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How Calvin Duncan's election led to Liz Murrill's indictment

Louisiana's attorney general faces 16 felony counts.

Politics

The legal battle that led to Attorney General <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" data-vars-content-id="5f4fb9ff-d6d5-4ca9-a275-c08c1c06f540" data-vars-headline="How Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election led to Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" target="_self">Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment</a> began with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/04/calvin-duncan-takes-office-leaves-court-cases" data-vars-content-id="5f4fb9ff-d6d5-4ca9-a275-c08c1c06f540" data-vars-headline="How Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election led to Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/04/calvin-duncan-takes-office-leaves-court-cases" target="_self">Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election</a>.The big picture: Duncan, who spent 28 years in prison before being exonerated, launched his campaign for clerk of criminal court last year and quickly became the focus of several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national stories" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/calvin-duncan-jailhouse-lawyer-new-orleans-louisiana.html" data-vars-content-id="5f4fb9ff-d6d5-4ca9-a275-c08c1c06f540" data-vars-headline="How Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election led to Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/calvin-duncan-jailhouse-lawyer-new-orleans-louisiana.html" target="_blank">national stories</a>.

Scrapped by state, brake tags still required in New Orleans

Baton Rouge also still require emissions checks.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana scrapped brake tag" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/03/blackout-license-plates-coming-to-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="f5f3f006-5876-4657-9246-9e1b482bbfbd" data-vars-headline="Scrapped by state, brake tags still required in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/03/blackout-license-plates-coming-to-louisiana" target="_self">Louisiana scrapped brake tag</a>s during the last legislative session, doing away with most required vehicle inspections. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="f5f3f006-5876-4657-9246-9e1b482bbfbd" data-vars-headline="Scrapped by state, brake tags still required in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> drivers are the exception to the new rule.

Liz Murrill indictment intensifies New Orleans-Baton Rouge power struggle

Murrill faces intimidation charges over a letter she sent to Mayor Helena Moreno.

The indictment of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/06/louisiana-ag-indicted-triggering-legal-standoff" data-vars-content-id="30357c1f-530b-4199-b722-0fe095fa63ae" data-vars-headline="Liz Murrill indictment intensifies New Orleans-Baton Rouge power struggle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/06/louisiana-ag-indicted-triggering-legal-standoff" target="_self">Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill</a> is the latest and most dramatic escalation in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-running power struggle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/12/louisiana-special-elections-congressional-map-town-hall?" data-vars-content-id="30357c1f-530b-4199-b722-0fe095fa63ae" data-vars-headline="Liz Murrill indictment intensifies New Orleans-Baton Rouge power struggle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/12/louisiana-special-elections-congressional-map-town-hall?" target="_self">long-running power struggle</a> between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.Why it matters: New Orleans still depends on the state for major financial decisions, meaning the deteriorating relationship could have consequences beyond the courtroom.

Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz reportedly considering New Orleans wedding

They'd join a growing list of celebrities who've tied the knot here.

Culture

Actor Zoë Kravitz and singer Harry Styles are reportedly considering getting married in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="f957516f-12a6-42ce-af6f-6bbb3d58586b" data-vars-headline="Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz reportedly considering New Orleans wedding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>.Why it matters: We love love.

UNO officially becomes LSUNO with return to LSU system

Leaders hope the transition helps stabilize the school.

Education

The University of New Orleans&#x27; 15-year run within the University of Louisiana System comes to an end Wednesday as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school folds back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/03/uno-shifts-back-to-lsu-system-amid-crisis" data-vars-content-id="87565511-c90a-41b5-a1dc-494f1a654a5a" data-vars-headline="UNO officially becomes LSUNO with return to LSU system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/03/uno-shifts-back-to-lsu-system-amid-crisis" target="_self">school folds back</a> into LSU&#x27;s umbrella.Why it matters: The change, officials hope, will bring stability to New Orleans&#x27; largest public university after years of budget woes, layoffs and program cuts amid declining enrollment.

Louisiana's latest report card: The good, bad and ugly

Many of Louisiana's challenges are generational.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="0faa633f-a6c7-4695-a258-ab8a146aa585" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s latest report card: The good, bad and ugly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">Louisiana</a> is constantly being ranked, officially and unofficially, on just about every facet of life.Why it matters: Want to know your drinking water quality, school ranking or how safe it is to walk in your neighborhood? There&#x27;s a report for that.

New Orleans among worst places for new grads to find jobs

Fast-growing Southern metros offer the best job opportunities for new college graduates, according to a new study.The big picture: Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa Bay, Florida, top the list, based on payroll processor ADP&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adpresearch.com/2026-youve-graduated-now-what/" data-vars-content-id="11f30d2f-4d60-4c2a-bd04-0b85b4bc7eb6" data-vars-headline="New Orleans among worst places for new grads to find jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adpresearch.com/2026-youve-graduated-now-what/" target="_blank">ranking</a> of 20-something hiring rates, wages and affordability.

The best way to X-ray a hummingbird

The university treats about 1,400 wild animals a year.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds will soon make their annual migration north from Mexico through Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states.Why it matters: Some will end up injured, and those that do might land at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine&#x27;s Wildlife Hospital — which just published new research showing the best way to identify fractures in these tiny birds.

Loyola wins federal approval for prison education Pell Grants

It's one of a few options for Louisiana's incarcerated students.

Loyola University recently became Louisiana&#x27;s first four-year institution for incarcerated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/education" data-vars-content-id="3307be46-5bf2-4a36-ba0c-b6bd44e0ceb4" data-vars-headline="Loyola wins federal approval for prison education Pell Grants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/education" target="_self">students</a> to receive U.S. Department of Education approval.Why it matters: Its students can now apply for Pell Grants, which do not need to be paid back, freeing up funding for program expansion for incarcerated student education, its leaders say.

