agencies. Jindal's top budget adviser, Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols, announced Thursday that CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc. will do... more »

• King wins in Maine, giving Senate 2 independents

  November 6, 2012 7:13 PM

  WASHINGTON - Former Gov. Angus King has won the Senate race in Maine, running as an independent. King will take over the seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe. Another independent, Vermont's Sen. Bernie Sanders, also has been re-elected. Four Democrats senators have also won re-election: Bill Nelson in... more »

• Obama, Christie view damage from Sandy

  October 31, 2012 1:23 PM

  ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - President Barack Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have begun an hour-long aerial tour of New Jersey hurricane damage aboard Obama's Marine One helicopter. Obama flew to New Jersey today for a first-hand look at the devastation from the storm. He's officially away from the... more »

• Louisiana's doctors worry about LSU hospital cuts

  October 30, 2012 2:50 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's doctors are complaining about a lack of detail and preparation as LSU slashes spending in cuts that affect training programs for the state's future physicians. Andy Blalock, president of the Louisiana State Medical Society, told The Advocate the cuts mean the state's "best and brightest" medical... more »

• Jindal on the road for GOP events Play Video

  October 25, 2012 10:11 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is expected to return to Louisiana on Thursday after hitting the road again for Republican candidates and groups. Jindal's office said the Louisiana governor traveled to Iowa on Wednesday for a Mitt Romney presidential campaign event, followed by a speech at a Republican Party... more »

• Jindal on the road in Iowa, Florida for GOP events

  October 24, 2012 5:05 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is on the road again for Republican candidates and groups. Jindal's office said the Louisiana governor traveled to Iowa on Wednesday for a Mitt Romney presidential campaign event, followed by a speech to the Scott County Republican Party's Ronald Reagan Dinner. A day later,... more »

• House agrees to vote on special session Play Video

  October 23, 2012 11:31 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A Thibodaux lawmaker has hit the first benchmark in his effort to revisit Gov. Bobby Jindal's recent budget cuts in a November special session. Thirty-nine House members, Republicans and Democrats, have signed onto supporting the idea by Rep. Jerome "Dee" Richard, an independent. That meets the threshold... more »

• House leader says Jindal surplus plan violates law

  October 19, 2012 2:56 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The leader of the House budget committee says Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposal for using a $143 million surplus violates the law and an agreement reached with the House earlier this year to end a budget stalemate. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Fannin made his comments Friday as... more »

• Vote delayed on Jindal health privatization plan

  October 18, 2012 6:52 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers have scrapped a planned Thursday vote on Gov. Bobby Jindal's plan to hire a private company to manage a state employee health insurance plan. The delay, announced a day before the scheduled hearing, has prompted claims the Jindal administration didn't have enough votes from the... more »

• Gov. Jindal announces changes to his office staff

  October 12, 2012 4:55 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The staff reshuffling continues in Gov. Bobby Jindal's office, after the exit of the governor's chief of staff shifted people to different jobs in the administration. Jindal announced Friday that Taylor Teepell will work as deputy chief of staff; Matt Parker will be legislative affairs director; and... more »

• Gov. Jindal to make economic development announcement

  October 12, 2012 10:42 AM

  GONZALES - Gov. Jindal's office announced he scheduled an economic development announcement this afternoon in Gonzales. The office would not comment on what the announcement would entail, but it's happening at Hebert Steel on Highway 74 in Gonzales. The announcement is scheduled to take place at 1:50 p.m.... more »

• Jindal to campaign for Romney in Virginia

  October 10, 2012 9:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is spending Wednesday in Virginia, campaigning for Republican Mitt Romney's presidential bid. A schedule put out by the Romney campaign says Jindal will join Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell for three campaign stops throughout the day, to rally Romney supporters. The Louisiana governor's... more »

• Weyerhaeuser plant in Natchitoches plans upgrade

  October 8, 2012 3:14 PM

  NATCHITOCHES - Forest products company Weyerhaeuser has announced a $6 million modernization plan for its Natchitoches plant that will create 30 new jobs. The company announced the plan Monday with Gov. Bobby Jindal. Weyerhaeuser will improve equipment at the site, adding new jobs that pay an average salary of more... more »

• Jindal, Christie tapped to lead GOP governors

  October 8, 2012 2:48 PM

  WASHINGTON - Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have been tapped to lead the Republican Governors Association. Both are Republican rising stars considered likely White House contenders in 2016 if Mitt Romney loses in November. Jindal will chair the group next year, with Wisconsin... more »

