07/04/2009 Serena Williams trainer Mackie Shilstone calls win 'unbelievable' An unbelievable win. That’s how New Orleans fitness trainer Mackie Shilstone describes the win Saturday for Serena Williams, whose training with Shilstone helped her earn her third Wimbledon title, by defeating her sister Venus.

JP shooting leaves one dead, injures second victim A double-shooting sent two men to the hospital and left one man dead, according to Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Col. John Fortunato.

07/03/2009

Happy 4th of July: Festival Weekend Schedule
Looking for a list of July 4 weekend festivities? You can look for a list right here:

07/04/2009 Killings up in Baton Rouge Baton Rouge has recorded a sharp increase in the number of murder victims this year.

Ground breaking set on 'Pontilly' golf course project Ground breaking is set for Saturday on a golf course considered an anchor of efforts to bring back two New Orleans' neighborhoods.

07/03/2009 Struggles to rebuild in Lower 9 continue It looks like a Fourth of July picnic, but is actually another sort of celebration. Mark's Muffler Shop in the Lower 9th Ward is commemorating 25 years in business.

2009 Essence shaping up to be the largest It’s grown into one of the nation's most popular music festivals -- drawing fans from points across the map. See Photos

Dry conditions cause for concern with fireworks As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, there are certain steps you can take to make sure fireworks stay a fun part of the celebration and not a dangerous one--steps everyone can take even if you are not planning to light off fireworks of your own.

NOPD arrests man in connection with Canal Street Hotel murder NOPD arrested a man on Friday in connection with the murder of a 20-year-old woman five days earlier at the Canal Street Hotel. Judge OKs city's desire to close hotel Tourists upset at timing of closing

Boat safety, DWI patrols ramped up over holiday weekend Law enforcement officers will be out in full force this weekend looking for drunk drivers, both on Louisiana roadways, and Louisiana’s waterways.

Former Saint Houser searching for answers Though Kevin Houser has been in involved in Louisiana’s tax credit system before, he said the most recent case in which he and several Saints teammates were involved is the first one that hasn’t worked out right. Watch the story

JPSO investigating River Ridge murder Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Officers are investigating the early morning murder of a man in River Ridge after responding to a call of subject shot.

07/02/2009 Nagin and tech group at odds over e-mail retrieval Mayor Ray Nagin claims the group that discovered his email box intentionally removed from the city's e-mail server is searching for the spotlight. Nagin questions ability of tech firm retrieving e-mails

Tourists upset at timing of closure of Canal Street Hotel A crime haven and a dangerous fire hazard – that's how the city of New Orleans described the Canal Street Hotel on Thursday in Civil District Court.

07/03/2009 State weighing appeal options for Charity State officials are reviewing a planned appeal to FEMA on the agency's position that Louisiana has not proven it's owed nearly a half-billion dollars to replace a New Orleans hospital damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Applications for fall semester at UNO are up The University of New Orleans reports an increase in the number of students applying for admission for the fall semester for the second consecutive year.

07/02/2009

Northshore residents grill corps on flood protection
A crowd of residents and parish officials in St. Tammany Parish sent a clear message to the Army Corps on Engineers about their expectations for storm and flood protection.

Judge grants city's wish to shut down Canal Street Hotel
Civil Court Judge Michael Bagneris granted a city request to shut down the Canal Street Hotel on Thursday, saying it’s a hotbed of criminal activity.
City asks for hotel to be shut down
Photos from the scene

In Pensacola, tourism is weathering the recession well Days before the Fourth of July, the sparkling white sands of Pensacola Beach are jammed with visitors sunbathing, building sand castles and splashing in the turquoise surf.

Man killed in New Orleans East apartment
A man is dead after a shooting in New Orleans East, according to NOPD Assistant Superintendent Marlon Defillo.

Batiste family brings music class to RSD school If there's one thing the Batiste family knows, it's definitely music. Now this legendary New Orleans musical family is looking to share that knowledge full-time with the students of the Crescent City.

Seafood Festival redeeming rained-out tickets The Mandeville Seafood Festival was shut down early because of heavy thunderstorms overhead, but organizers have a nice consolation prize for those who attended: free tickets for the rest of the weekend.

Council divided on spending millions for new City Hall As New Orleans leaders decide whether to move City Hall into a new home, officials working on the deal say it's important to act quickly.

Judge rules Mose Jefferson can keep attorney, but can't pay with property Mose Jefferson will be able to keep his attorney, but he won't be able to use property to pay for legal services, a judge ruled Thursday.