LSU gets new president, chancellor, athletic director

And Gov. Jeff Landry is making his feelings known, too.

In the span of just eight days, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LSU" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/education" data-vars-content-id="6a9c0808-6789-4946-8454-e3bd616f3ebd" data-vars-headline="LSU gets new president, chancellor, athletic director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/education" target="_self">LSU</a> lost its football coach and athletic director, and tapped a new president, chancellor and replacement athletic director.Why it matters: The changes mark a new era for some of the university&#x27;s most prominent roles.

Louisiana battling chronic absenteeism

Officials are trying a new strategy to keep kids in school.

Louisiana <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/education" data-vars-content-id="9ae82835-a8d9-4ffc-81e8-ead361eb9e47" data-vars-headline="Louisiana battling chronic absenteeism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/education" target="_self">education</a> officials are trying a new strategy to keep kids in school this year. Why it matters: Truancy has been linked to lower test scores, negative impacts on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social-emotional development" data-vars-click-url="https://seis.ucla.edu/news/the-effects-of-absenteeism-on-academic-and-social-emotional/" data-vars-content-id="9ae82835-a8d9-4ffc-81e8-ead361eb9e47" data-vars-headline="Louisiana battling chronic absenteeism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://seis.ucla.edu/news/the-effects-of-absenteeism-on-academic-and-social-emotional/" target="_blank">social-emotional development</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increased substance use" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2815052/" data-vars-content-id="9ae82835-a8d9-4ffc-81e8-ead361eb9e47" data-vars-headline="Louisiana battling chronic absenteeism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2815052/" target="_blank">increased substance use</a>, increased chances of trouble at home and higher likelihoods of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criminal activity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles/truncy.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9ae82835-a8d9-4ffc-81e8-ead361eb9e47" data-vars-headline="Louisiana battling chronic absenteeism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles/truncy.pdf" target="_blank">criminal activity</a>.

Louisiana among states with highest COVID cases

A surge is unsurprising during back-to-school days.

Health

Louisiana is among a group of states with the highest rate of COVID cases right now, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;stratus&quot; COVID variant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/08/covid-19-stratus-variant-symptoms-cases-cdc" data-vars-content-id="08268821-f2fd-4076-9ab6-155d7332d5b4" data-vars-headline="Louisiana among states with highest COVID cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/08/covid-19-stratus-variant-symptoms-cases-cdc" target="_self">&quot;stratus&quot; COVID variant</a> is surging throughout the country, and with kids heading back to school, it&#x27;s not exactly surprising.

New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat

Some schools already struggle to keep classes cool.

As K-12 students head back to school in New Orleans this week, more will be sitting in classrooms in extreme <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban heat zones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" target="_self">urban heat zones</a> than the U.S. average, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: The heat island effect can make some neighborhoods notably warmer than others, especially during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/heat-wave" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/heat-wave" target="_self">heat waves</a>.Flashback: Some regional schools started last year with canceled classes because of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inadequate air conditioning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/04/louisiana-schools-air-conditioning-heat-waves" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/04/louisiana-schools-air-conditioning-heat-waves" target="_self">inadequate air conditioning</a>. Driving the news: About 76% of public K-12 students in the 65 most populous U.S. cities attend schools where the heat island effect increases temperatures by at least 8°F, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new analysis from Climate Central," data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/schools-and-urban-heat-2025" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/schools-and-urban-heat-2025" target="_blank">new analysis from Climate Central,</a> a climate research group.<ul><li>Researchers there examined more than 12,000 schools, with nearly 6.2 million students.</li><li>The group&#x27;s analysis is based on its previous work modeling urban heat zones, as well as National Center for Education Statistics data.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: New Orleans is among cities working to alleviate its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat island effect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/23/new-orleans-heat-island-effect-mapped" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/23/new-orleans-heat-island-effect-mapped" target="_self">heat island effect</a>, with city leaders last year announcing plans to create a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat mitigation plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/16/new-orleans-heat-mitigation-plan-extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/16/new-orleans-heat-mitigation-plan-extreme-weather" target="_self">heat mitigation plan</a>.

Where to find free school supplies in New Orleans

Tariffs are making back-to-school budgets tighter.

Parents heading into the back-to-school season are facing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/10/trump-tariffs-shoes" data-vars-content-id="0d16fc37-4d73-4aae-9d18-3d5387943b1a" data-vars-headline="Where to find free school supplies in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/10/trump-tariffs-shoes" target="_self">rising prices</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="looming tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" data-vars-content-id="0d16fc37-4d73-4aae-9d18-3d5387943b1a" data-vars-headline="Where to find free school supplies in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/tariffs" target="_self">looming tariffs</a> — forcing them to shop smarter and earlier.Catch up quick: New U.S. tariffs on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chinese imports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/trump-china-tariffs-magnets-visas" data-vars-content-id="0d16fc37-4d73-4aae-9d18-3d5387943b1a" data-vars-headline="Where to find free school supplies in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/trump-china-tariffs-magnets-visas" target="_self">Chinese imports</a> — including backpacks, pens, binders and shoes — kicked in earlier this year and remain historically high.

Education 📚

UNO officially becomes LSU New Orleans

UNO officially becomes LSUNO with return to LSU system

Louisiana's latest report card: The good, bad and ugly

5 Louisiana students to compete in Scripps National Spelling Bee

New Orleans among worst places for new grads to find jobs