Former Governor Edwin Edwards died yesterday at 93 after a long life including a record four terms in office. Edwards was known for his wit and fierce campaigning, famously skewering then-Governor David Treen in 1983 during a debate…
Edwards may have been known for his wit but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says beyond the charm the Cajun Prince presided over four highly impactful terms in office. Pinsonat says one of the biggest changes resulting from the Edwards years was the shifting of political power in the state from the north to the south.
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Pinsonat noted other major changes such as bringing Blacks into government, significantly increasing state oil revenue, and holding a constitutional convention.
Edwards managed to remain one of the most popular figures in state politics despite repeated scandals and even a stint in jail on racketeering charges related to casino licenses. Edwards to his last day denied the allegations that landed him in prison and called the frequent investigations political witch hunts. Attorney Lewis Unglesby was a close friend of the Governor who says Edwards was confident in his innocence and wouldn’t let those around him take the fall when investigators came knocking at first in the 80s…
The former governor is expected to lie in state at the capitol with a public viewing later this week.
Caddo Parish authorities have identified the remains of a body that was found Monday as that of missing teen Shamia Little. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon says the 17-year old was reported missing last Tuesday at Doug Williams Park by a person claiming to have been with Little.
Her body was located Monday less than a half-mile from where she went missing.