• Major funding initiative to be announced for LSU

  October 2, 2012 10:32 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Jindal's office said a major announcement for LSU would be made later this morning. Jindal's office did not include any details about what the announcement concerned, just that it would be a "major funding announcement." The announcement is scheduled for just before noon. Mike... more »

• Jindal shuffling top staff, chief of staff exits

  October 1, 2012 3:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's chief of staff, Stephen Waguespack, is leaving the administration after nearly five years working for the governor. Waguespack, a lawyer, is taking a private sector job, according to the governor's office. His departure has caused a reshuffling of the Jindal administration's top jobs among... more »

• Kennedy: Tax credit cost La. millions more Play Video

  September 25, 2012 5:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE- A controversial alternative fuel tax credit could cost Louisiana about $24 million dollars, according to State Treasurer John Kennedy. Earlier estimates from the 2,500 filed claims put the cost at around $7.5 million, but Kennedy says it could wind up being much higher. Former revenue secretary... more »

• Gov. Jindal on the road much of this week

  September 24, 2012 4:06 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal is traveling around the country much of this week for Republican causes. The governor's office says Jindal headed to Atlanta on Monday and Tuesday for Republican Governors Association events. On Wednesday, Jindal's office says the governor will be in Iowa for a campaign bus... more »

• Recall efforts against Jindal, Kleckley fall short

  September 20, 2012 10:14 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A group of public school teachers has failed in its efforts to recall Gov. Bobby Jindal and House Speaker Chuck Kleckley. Angie Bonvillain and Brenda Romero, the two Calcasieu Parish teachers leading the effort, told The Associated Press in an e-mail Thursday that they didn't get enough... more »

• State lawmaker wants special session to work on budget Play Video

  September 19, 2012 6:26 PM

  BATON ROUGE- State Representative Dee Richard, I- Houma, says lawmaker need to call a special session before the end of the year. Richard says the legislature needs to be more involved in recent decisions about the budget. Lawmakers have criticized Governor Bobby Jindal's plans to close Phelps Correctional Center,... more »

• Thibodaux lawmaker trying to call special session

  September 19, 2012 10:15 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A Thibodaux lawmaker is trying to rally support for a special legislative session to revisit budget decisions made in recent months by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration. Rep. Jerome "Dee" Richard, an independent, says he is sending out a letter Wednesday to House members asking them to call... more »

• Jindal travels to New Hampshire for GOP event

  September 13, 2012 10:22 AM

  BEDFORD, N.H. - New Hampshire's Republican candidate for governor is getting a boost from Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who also used his trip to the presidential battleground state to criticize President Barack Obama. Jindal spoke Thursday at the New Hampshire Republican Party's "Unity Breakfast," aimed at bringing together former rivals... more »

• Lt. Gov. Dardenne promotes state in Dallas

  September 13, 2012 7:38 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne is promoting the state's assets in neighboring Texas. Dardenne is in Dallas to promote Louisiana Culinary Trails through a partnership with the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association and Texas Monthly magazine. The magazine is co-hosting Thursday's event for news media and food... more »

• NY governor: Agreement reached on Sept. 11 museum

  September 10, 2012 6:49 PM

  NEW YORK - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says an agreement that paves the way for the completion of the Sept. 11 museum has been reached a day before the 11th anniversary of the terror attacks. Cuomo announced the agreement between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey... more »

• Lawsuits challenge shielding of La. records

  September 10, 2012 2:25 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is facing court challenges over attempts to keep records from the public. At issue is the use of a public records exemption successfully pushed by Jindal and added to state law during his first term. Shreveport-based Willis-Knighton Health System sued the... more »

• WBRZ to stream Jindal 11:15 briefing on Isaac LIVE

  August 27, 2012 10:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. Bobby Jindal scheduled a press conference for 11:15 a.m. today to give updates on statewide preparations for tropical storm Isaac. Jindal said yesterday people living in low-lying areas of the 15 parishes under a hurricane warning should voluntarily evacuate, and more mandatory evacuations could come... more »

• Jindal may skip GOP convention because of Isaac

  August 26, 2012 4:53 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal says he's considering skipping his speaking engagement at Republican National Convention because of Tropical Storm Isaac. Jindal said at a news conference Sunday afternoon that he wouldn't leave his state while it's threatened by the storm. Around the time he spoke, a hurricane... more »

• Supreme Court refuses voucher program injunction

  August 16, 2012 5:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Supreme Court has refused to stop the launch of Gov. Bobby Jindal's statewide voucher program, which began this month. The high court denied an injunction request by teacher unions and school boards to stall the voucher program as they challenge whether it is constitutional. A... more »