Paul Braun

Capitol Reporter

Paul Braun is WRKF's reporter for Capitol Access, our series of reporting on state politics, government, and the people shaping Louisiana's state policy.

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Louisiana House Advances Nine Measures To Limit Edwards’ Coronavirus Restrictions

By • Oct 2, 2020
Paul Braun / WRKF

The Republican-controlled Louisiana House of Representatives on Friday overwhelmingly approved several measures aimed at limiting Gov. John Bel Edwards power during times of emergency, including a resolution that would repeal Edwards’ public health emergency for the coronavirus.

State Treasurer Halts Applications For Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants

By • Sep 29, 2020
Paul Braun / WRKF

Louisiana will no longer accept new applications from small businesses for the state’s coronavirus relief fund, State Treasurer John Shroder announced Tuesday.

Louisiana Legislature Kicks Off 30-Day Special Session

By • Sep 29, 2020
Paul Braun / WRKF

The Louisiana Legislature met briefly Monday to officially kick off the second special session of the year.

But as Paul Braun reports, the real work starts today. 

Mail-In Ballots, Distancing And COVID-19 Excuses: What You Need To Know To Vote In Louisiana In 2020

By • Sep 28, 2020
Jessica Rosgaard / WWNO

The coronavirus has injected uncertainty into so many aspects of our daily lives. Voting is no exception.

Disputes Between Edwards, GOP Lawmakers Loom Over Second Special Session

By • Sep 25, 2020
Paul Braun / WRKF

Louisiana state lawmakers are headed back to the Capitol for the second special legislative session of the year. They’re giving themselves 30 days to address Hurricane Laura recovery, the state’s COVID-19 restrictions, and the nearly-empty Unemployment Trust Fund.

Louisiana Legislature Calls Special Session To Address Coronavirus Restrictions, Unemployment Crisis

By • Sep 22, 2020
Paul Braun / WRKF

The Louisiana Legislature will convene its second special session of year at 6 p.m. Monday to address the state’s coronavirus restrictions, Hurricane Laura recovery efforts and the dwindling unemployment trust fund.

Federal Judge Clears Path For More Mail-In Voting This Fall

By • Sep 18, 2020
Jessica Rosgaard / WWNO

This week a federal judge issued a ruling that would require Louisiana to expand access to mail-in ballots during this fall’s presidential election.  The ruling came from a lawsuit that pit voting rights advocates and Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards against Republican Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin.

Louisiana Bars Get One More Hour Of Alcohol Sales After Edwards Tweaks Phase 3 Rules

By • Sep 17, 2020
Betsy Shepherd / WWNO

Gov. John Bel Edwards loosened Louisiana’s coronavirus restrictions Thursday to allow bars to serve alcohol until 11 p.m. — one hour later than the previous restrictions allowed.

Tropical Storm Sally Could Strike Louisiana As A Hurricane

By • Sep 13, 2020

Gov. John Bel Edwards is urging residents of Southeast Louisiana to make storm preparations as forecasters warn Tropical Storm Sally could strengthen to a hurricane before making landfall Tuesday morning. The slow-moving storm could cause flash flooding and storm surge. 

Louisiana's Controversial COVID-19 Election Plan Goes Before A Federal Judge This Week

By • Sep 6, 2020
Tom Arthur / Wikimedia

A federal judge this week may decide the fate of the controversial emergency elections plan proposed by Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin after preliminary hearings in a lawsuit filed by voting rights groups.

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