Ozone levels rising statewide, though down over past two decades The State Department of Environmental Quality has warned that ozone levels are rising statewide to levels that could be a problem for people with respiratory ailments.

Pregnant Amite woman arrested for allegedly trying to murder woman A pregnant Amite woman was arrested for attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a woman twice in the shoulder, according to Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards.

Two Amite men arrested for burglarizing relative Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested two men on Thursday and charged them with aggravated burglary to a relative.

Clarkson likes idea of liquidating City Hall, using Chevron short term As the City Council prepares to take up buying the Chevron Building and moving City Hall, City Council Vice President Jackie Clarkson said now is not the time to spend recovery dollars on a new building.

07/01/2009 Nagin's e-mail box intentionally removed from server, group says Technology experts say they can't recover Mayor Ray Nagin's e-mail from 2008 because the data was professionally removed from the server intentionally.

Driving restrictions in French Quarter for Essence Festival weekend Several streets in the French Quarter will have restricted traffic flow due to heavy pedestrian traffic expected for this weekend’s Essence Festival and Fourth of July celebration.

07/02/2009

UNO reports another jump in applicants
The University of New Orleans reported that applications for admission have grown for the second year, according to Andy Benoit, UNO director of admissions.

07/01/2009

Postal worker pleads guilty to tossing mail into dumpster
A mail carrier pleaded guilty to dumping dozens of pieces of junk mail into a dumpster instead of delivering them, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

07/02/2009 Hornets in the hunt for former LSU star Brandon Bass Two years ago when Brandon Bass first became a free agent few teams wanted his services. Then he played for Dallas, breaking out with two big seasons off the bench for the Mavericks.

National unemployment rate at 26-year high Employers cut a larger-than-expected 467,000 jobs in June, driving the unemployment rate up to a 26-year high of 9.5 percent, suggesting that the economy's road to recovery will be bumpy.

Lafourche fireworks ban doused by rain Lafourche officials had considered a ban on private fireworks displays this year because of dry conditions that prompted a statewide prohibition on outdoor fires.

07/01/2009 Funds drying up for Finance Authority's first-time homebuyer program A program that offers government money to help out first-time homebuyers is quickly depleting.

Batteries stolen from Terrebonne pump stations, possibly to make drugs Terrebonne Parish authorities say there may be a connection between a recent spate of battery thefts down the bayou and illegal drug labs.

3-year-old dies after being left in daycare center van BATON ROUGE, La. -- A 3-year-old girl found dead inside a day care center van has been identified.

Burrito-shaped tubes to be pivotal in protecting Grand Isle from storms Gary Grzybowski knows how brutal storms can be on Grand Isle.

City asks Canal Street Hotel to close, calling it a 'nuisance'
Thursday, city officials again asked the Canal Street Hotel to close, citing 451 complaints in the past year, heightening their efforts two days after a 20-year-old woman was killed there.
Photos from the scene

Owners want to delay closure date of Slidell landfill A new battle is brewing this summer over the Slidell Landfill. The new owners are asking the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to allow them to continue operating past the January 2010 closure date.

Current and former Saints looking to get back investment in film studio Several current and former Saints players and coaches are trying to recoup nearly $2 million that was invested in a Louisiana Film Studio.

Canal streetcar to temporarily close for eight weeks There is a major traffic watch for those Canal Street streetcar commuters.

Terrebonne Judge suspended again A Terrebonne Parish judge has been suspended for 30 days and fined $185 for violating the code of judicial conduct with inappropriate comments during a 2007 hearing on a domestic abuse case.

Photos: Dead fish in Metairie canal

FBI, NOPD join forces to look for bank robber The FBI and New Orleans Police department are asking the community for help finding a suspect in a bank robbery that took place on Wednesday.

Fielkow frustrated by Jindal's veto of NOAH money City Council President Arnie Fielkow said in a statement he was “frustrated” with Gov. Bobby Jindal’s decision to use a line-item veto and take away $14.2 million from New Orleans Adolescent Hospital, essentially ensuring the Uptown hospital will be closed.

St. Bernard judge and lawyers formally charged in bribery scheme A St. Bernard Parish judge and two lawyers were charged in a federal bribery scheme on Wednesday, according to U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

Houma man dies after truck flips over into bayou
A Houma man died Wednesday morning when his pickup truck went off the roadway and overturned in Bayou Black just after midnight, according to Louisiana State Police spokesman Gilbert Dardar.

