Phillip DeVillier

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.

Louisiana lawmakers approved a $168 million reduction to the Minimum Foundation Program for the 2026-27 school year to fund teacher and school worker stipends. The decision faced opposition from some school superintendents and followed a temporary restraining order related to the funding program.

Gov. Jeff Landry and legislative leaders are defending a plan to fund teacher stipends by reallocating school operations funds, despite concerns from school officials about potential impacts. Landry adjusted the proposal to exempt districts that already provided equivalent pay increases, and Legislative Auditor Michael Waguespack's analysis suggested most districts could comply. The plan requires legislative approval by a specific deadline.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry adjusted his proposal to allow school districts already providing teacher pay increases to bypass state stipend requirements. Legislative leaders and the state auditor argue most districts can afford the stipend strategy, but some lawmakers remain concerned about potential impacts on education funding.