More than a dozen people appeared in court on Wednesday after making deals with the Orleans Parish DA’s office. Many are now set to go free immediately.
Posted inCoronavirus
COVID-19 cases dip slightly in schools; older students now eligible for vaccine
One school cancelled in-person classes after a vaccination drive to allow staff to recover from temporary side effects.
Posted inCriminal Justice
State traffic enforcement grant includes arrest ‘targets,’ possibly violating state law against quotas
The state denies that the language creates quotas, saying that funding is not dependent on meeting the targets.
Posted inSchools
Amid background check investigation, Singleton Charter appoints interim CEO
The CEO and CFO resigned last week after a critical report from NOLA Public Schools on how the school conducted employee background checks. NOPD and Louisiana State Police are investigating the issue.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Louisiana pays $52K to woman who says former New Orleans judge groped her
Byron C. Williams retains judicial retirement benefits despite being suspended for 18 months.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 120: Full and effective compliance
The Convention Center moves forward on its massive “entertainment district.” NOPD nearing full compliance with the consent decree. And COVID vaccinations among white New Orleans residents outpace vaccinations among Black residents.
Posted inSchools
SUNO changes procedures after multiple students report that scholarships were not honored
Months after a report by The Lens on the problems, there is no word yet on an audit the university says is underway. And the Southern University chairman says the board will not be taking up the issue.
Posted inSchools
Singleton Charter CEO, CFO resign amid background checks investigation
The school employed someone ineligible to work at the school because of a criminal conviction.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
New Orleans Convention Center selects developer to build new riverfront neighborhood
The Convention Center and development team now enter a year-long negotiating period for the massive new development.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Court hearings suspended this week as DA’s office and public defenders attempt to address backlog
Public defenders have pushed for mass dismissals of old cases and misdemeanors, but DA Jason Williams says prosecutors will look at each case individually