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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.

Moreno warns state could punish New Orleans

She withdrew the city's loan request pending before the state leaders.

State leaders may &quot;target the city&#x27;s finances&quot; in retaliation for an Orleans Parish grand jury&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" data-vars-content-id="65f776bc-9665-4734-8c59-a65377aefa88" data-vars-headline="Moreno warns state could punish 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/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" target="_self">indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill</a>, Mayor Helena Moreno warned Thursday.Why it matters: She withdrew the city&#x27;s loan request pending before the State Bond Commission, saying &quot;denial was imminent.&quot;

Taxi rides could cost $1 more in New Orleans

Drivers asked for the surcharge to offset gas prices.

Transit

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="22f8798d-750f-458a-ae11-7e30531ec14a" data-vars-headline="Taxi rides could cost $1 more 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/politics" target="_self">New Orleans City Council</a> will vote Thursday on whether to add a $1 surcharge to every taxi ride through the end of 2027.Why it matters: Drivers asked for the surcharge to offset rising gas prices and insurance costs, says Councilmember Eugene Green, who is supporting the proposal.

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.

Rep. Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis head to final round for U.S. Senate

The general election is slated for Nov. 3.

Election

Rep. Julia Letlow and Jamie Davis will face off this fall for Bill Cassidy&#x27;s U.S. Senate seat.Why it matters: Letlow, who is favored to win November&#x27;s general election, managed to fend off a surge of support for fellow Republican competitor State Treasurer John Fleming in Saturday&#x27;s primary runoff.

Election guide for June 27 primary runoffs in New Orleans

Low voter turnout is expected in primary runoffs.

Louisiana voters will make their choices in a primary runoff for U.S. Senate among other local matters in an election Saturday.Why it matters: All eyes are on which Republican candidate — President Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow, or State Treasurer John Fleming — will make it through to November&#x27;s election.

New Orleans mayor picks up a bar shift

<figure><img alt="Image shows Mayor Helena Moreno serving a beer in a can at a bar." height="450" id="8698bfbd-d971-48e9-87ef-885e41c596ef" src="https://images.axios.com/wR1rE8BNx2C1jZlWANPVNCpQWnA=/2026/06/25/1782422291390.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Mayor Helena Moreno was the guest bartender at Molly&#x27;s at the Market on Wednesday. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno volunteered behind the bar this week at Molly&#x27;s on Decatur in support of businesses affected by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="French Quarter construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/25/french-quarter-business-grants-construction-marketing" data-vars-content-id="87a43646-c456-49e2-89d7-57bf48ca93d9" data-vars-headline="New Orleans mayor picks up a bar shift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/25/french-quarter-business-grants-construction-marketing" target="_self">French Quarter construction</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s not every day the mayor will pour you a shot.

Officials offer lifeline to struggling French Quarter businesses

At least three businesses have closed due to ongoing construction.

Business

<figure><img alt="New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno talks at a podium with people behind her." height="450" id="ebd78d4e-2221-4d7f-95bd-faf5d301d4e7" src="https://images.axios.com/rc0fDL2Zriyryfb7k-iES-BUDBM=/2026/06/25/1782417568126.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Mayor Helena Moreno, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and other officials held a press conference in the construction zone Wednesday to announce new support options for French Quarter businesses. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>State and local officials are offering small business grants and marketing help for French Quarter businesses that are struggling amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/24/french-quarter-construction-timeline-closures" data-vars-content-id="7b21cdf4-9bf7-41e5-bb73-c12a86d2cb17" data-vars-headline="Officials offer lifeline to struggling French Quarter businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/24/french-quarter-construction-timeline-closures" target="_self">ongoing construction</a> on their blocks.Why it matters: At least <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three businesses have closed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/12/2-french-quarter-restaurants-close-blame-construction" data-vars-content-id="7b21cdf4-9bf7-41e5-bb73-c12a86d2cb17" data-vars-headline="Officials offer lifeline to struggling French Quarter businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/12/2-french-quarter-restaurants-close-blame-construction" target="_self">three businesses have closed</a> already, with others saying they are in dire straits as the city enters what is historically its slowest tourism season.

How Louisiana is celebrating 250th birthday of the U.S.

The state is participating in America250 and Freedom 250.

President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great American State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/27/national-mall-fifa-fan-zone-state-fair-flo-rida" data-vars-content-id="2b408e8f-3d44-4227-8f41-7a9c037ff520" data-vars-headline="How Louisiana is celebrating 250th birthday of the U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/27/national-mall-fifa-fan-zone-state-fair-flo-rida" target="_self">Great American State Fair</a> begins on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, and attendees will get a chance to learn about Louisiana.Why it matters: The event, though controversial, is another chance for state leaders to talk about how they&#x27;re doing business under Gov. Jeff Landry.

Politics 🇺🇸

Moreno warns state could punish New Orleans

Taxi rides could cost $1 more in New Orleans

Liz Murrill indictment intensifies New Orleans-Baton Rouge power struggle

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

Louisiana AG indicted, triggering legal standoff