Category: Top Story
This category showcases the lead coverage readers need to know, offering context, clarity, and insight into issues shaping New Orleans and beyond.
Brandon Jackson, convicted of robbery in split-jury vote, given new parole hearing
Jackson was convicted of robbery in a 10-2 vote. Since split verdicts were declared unconstitutional last year, he has been fighting his conviction in court. But the state parole board may offer him an alternative path to freedom.
In suit against parole board, judge orders Angola prisoner Bobby Sneed released from prison
Sneed sued the state parole board for illegal imprisonment after his parole was stripped.
Gusman, facing runoff election next month, encounters tough crowd at city budget hearing
Gusman’s opponent, Susan Hutson, made an appearance during the public comment period to question the sheriff about his agency’s legal spending.
Cantrell wins second term as mayor
Incumbent mayor defeats 13 challengers, cruising to a second term without a runoff.
NOLA Public Schools, state Dept. of Education want out of long-running special education consent judgment, but civil rights lawyers say they’re not ready
The two education agencies have been overseen by court-appointed monitors for nearly seven years under a settlement agreement. Now they say it's time to exit the agreement.
Divergent rulings on how to treat old split-jury verdicts could prompt action from La. Supreme Court
On Wednesday, a state appeals court in New Orleans ruled that a non-unanimous conviction should be overturned. On the same day, an appeals court in Lake Charles ruled that another split-jury verdict was valid.
See inside the proposal to create a ‘city-directed’ internet service to compete with Cox and AT&T
The proposal also includes the introduction of thousands of “smart cities” equipment throughout the city equipped with cameras and other data collecting sensors.
Despite ongoing opposition and proposed zoning changes, city still looking for contractors to redesign Municipal Auditorium as new City Hall
Over the summer, Mayor Cantrell met with a group opposed to the plan, telling them to come up with their own ideas for how to use the building. The group has been working on it but has not heard from city officials since July.
Schools must require quarantines to drop their mask mandates. But the state doesn’t know which districts are following quarantine guidelines.
State officials say monitoring compliance is up to local school district authorities.
