Content Tagged As john_bel_edwards
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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 » -
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 » -
La. legislature overrides veto of HB 648, bans gender-affirming procedures on children Play Video
July 18, 2023 5:21 PM
BATON ROUGE - One of the most hotly debated bills of the 2023 Louisiana legislative session is set to become law, with the House and Senate on Tuesday voting to override a gubernatorial veto of HB 648, a measure that bans gender-affirming treatments and procedures for minors. Members of... 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 » -
Dora Jean Edwards, mother of Gov. John Bel Edwards, has died
January 20, 2023 1:28 PM
BATON ROUGE – Dora Jean Edwards, the mother of Gov. John Bel Edwards, died Friday morning. She was 87. "She was the matriarch of our family and, along with my late father Frank, the reason why I am the person I am today," the governor said in a prepared... more » -
Edwards will not testify at Ronald Greene hearing Monday
November 11, 2022 5:27 PM
BATON ROUGE – Gov. John Bel Edwards will not testify Monday before a legislative committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene. That committee meeting is the same day a grand jury will meet in Union Parish to hear evidence that could lead to possible criminal charges in Greene’s death.... 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 » -
Special session to delay Edwards' testimony about Ronald Greene
June 8, 2022 3:03 PM
BATON ROUGE -- The House committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene will have to wait to hear from Gov. John Bel Edwards. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder on Wednesday said Edwards' call for a special session to redraw Congressional maps was the reason. "The magnitude of this hearing... more » -
Governor Edwards pardons Homer Plessy, of 'separate but equal' ruling
January 5, 2022 6:54 AM
NEW ORLEANS - An act of injustice that occurred 130 years ago has been addressed. Governor John Bel Edwards on Wednesday officially pardoned Homer Plessy, a 19th century French-speaking Creole person of color whose arrest led to one of the most criticized Supreme Court decisions in US history. ... more » -
La. reports 9,930 new COVID cases; Governor urges citizens to modify New Years celebrations
December 31, 2021 11:28 AM
BATON ROUGE - According to The Office of Governor John Bel Edwards as of Friday (December 31) morning, Louisiana has 9,930 new COVID-19 cases. The state also counts 8 new deaths, 881 COVID-related hospitalizations, and 34 patients on ventilators. These new figures bring the total of Louisiana's COVID-related... more » -
Construction to begin on expansion of Coca-Cola Baton Rouge
December 16, 2021 9:43 AM
BATON ROUGE - Coca-Cola Baton Rouge hosted a Thursday morning groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction on the company's $42 million facility expansion. Governor John Bel Edwards attended the event and EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome spoke at the ceremony. Yesterday, I was at the... more » -
Gov. Edwards to honor veterans during 'Never Forget Garden Ceremony'
November 11, 2021 4:33 AM
BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards will honor veterans this Thursday by joining some of those who served alongside members of the American Rose Society in commemorating a “Never Forget” flower garden in the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park adjacent to the Louisiana State Capitol. The 11 a.m. Veterans... more » -
Officials issue last minute warnings to avoid roadways, prepare for power outages Play Video
August 29, 2021 10:15 AM
BATON ROUGE - Louisiana is preparing for Hurricane Ida to make landfall around 1 p.m. Sunday. JUST IN: The latest advisory for #Ida . Updates and your detailed local forecast at: https://t.co/Ck61O53rYN | #LaWX #MsWX pic.twitter.com/B8r9JOJOZu — WBRZ Weather (@WBRZweather) August 29, 2021 ... more » -
President Biden approves major disaster declaration for Louisiana
August 26, 2021 6:11 PM
BATON ROUGE - President Joe Biden approved Louisiana's request for a Major Disaster Declaration as Hurricane Ida ravages the southeast region of the state Sunday. Governor John Bel Edwards requested the declaration Sunday evening because of the storm, which has been ripping through southeast Louisiana since late Sunday morning.... more » -
Man from New Orleans, teen from Lafayette win big in weekly 'Shot At a Million' campaign
July 30, 2021 1:28 PM
BATON ROUGE — One man from New Orleans is $100,000 wealthier thanks to getting a COVID vaccination and a teenager from Lafayette is paving his way to the future with a bright and shiny $100,000 scholarship, all because he chose to get the vaccine. Stephen Curry, a 57-year-old man... more » -
Gov. John Bel Edwards to address uptick in COVID cases during Friday news conference Play Video
July 16, 2021 9:33 AM
BATON ROUGE - A recent spike in U.S. COVID cases has triggered a variety of responses from states across the country. The increase motivated officials in California's Los Angeles County to reissue a mask mandate. Click here to watch the news conference live Due to increased... more » -
John Bel Edwards appointed to President's Council of Governors
July 9, 2021 8:27 AM
BATON ROUGE - According to a Thursday news release from the office of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Edwards will join President Joe Biden’s Council of Governors. The council is a bipartisan advisory group of some of the nation’s governors that focuses on improving the coordination between state and... more » -
State officials release plan to assist Louisiana's rural communities
June 24, 2021 6:24 AM
BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Wednesday (June 23) that the Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization had released its Strategic Plan Report . In a news release issued the same day, the governor's office said the council was established by executive order in February of 2020. Its... more » -