Police identify suspect in Tuesday attempted armed robbery Police are looking for a suspect in an attempted armed robbery that happened Tuesday.

06/30/2009 Woman killed in Canal Street hotel shooting; death accidental, says hotel clerk A woman was shot and killed in a hotel on Canal Street Tuesday night. PHOTOS: Four taken into custody Grief stricken relatives sob: Crime has to stop

07/01/2009 Legendary high school coach Johnny Altobello dies Johnny Altobello, one of the most successful high school coaches of his era, passed away Tuesday night at the age of 89.

Canal streetcar to be shut down for 8 weeks The Canal Street streetcar line will stop for approximately eight weeks while workers replace cables, according to Rosalind Cook, an RTA spokeswoman.

Release of independent investigation into e-mails imminent Eyewitness News has learned that the Louisiana Technology Council, which was hired by the city to retrieve Mayor Ray Nagin’s deleted e-mails and calendar, will announce its findings soon, possibly by Wednesday.

New Orleans the nation's fastest-growing city The Big Apple is still the country's biggest draw, but New Orleans is the fastest-growing city.

Louisiana ranks in top 10 for adult, childhood obesity Louisiana is the eighth worst state when it comes to adult obesity and ranks seventh for obesity among children.

06/30/2009 ACLU says Louisiana law enforcement racially profiling against minorities It started out as a New Years Eve celebration, and ended as a nightmare the Grimes family will live with forever.

07/01/2009 Dow Chemical to close 3 Louisiana production units HAHNVILLE, La. - Cutbacks at Dow Chemical will affect the company’s plants in Louisiana.

06/30/2009 Get ready for some extra cash as Stelly Plan repeal approaches With today's prices, economy and three kids of your own, any extra money at the end of the month is always a welcome surprise.

Prominent community activist arrested on theft, misappropriation charges The U.S. Marshal’s Service arrested a prominent community activist on charges of theft and misapplication of contractor payment Tuesday morning.

Desegregation plan not perfect but best available, proponents say 44 years after the original lawsuit was filed, Tangipahoa Parish school leaders presented their desegregation plan to a federal judge.

Catholic officials investigate whether woman was saved by N.O. priest's miracle Catholic church officials in Baltimore are poised to begin the process of investigating a miracle attributed to Francis Xavier Seelos, a 19th century Redemptorist priest who lived, worked and died in New Orleans, the city which has helped give rise to the cause for his canonization.

Day laborers, huge targets in region for wage theft, ask council for help Presenting a united front, dozens of day laborers entered the New Orleans City Council chambers, looking for a sympathetic ear on the issue of wage theft.

Action Report: Despite proof to the contrary, water board says home owes $1700 After fighting the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board for 18 months, Algiers resident Dennis Sheldon and his landlord Anna Ghelase are fed up.

Jindal vetoes funding for N.O. Adolescent Hospital Governor Bobby Jindal has vetoed a bill that would have provided funding to keep the New Orleans Adolescent Hospital open, according to Alan Levine, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals.

Fire erupts at N.O. East junkyard Firefighters battled an early morning fire at a junkyard in New Orleans East, according to the New Orleans Fire Department. See Photos

Pivotal La. assembly plant in building space shuttles lays off workers The space shuttle program is winding down and so is Lockheed Martin's presence in New Orleans.

Calculator lets you know how much you'll save from Stelly Play rollback The Louisiana Department of Revenue has created a way for state taxpayers to figure out how much they will save on their 2009 taxes from the Stelly Plan rollback.

Members say Krewe of Tut will roll again Members of the Krewe of Tut, Houma’s newest Carnival club, say the organization will make its second ride in 2010 despite alleged financial mismanagement by former leaders and rumors that the group has dissolved.

DuBos: Jindal, a winner of legislative session; LSU, health care, losers This year's legislative session went swimmingly for Gov. Bobby Jindal, but for many others it was a drowning pool. Here's our annual recap of "Da Winnas and Da Loozas" of the annual session:

Stormy Daniels resumes `listening tour' in Lafayette Porn star Stormy Daniels kicks off a second "listening tour" this week at a gun store in Lafayette as she publicizes a possible run for U.S. Senate.

Man shot, killed in Avondale Jefferson Parish sheriff’s deputies are investigating the shooting death of a man in Avondale, according to Col. John Fortunato.

