Orleans Parish

Extreme heat in southeast Louisiana is increasing health risks for unhoused individuals, with heat index values reaching 115 degrees and shelters at capacity. New Orleans faces 98 heat-related deaths since 2023, prompting calls for long-term housing solutions and concerns over a statewide public sleeping ban. The city plans to plant 40,000 trees by 2030 and expand cooling strategies to address rising temperatures.

Homeless individuals in New Orleans face extreme heat with temperatures reaching 115°F, exacerbating health risks. Victor Tate, unsheltered for over a decade, describes limited relief under the Pontchartrain Expressway. Over 1,563 people experience homelessness in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, with rising heat-related health issues impacting vulnerable populations like seniors.

A special prosecutor dismissed felony charges against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who was accused of threatening officials opposing a court overhaul in New Orleans. The dismissal followed a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling that the indictment process was flawed and pressure from local officials, with Murrill claiming the case was malicious. Political tensions between state Republicans and New Orleans Democrats over the court changes contributed to the dispute.

A special prosecutor dismissed felony charges against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who faced accusations of threatening jobs of New Orleans officials opposing a court overhaul. The case was paused due to procedural issues, and the dismissal followed a letter from city officials urging the special prosecutor to drop the case. Murrill claimed the charges were malicious, while Republican Governor Jeff Landry pledged support.

Charges against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, including public intimidation and malfeasance, were dropped by special prosecutor Laurie White at the request of New Orleans officials. Murrill claimed no crime was committed, while the dispute centered on her warning to city officials about potential charges under state usurper laws related to a court clerk's position.

Criminal charges against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill were dismissed by special prosecutor Laurie A. White after receiving letters from alleged victims urging the case to be dropped. Murrill faced 16 felony counts, including malfeasance in office and public intimidation, related to letters she sent to New Orleans city officials.

Louisiana district judges face unusual turnover due to mandatory age 70 retirement and legislative changes, including the elimination of three criminal court judgeships in Orleans Parish. Judges like John Fuller, Rhonda Goode-Douglas, and Simone Levine are challenging colleagues or the law, creating competitive and confusing races for voters.

Leon Cannizzaro, former Orleans District Attorney, has been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana, an independent body overseeing judicial conduct. The appointment by Speaker Phillip DeVillier will begin in 2026, following his retirement from the Attorney General’s office. Criminal justice advocates have criticized the appointment due to Cannizzaro's past aggressive prosecutorial tactics and controversies.

Leon Cannizzaro, who previously led the criminal division of Louisiana's Attorney General's office, has been appointed to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana. His appointment has raised concerns among criminal justice reform advocates due to his history of aggressive tactics and controversial practices during his tenure as Orleans Parish District Attorney.

The Louisiana Supreme Court quashed an arrest warrant for Attorney General Liz Murrill and stayed a 16-count indictment against her related to a letter she sent to New Orleans officials. The court cited questionable grand jury proceedings and procedural irregularities, allowing Murrill to seek dismissal of the charges.

The Louisiana Supreme Court granted Attorney General Liz Murrill’s motion for a stay of her indictment in Orleans Parish, citing concerns about defects in grand jury proceedings. Murrill called the charges retaliatory and stated she will continue her duties while pursuing legal motions to dismiss the case.

The Louisiana Supreme Court granted Attorney General Liz Murrill’s motion to stay her indictment in Orleans Parish, citing compelling arguments about defects in grand jury proceedings. Murrill called the charges retaliatory and stated she will continue her duties while pursuing legal motions to dismiss the case.

A grand jury indicted Louisiana’s attorney general for allegedly threatening local officials who opposed a law changing the local court system. The law eliminated the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk position after Calvin Duncan, a wrongfully convicted man later exonerated, was elected to the role. Governor Jeff Landry and the Republican Attorneys General Association defended the attorney general, while local officials argued the law undermined voter will in a predominantly Black community.

A grand jury indicted Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on criminal charges for allegedly threatening local officials who opposed a law to overhaul local courts. The law eliminated the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk position after Calvin Duncan, a man wrongfully imprisoned for decades, was elected to the role with 68% of the vote.

Louisiana's attorney general was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly intimidating local officials who opposed a law to overhaul the local courts. The law eliminated the position of Orleans Parish criminal court clerk, which had been won by Calvin Duncan with 68% of the vote, and was enacted days before his scheduled inauguration.

All district attorney offices in Louisiana will be on the ballot in the fall elections, with several races facing significant challenges. Incumbent DAs like Hillar Moore in East Baton Rouge Parish and James Stewart in Caddo Parish are contesting opponents, while Orleans Parish DA Jason Williams has no declared challenger. The races underscore the influence of district attorneys in prosecutorial decisions and criminal justice policies.

The National Weather Service confirmed a 10th tornado from the June 18-19 severe weather outbreak, with two tornadoes striking Eden Isles simultaneously. An EF0 tornado caused minor damage in Eden Isles, while an EF1 tornado tracked further into Mississippi. No fatalities or injuries were reported.

The National Weather Service confirmed eight tornadoes in Louisiana and Mississippi on June 18th, 2026, with significant damage reported in areas like Houma and along a long-track tornado from St. Tammany Parish to Mississippi. The storms caused roof damage, uprooted trees, and impacted infrastructure, with surveys ongoing in regions like Eden Isle.

The National Weather Service confirmed three EF1 tornadoes with peak winds of 90-95 mph touched down in Southeast Louisiana on Thursday, causing damage in Houma, Jefferson Parish (West and East Banks), and Orleans Parish. The storms were linked to remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, which had weakened to a post-tropical system before impacting the region.

The Louisiana Supreme Court upheld a state law eliminating Orleans Parish’s criminal clerk of court position, blocking Calvin Duncan from taking office after his election. The law consolidated the role with the civil clerk under Chelsea Richard Napoleon, despite city leaders' opposition and claims the law undermined voter choice.

Dustin Badeaux, a 41-year-old man from New Orleans, was indicted by a federal grand jury for bank robbery under Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). The indictment was announced by United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has been indicted for allegedly failing to prevent a jailbreak and the escape of 10 inmates. The incident, which occurred under her supervision, has raised concerns about security lapses in the local correctional facility.

Calvin Duncan, exonerated after 28 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, won election as Orleans Parish criminal court clerk with 68% of the vote. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Republican-controlled legislature are now seeking to eliminate the position before Duncan can take office.