Content Tagged As governor
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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 » -
Gov. Edwards: State seeing 'early signs' of case plateau; urges continued compliance Play Video
July 28, 2020 10:21 PM
BATON ROUGE - At his Tuesday COVID-19 press conference, Gov. John Bel Edwards hinted at positive signs in the state's effort to slow the spread. "We are seeing early signs, at least, of a plateauing of our cases, which is obviously a good thing," Edwards said. Edwards offered... more » -
Gov. Edwards: COVID-19 'more present' in Louisiana than ever before Play Video
July 8, 2020 10:29 PM
BATON ROUGE - After the initial surge of COVID-19 throughout Louisiana in the spring, cases and hospitalizations are steadily rising once again. "We have lost all the gains made in June," Gov. John Bel Edwards said Wednesday during his weekly virus briefing. "We are now seeing some numbers that... more » -
Gov. emphasizes need to wear masks, says does not intend to issue statewide mandate Play Video
July 1, 2020 8:27 AM
BATON ROUGE - As lawmakers across the country decide whether residents in their counties should be required to wear masks in public places, Louisianians turned to Governor Edwards for his thoughts on the matter during a Tuesday afternoon press conference. When asked if the recent surge in coronavirus cases... more » -
Governor, mayors pushing public to wear masks once again Play Video
June 24, 2020 11:46 PM
BATON ROUGE- With some of the highest COVID 19 numbers since April, Governor John Bel Edwards making yet another plea to the public to wear a mask. "We've said it so many times and I know people are tired of hearing it, but the simple fact of the matter... more » -
Louisiana closing in on 200k test goal for May; tracking 'reasonably well' towards phase two Play Video
May 27, 2020 9:58 PM
BATON ROUGE - With four days left in May, Louisiana is close to meeting its goal of testing 200,000 people for COVID-19 this month. As of Wednesday, 179,369 tests had been completed within the month, leaving 20,631 left to be performed. "That's a little over 5,100 tests per... more » -
Baton Rouge Zoo announces plans to start reopening next week
May 12, 2020 2:44 PM
BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Zoo will officially begin allowing visitors back starting Monday, May 18. BREC officials announced Tuesday that the zoo will first open to 'Friends of the Zoo' members only from May 18 to May 20. All guest will be allowed back starting May 21... more » -
Gov. Edwards: Still too early to determine if state will move to 'phase one' May 16 Play Video
May 6, 2020 9:55 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana moves closer to May 16 and the possibility of moving to phase one of The White House's reopening guidelines. Across the state, signs are beginning to appear that show there is a good chance of that happening. "Our numbers statewide are moving in a pretty... more » -
Edwards tells President: Louisiana ready for 'newer sense of normalcy;' Huge testing run will help Play Video
April 28, 2020 7:22 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The governor, while meeting with the president and vice president at the White House Wednesday, was appreciative of the support from the federal government and backed federal health guidelines tied to how states should reopen businesses in the wake of coronavirus lockdowns. The governor was in... more » -
Local business owners uncertain of future as state determines reopen plans Play Video
April 16, 2020 9:44 PM
BATON ROUGE - As the state prepares to jumpstart its return from COVID-19, what exactly that looks like remains unknown. "We have to try to strike the right balance between promoting public health and minimizing the spread of COVID-19," Gov. John Bel Edwards said. "The demand on our hospitals... more » -
State leaders eye transitioning back to life, but concerns lock NOLA down longer Play Video
April 14, 2020 10:02 PM
BATON ROUGE – State leaders are working on a plan about what aspects of regular life – and the state economy – can return on May 1st, the day after the current stay at home order is set to expire. “We’re planning for a transition, come May 1st,” the... more » -
Gov. Edwards cautiously optimistic in state's fight against COVID-19 Play Video
April 6, 2020 9:42 PM