Would-be church burglar caught sleeping on the job A man was arrested by Tangipahoa Sheriff’s deputies after breaking into a church, trying to pry a safe open and then going to sleep in a church building, according to Sheriff Daniel Edwards.

Hearing postponed for Des Allemands man accused of killing father A sanity hearing scheduled for next month in the case of a Des Allemands man accused of killing his father more than five years ago has been postponed, the Lafourche District Attorney's Office said.

06/29/2009 Council looking to protect migrant workers from deadbeat contractors It’s a new push for a not so new problem, one that some say continues to target some of the most vulnerable people in our area.

Massive investment in coastal restoration spurs hope Gov. Bobby Jindal is applauding the $368 million investment to help coastal restoration and hurricane protection.

Bittersweet ruling for family as man pleads guilty to '99 murder A 41-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the killing of an LSU medical professor who was found dead inside of his Bayou St. John home in 1999.

State colleges waiting to learn specifics on budget cuts Leaders at public colleges and universities across Louisiana have been on edge since last week, when the 2009 legislative session ended, calling for more than $110 million in cuts to higher education.

18-wheeler overturns, dumping contents off to the side After an 18-wheeler overturned on Lapalco Blvd., its load off to the side PHOTOS: 18-wheeler overturns on Lapalco Blvd.

Action Report: After several months, overgrown home taken care of It may seem mundane, but to Shannon Roussell, an empty lot in the Lower Ninth Ward, covered in a layer of fine brown sand, is so exciting.

Locals lose life savings in $7 billion Ponzi scheme Texas financier R. Allen Stanford will spend at least one more night in jail, while a federal judge in Houston decides whether he should be released on bond.

07/01/2009

Dow Chemical closing 2 Hahnville plants, 1 in Plaquemine
Dow Chemical Co. is closing three of its Louisiana production units employing about 100 people as part of a shift away from basic chemicals toward the lucrative business of specialty chemicals.

06/29/2009

Local judges becoming more efficient, report says
Texas financier R. Allen Stanford will spend at least one more night in jail, while a federal judge in Houston decides whether he should be released on bond.

New Bay St. Louis mayor looking to build on post-Katrina recovery In Bay St. Louis, the areas and structures that have been rebuilt, like the new Bay Bridge, are beautiful. But like every other community ripped apart by Hurricane Katrina, there is a great deal of work ahead.

Honduran community in N.O. keeping eye on unrest back home
At the studios of Radio Tropical in Metairie, the political intrigue in Honduras is heating up the airwaves.

Sex offender arrested after allegedly kidnapping step child Over the past few weeks Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s deputies have been working with other law enforcement agencies to arrest 33 convicted sex offenders that have not fulfilled their responsibilities.

Saints release long snapper Houser After nine seasons, long snapper Kevin House is no longer a New Orleans Saint.

Woman dies in I-10 traffic accident A 55-year-old woman died Monday in a car accident that knotted up morning commute traffic on Interstate 10.

06/28/2009 Paying tribute to Michael Jackson, N.O. style Hundreds showed up for a second line to remember Michael Jackson, the pop icon who died last week. PHOTOS: King of Pop second line Court fight looms over children

06/29/2009 Madoff gets 150 years in jail Historic swindler Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison Monday for a fraud so extensive that the judge said he needed to send a symbolic message to potential imitators.

NYC: 3 workers cleaning sewer line get trapped and die
New York City police say three workers trying to clean a sewer got trapped down a manhole and died.

06/28/2009

Medical Examiner: Billy Mays likely died of heart attack
TAMPA, Fla. -- A Florida medical examiner says television pitchman Billy Mays likely died of a heart attack but further tests are needed.

06/29/2009 Superdome improvements help building compete with newer structures The time-worn Superdome's facelift should make it a signficant competitor again for major events.

Court fight over Jackson's children looms Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, is taking care of the singer's three children and the family will go to court Monday in part to protect her rights to custody, the family's spokesman said.

Court reverses Sotomayor ruling in firefighter promotions case The Supreme Court has ruled that white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, reversing a decision that high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge.

La. Medicaid program under review, facing $180 million cut Private health-care providers who treat Louisiana's poor are facing a $180 million cut in the government health insurance program that pays them.

Wife of victim credited after two men convicted for hate crime in beating of husband It was a moment Vanessa Knight thought might never come.

Mackie: Preparing vegetables for maximum vitamin content
Summer is the time of year when many vegetables are reaching maturity and are at their peak of freshness or approaching that stage.