Governor signs bill reducing penalty for small amounts of marijuana
June 15, 2021 12:51 PM
BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards signed a bill Tuesday that will prevent prison sentences for anyone caught with small amounts of marijuana. House Bill 652, which earned passage in the Louisiana House and Senate in the 2021 legislative session means anyone with 14 grams or less of... more » -
Gov. Edwards to provide update on severe weather Tuesday afternoon
May 18, 2021 9:59 AM
BATON ROUGE - As a number of south Louisiana residents find shelter following overnight evacuations from flooded homes, Governor John Bel Edwards is scheduled to address the public during a Tuesday, 1 p.m. news conference. The governor is expected to discuss the severe weather and flooding in the region... more » -
Louisiana governor urges feds to resume offshore leases in months Play Video
May 11, 2021 10:49 AM
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana’s governor urged the federal government on Thursday to resume offshore oil and gas leasing within months. The head of the federal agency that runs offshore lease sales didn’t say whether sales will resume. it’s important to support the oil and gas industry even... more » -
Louisiana bar owners likely to learn how current COVID stats will impact operations Play Video
March 24, 2021 8:19 AM
BATON ROUGE - Bars in downtown Baton Rouge, once a popular spot for capital area tourists, have experienced a significant reduction in foot traffic since Louisiana was confronted by the COVID-19 health crisis in March of 2020. As the state continues to recover from the pandemic, its reopening process... more » -
State officials to address concerns related to COVID vaccines with virtual Town Hall Play Video
March 18, 2021 8:37 AM
BATON ROUGE - Vaccine clinics have been set up throughout the state of Louisiana, ensuring that eligible citizens in every parish are presented with the opportunity to be inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine. Despite these efforts, some citizens have yet to be vaccinated, and the delay is by choice.... more » -
Louisiana greatly expands COVID vaccine eligibility; see who's eligible Play Video
March 8, 2021 9:33 PM
BATON ROUGE - State officials announced Louisiana has widened the eligibility pool for the COVID vaccination to people as young 16 years old, so long as they have a pre-existing condition. The new group includes those ages 16 to 64 who have a host of conditions that could increase... more » -
Mayor says New Orleans will stay in Phase 2
March 2, 2021 7:11 PM
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced that the city will not move into Phase 3 with the rest of the state. In a tweet, Cantrell said Orleans Parish would stick to its current restrictions following Gov. John Bel Edwards' announcement that Louisiana will move into a modified Phase 3... more » -
Gov. Edwards says, "I couldn't ask for a better partner" of his wife on her birthday
February 5, 2021 9:55 AM
BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards took a moment to honor his wife on her birthday, Friday (Feb. 5). The governor praised First Lady Donna Edwards in an early morning Facebook post, saying, "Happy Birthday to our incredible first lady and my incredible wife, Donna. Your hard work... more » -
Governor Edwards asks White House for $3B in hurricane aid
January 27, 2021 8:23 AM
BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards announced Tuesday (Jan. 26) that the state is requesting federal aid for hurricane recovery efforts in the amount of $3 billion. Edwards explained, via a Tuesday afternoon press release, that Louisiana communities affected by hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta during 2020's record-breaking... more » -
Gov. Edwards to address public regarding hurricane recovery efforts Tuesday
January 26, 2021 10:27 AM
LAKE CHARLES - Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to address the public on Tuesday (Jan. 26) afternoon at 1 p.m. from Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. The governor will join other local officials in providing citizens with an update on hurricane recovery efforts in Southwest Louisiana. According... more » -
Gov. Edwards to address next phase of COVID response in Tuesday news conference Play Video
January 11, 2021 5:38 PM
BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to address the next phase of Louisiana's coronavirus response during a news conference Tuesday. Edwards will hold the news conference at 3:30 p.m. at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. The governor is expected to announce... more » -
Governor's Office staffer tests positive for COVID-19; few quarantined
January 4, 2021 9:56 AM
BATON ROUGE - The first week of 2021 begins with one of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards' staffers testing positive for COVID-19. According to a Monday (Jan. 4) morning news release issued by the Governor's Office, the infected individual is a member of Governor Edwards’ team and they tested... more » -
WATCH: Gov. Edwards addresses rising COVID numbers, tragic loss of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow Play Video
December 31, 2020 9:20 AM
BATON ROUGE - Elected officials across the U.S. continue to offer words of sympathy and encouragement to the family of the late Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who died Tuesday (Dec. 29) after being diagnosed and hospitalized with COVID-19. Accompanying these condolences from Letlow's fellow politicians are a blend of comforting,... more » -
Gov. Edwards: Holidays this year cannot look the same as they have in previous years Play Video
December 23, 2020 8:33 AM