BATON ROUGE - Monday marked four weeks since Louisiana reported its first case of coronavirus. With cases now north of 14,000, Gov. John Bel Edwards says things are beginning to look promising. "We are starting to see real signs that these mitigation measures that we put into place weeks... more » -
Gov. Edwards: more compliance is necessary to flatten the curve Play Video
April 3, 2020 9:38 PM
BATON ROUGE - The state needs more compliance from residents from across the state to flatten the curve, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Friday. New data released Friday for the greater New Orleans area paints a troubling trajectory. "Where we are right now is somewhere between the worst-case... more » -
Gov. Edwards: 'logjam' in testing responsible for this week's daily COVID-19 case spikes Play Video
April 2, 2020 9:28 PM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana saw its highest day-to-day coronavirus case increase Thursday. 2,726 new cases were reported, bringing the state's overall total to 9,150. Gov. John Bel Edwards says the reason behind Thursday's spike is the same reason we saw steady increases Tuesday and Wednesday. "The current increase... more » -
Gov. John Bel Edwards 'personally startled' by Tuesday COVID-19 case increase Play Video
March 31, 2020 9:35 PM
BATON ROUGE - Tuesday's announcement that Louisiana now has 5,237 cases of Coronavirus, a 1,212 case increase from Monday, was 'sobering' and 'personally startling' according to Gov. John Bel Edwards. "Numbers like we're reporting today keep us on a very steep trajectory in terms of our case growth," Edwards... more » -
Heading into weekend, Gov. John Bel Edwards pleads for residents to stay home Play Video
March 27, 2020 8:17 PM
BATON ROUGE - On a day when Louisiana saw its most deaths related to COVID-19, Gov. John Bel Edwards said the state's success in gaining control of coronavirus going forward depends on residents' compliance to mitigation measures, including his stay-at-home order. "If we're going to flatten the curve, if... more » -
Louisiana state government spending over $71 million on coronavirus response
March 24, 2020 9:01 PM
Louisiana state government has more than $71 million in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is asking the federal government to fully reimburse all expenses as the state plans to spend more money to build new facilities that will house coronavirus patients. According to the Advocate, Commissioner of Administration... more » -
More businesses close as 'stay-at-home' order goes into effect Play Video
March 23, 2020 10:10 PM
BATON ROUGE - Just about all Matt Brocato can do these days is clean his salon on Perkins Road. There will be no clipping, cutting or coloring for the next three weeks. Hair salons and barbershops are some of the latest businesses ordered to close as a part of... more » -
Ascension Public Schools responds to governor's stay-at-home order
March 22, 2020 7:35 PM
ASCENSION - The Ascension Parish Public School Board will comply with Governor John Bel Edwards stay-at-home order. Superintendent David Alexander states the guideline following stay-at-home order: All Ascension Parish School Board meetings for the month of March have been canceled. On Mar. 17, the School Board... more » -
WBRZ broadcast: State-wide COVID-19 discussion with governor Monday night
March 19, 2020 7:10 PM
BATON ROUGE – State health officials and government leaders hosted a direct conversation with state-wide television audiences Monday. WATCH LIVE “COVID-19 Louisiana’s Response” will be seen on state-wide TV and WBRZ+. Producers from LPB are working with state officials to produce the event and WBRZ agreed to... more » -
State employees told to change passwords weeks after crippling cyberattack
December 10, 2019 2:35 PM
BATON ROUGE - Workers at multiple state agencies were told to change their log-in information Tuesday, almost a month after a ransomware attack brought Louisiana to a halt. Sources tell WBRZ that at least two separate agencies, including the Department of Education, received emails ordering employees to reset the... more » -
Governor John Bel Edwards wins re-election; more results here Play Video
November 16, 2019 5:49 PM
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards will keep his job as the Deep South's only Democratic governor, in a blow to President Donald Trump, who tried to boost his opponent. On Saturday, voters narrowly reelected Edwards to a second term, snubbing Republican businessman Eddie... more »