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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.

Dior collection inspired by Louisiana artist Lynda Benglis

You can see some of Benglis' original works at NOMA.

If being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Swift&#x27;s wedding dress designer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/style/dior-couture-taylor-swift-wedding.html" data-vars-content-id="bf3fcc54-6b9b-476c-a7b5-02b1f4b5c04b" data-vars-headline="Dior collection inspired by Louisiana artist Lynda Benglis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/style/dior-couture-taylor-swift-wedding.html" target="_blank">Taylor Swift&#x27;s wedding dress designer</a> wasn&#x27;t enough reason to pay attention to Jonathan Anderson&#x27;s new Christian Dior collection, then consider this: The line was inspired by Louisiana artist Lynda Benglis.Why it matters: Louisiana has always been trés chic.

Weekend guide: Bastille Day, San Fermin and "Twilight" stars

The annual swingers convention is in town too.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s hot outside, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="d7e4359a-b8b2-4d03-883c-435963898ec3" data-vars-headline="Weekend guide: Bastille Day, San Fermin and &quot;Twilight&quot; stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">New Orleans</a> still has plenty of ways to fill your calendar this weekend.<ul><li>Prefer air-conditioned activities? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="See our indoor guide." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/15/best-indoor-activities-new-orleans-air-conditioned?utm_source=paid_search&amp;utm_medium=google&amp;utm_campaign=brand_national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDTpGYSt8nsbPj4TrxEzpbZ79&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocps1mfNrnsd08f5YUn8rruhe1pnImesEABM5gjEHd0I7H2yb2jRS-ShoCXgYQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="d7e4359a-b8b2-4d03-883c-435963898ec3" data-vars-headline="Weekend guide: Bastille Day, San Fermin and &quot;Twilight&quot; stars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/15/best-indoor-activities-new-orleans-air-conditioned?utm_source=paid_search&amp;utm_medium=google&amp;utm_campaign=brand_national&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23909507513&amp;gbraid=0AAAAACBUgDTpGYSt8nsbPj4TrxEzpbZ79&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw6rfSBhAqEiwA_yocps1mfNrnsd08f5YUn8rruhe1pnImesEABM5gjEHd0I7H2yb2jRS-ShoCXgYQAvD_BwE" target="_self">See our indoor guide.</a></li></ul>

Your New Orleans summer bucket list

Our suggestions for soaking up the summer.

We&#x27;re a little more than halfway through the year but deep into summer 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="0e248975-3d71-483f-98b6-047ea861f7ef" data-vars-headline="Your New Orleans summer bucket list" 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: The middle months of the year might not present New Orleans at its best, but there are still plenty of fun ways to remind yourself why it&#x27;s worth toughing it out.

Essence Fest returns as New Orleans weighs its future

Michelle Obama, Cardi B and Patti LaBelle headline this year.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Essence Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/08/teyana-taylor-essence-fest-changes" data-vars-content-id="5f78f960-6081-42bb-af20-c9ed6dd7cb47" data-vars-headline="Essence Fest returns as New Orleans weighs its future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/08/teyana-taylor-essence-fest-changes" target="_self">Essence Fest</a> kicks off Thursday in New Orleans with a Fourth of July weekend headlined by Michelle Obama, Cardi B and Patti LaBelle.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s contract with Essence is up for renewal this year, and organizers need to show they can throw a successful event worth millions in financial incentives from the city and state.

How to celebrate Fourth of July in New Orleans

From glizzy gobbling to fireworks watching.

It&#x27;s Fourth of July and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="541aa3cf-8e0b-4e78-81dc-d0bd2855aa07" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Fourth of July 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> has several ways for you to celebrate. Zoom in: Nationwide, the U.S. is celebrating its 250th birthday, so expect a little more fanfare at this year&#x27;s events.

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.

Juneteenth, Pride belly dancing and a mini Renaissance Fest

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="315a0591-9517-46a4-a204-253f313db67a" data-vars-headline="Juneteenth, Pride belly dancing and a mini Renaissance Fest" 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> has several events this week in honor of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/02/juneteenth-celebration-civil-rights-backlash" data-vars-content-id="315a0591-9517-46a4-a204-253f313db67a" data-vars-headline="Juneteenth, Pride belly dancing and a mini Renaissance Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/02/juneteenth-celebration-civil-rights-backlash" target="_self">Juneteenth</a>, the federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.The big picture: Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day Union <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/" data-vars-content-id="315a0591-9517-46a4-a204-253f313db67a" data-vars-headline="Juneteenth, Pride belly dancing and a mini Renaissance Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/" target="_blank">Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived</a> in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

New Orleans weekend guide: Pride, Naked Bike Ride and more

The city also hosts a Pokémon championship.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b5f8d65e-4bba-4be5-920a-dffee4890ca2" data-vars-headline="New Orleans weekend guide: Pride, Naked Bike Ride and more" 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> has three parades this weekend: Pride, the World Naked Bike Ride and a patriotic procession on the West Bank.Why it matters: They are part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busy schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="b5f8d65e-4bba-4be5-920a-dffee4890ca2" data-vars-headline="New Orleans weekend guide: Pride, Naked Bike Ride and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">busy schedule</a> that includes a national Pokémon championship and the New Orleans Food &amp; Wine Experience.

Celebrity car show planned at Bourbon Street attack site

The Gumball 3000 supercar rally has a permit from the city. NOPD officers will be working the event and there will be barricades.

New Orleans is hosting a celebrity car show on Bourbon Street at the site of last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deadly terrorist attack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/14/new-orleans-attack-injured-57-people-fbi" data-vars-content-id="b232e036-f097-44cd-a357-9bab383e9108" data-vars-headline="Celebrity car show planned at Bourbon Street attack site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/14/new-orleans-attack-injured-57-people-fbi" target="_self">deadly terrorist attack</a>.Why it matters: City leaders and law enforcement have spent the past year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restricting vehicular access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/06/bag-checks-bourbon-street-security-french-quarter" data-vars-content-id="b232e036-f097-44cd-a357-9bab383e9108" data-vars-headline="Celebrity car show planned at Bourbon Street attack site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/06/bag-checks-bourbon-street-security-french-quarter" target="_self">restricting vehicular access</a> to parts of Bourbon Street in response to the attack.

Creole Tomato Fest and more things to do in New Orleans

Summer&#x27;s here and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans&#x27; social scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="222b0136-9ac8-46d1-aa76-09e01d32271b" data-vars-headline="Creole Tomato Fest and more things to do 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/things-to-do" target="_self">New Orleans&#x27; social scene</a> isn&#x27;t slowing down any time soon.Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s on tap this weekend.

Things to Do 🗓

Dior collection inspired by Louisiana artist Lynda Benglis

Weekend guide: Bastille Day, San Fermin and "Twilight" stars

Michelle Obama, Cardi B and Teyana Taylor dazzle at Essence Fest

Your New Orleans summer bucket list

Essence Fest returns as New Orleans weighs its future