BATON ROUGE - As a year unlike any other draws to a close, federal and state officials are urging citizens to avoid traditional holiday gatherings and to, instead, simply stay home. The reason boils down to reducing the spread of COVID-19, which has been blamed for more than 323,000... more » -
La's virus deaths reach grim milestone, Governor to address public with COVID update Play Video
December 22, 2020 11:56 AM
BATON ROUGE - With major holiday celebrations only days away, Louisiana's COVID-19 death toll has surpassed 7,000 as hospitalizations and new cases maintain their steady increase. The grim statistics have triggered Governor John Bel Edwards to address the public with a COVID update Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 2:30 p.m.... more » -
Gov. Edwards: $234.6 million in Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill NRDA funds to be used for coastal restoration projects
November 23, 2020 12:49 PM
BATON ROUGE – Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Monday that the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) has approved $234.6 million in funds resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement for restoration projects that will create and restore wetlands in Plaquemines and Terrebonne Parishes. The funding will be used... more » -
Amid La's increase in COVID cases, Gov. John Bel Edwards releases open letter, video to citizens
November 20, 2020 11:20 AM
BATON ROUGE - On Friday morning, Governor John Bel Edwards, prompted by rising numbers of COVID cases across the state, took to social media to urge Louisiana's citizens to implement all recommended COVID safety precautions while celebrating fall and winter holidays. The Governor's message was recorded in a video... 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 » -
Gov. Edwards to continue tour of Zeta-impacted areas; over 300,000 remain without power Play Video
October 30, 2020 7:35 AM
BATON ROUGE - As of Friday (Oct. 30) morning, over 300,000 are without power across Louisiana, with the majority of outages in Jefferson Parish where over 150,000 are awaiting electricity. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards is scheduled to join fellow officials and lawmakers in a Friday morning tour of... more » -
Gov. Edwards to provide Hurricane Zeta update at 1 p.m. Play Video
October 28, 2020 5:37 AM
BATON ROUGE - As southeast Louisiana prepares for the swiftly-moving Hurricane Zeta to make landfall, Governor John Bel Edwards has moved his 3 p.m. news conference up to 1 p.m. His update will be aired live on WBRZ and WBRZ Plus at that time. It can also be... more » -
While U.S. COVID numbers rise, local politicians spar over virus restrictions Play Video
October 27, 2020 9:00 AM
BATON ROUGE - As the battle against novel coronavirus wages on, it's proving to be a multi-faceted fight. Over 180,000 Louisiana residents are embroiled in a battle against the illness itself, meanwhile, others are physically healthy but financially strapped as they fight COVID-related financial woes. And still another... more » -
2020 Census: Amid revised Thursday, Oct. 15 filing deadline, Gov. Edwards urges residents to complete census
October 15, 2020 9:57 AM
BATON ROUGE - With the 2020 Census filing deadline revised to Thursday, October 15, Governor John Bel Edwards is urging Louisianians to complete the census before Thursday evening. “This new date leaves little time for Louisiana to make sure we have a full count,” said Gov. Edwards. “It’s critical... more » -
Gov. Edwards announces program to help Louisiana shrimpers
October 13, 2020 11:14 AM
On Monday, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the creation of a $250,000 program that will pay part of the cost shrimp fishermen will have to pay for mandated devices to protect sea turtles and other animals from getting trapped in their nets. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries... more » -
Gov. John Bel Edwards asks Louisianans to join him in praying for the Trumps
October 2, 2020 12:45 PM
BATON ROUGE - Though Louisiana's governor and the nation's commander in chief differ on a number of political views, they've enjoyed polite interaction over the years and found middle ground to agree on. Friday, when Governor John Bel Edwards learned President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were... more » -
House takes initial step in attempt to curb Governor Edwards' power amid pandemic
October 2, 2020 12:15 PM
BATON ROUGE - Republican lawmakers, outspokenly dissatisfied with Governor John Bel Edwards' handling of the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic, took the first step towards enacting a law that would limit the Governor's power during the pandemic on Friday. Associated Press reporter, Melinda Deslatte tweeted that during a... more » -
Governor Edwards offers post-hurricane relief update Wednesday morning
September 2, 2020 11:15 AM
BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards is scheduled to tour Lake Charles for another look at the devastation left by Hurricane Laura as well as the current relief efforts that are underway. But before the Governor makes his way to Lake Charles, he is addressing the public with... more » -
Hurricane preparations coincide with pandemic precautions Play Video
August 26, 2020 9:05 AM
BATON ROUGE - A number of South Louisiana citizens, most donning masks and attempting to practice social distancing guidelines while preparing for Hurricane Laura, would likely agree that there may be some truth to the old idiom, "when it rains it pours." Even as COVID-19, a global pandemic that's... more » -
Governor Edwards: Louisiana now first in nation in per capita COVID-19 cases Play Video
July 29, 2020 9:34 AM
BATON ROUGE - Governor Edwards took to Facebook Wednesday morning to urge Louisianians to practice social distancing and mask up, saying, "Louisiana is now first in the nation in per capita COVID-19 cases. This is a statewide epidemic, and just one person’s actions can help stop the spread of COVID-19."... 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 »