06/28/2009 GOP struggling with image amid sexual scandals The party that has arguably tried to keep its hold on family values is now facing tough criticism in the wake of some recent missteps by prominent Republicans.

06/29/2009 NOPD investigating Central City murder A violent weekend continued late Sunday night when a man was murdered in Central City.

06/28/2009 Former publicist says family kept away from MJ leading up to death Sadness mixed with confusion from New Orleans’ own Kevin McLin, a long-time friend of the Michael Jackson family and a former publicist to the King of Pop for nearly a decade. Photos: Mourning Michael

Seafood Festival releases parking information Officials from the Seafood Festival have announced the parking plan for the Fourth of July weekend.

56 cats found in Lafourche trailer; 10 now dead Lafourche animal-shelter workers are trying to nurse to health the survivors among 56 cats found in an elderly woman's trailer last week and hope to find homes for as many of them as possible.

06/26/2009

Hornets introduce Collison, Thornton day after taking both in NBA Draft
Marcus Thornton stepped to the lectern at the Human Performance Center on UNO’s campus and talked about how nice it would be to play “30 minutes” from where he grew up.

06/22/2009 Jindal bets Texas' Gov. tray of Louisiana seafood that LSU wins CWS If Bobby Jindal gets his wish, he’ll have some succulent barbeque sauce dripping down his mouth and onto a bib meant to keep the delightful topping off of his clothes.

Override of Jindal on stimulus money killed Louisiana lawmakers are set to back Gov. Bobby Jindal's rejection of $98 million in federal stimulus money that would have been used to expand unemployment benefits.

Two shot near Xavier New Orleans Police began their Monday the way they begin so many other days – investigating a shooting and searching for the gunman.

HUD secretary in New Orleans today U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan will be in New Orleans Monday to help volunteers rebuild a home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and to promote a federal summer volunteerism program.

06/19/2009 JPSO searching for suspects, motive in Kenner murder Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s found a man with a long history of criminal activity dead outside a River Ridge home early Friday morning.

Rep. Melancon thinking about running for U.S. Senate Rep. Charlie Melancon said Friday that he is considering running for the U.S. Senate in opposition of current Louisiana Senator David Vitter.

Man stabbed while breaking up domestic dispute dies A man trying to break up a domestic dispute died after being stabbed in the chest with a knife Thursday night.

Vagrants cause three-alarm fire on Desire Street A three-alarm fire on Desire Street early Friday morning damaged four buildings in a block of homes currently under construction.

Police officer booked on child porn count Tangipahoa Parish sheriff's deputies have arrested an Independence police officer on a child pornography count.

06/17/2009 Mose Jefferson fights to keep lawyer A former Louisiana congressman's brother charged in a racketeering conspiracy case fought Wednesday to keep his lawyer and preserve an Aug. 3 trial date.

Tougher penalties OK'd for breathalyzer refusal
Louisiana's lawmakers have agreed to stiffen the penalty for drivers who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test when they are stopped on suspicion of drunken driving.

New auto maker locating in Monroe, could bring $19.6 million to state economy A startup automobile company is planning to move to Louisiana to open its first assembly line for a new fuel-efficient vehicle, state and company officials announced Wednesday.

06/15/2009 Algiers murder adds to already violent weekend An already violent weekend turned more violent late Sunday night when a man was shot and killed in Algiers. In all three people were shot and killed during the weekend.

Miss. River could become even stronger money maker for New Orleans It can be an intimidating sight – the powerful, churning currents in the Mississippi River. The swirling waters are so strong, in fact, they could lead to an economic windfall for the New Orleans area.

Eye on Education

06/12/2009 23 nabbed in Lafourche undercover drug sting Undercover agents were able to purchase large amounts of drugs during a three-month period in Lafourche Parish, leading to 23 arrests early Friday morning for various drug charges.

06/10/2009 JPSO arrests carjackers hours after hijacking Hours after hijacking a car from its owner in a New Orleans East parking lot Wednesday morning, two people were arrested at a Metairie apartment by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s officers.

LSU's Thornton out to prove he's one of the best It’s not that Marcus Thornton is arrogant or cocky. It’s just that’s he’s confident in his basketball abilities.

06/08/2009 Pargo would love to return to Hornets As New Orleans’ season went from possible championship contention to first-round bust, it got harder and harder to ignore reading various media reports and harder to not hear someone say the Hornets missed Jannero Pargo.

Levees.org founder wants Dutch-style flood protection Levees.org founder Sandy Rosenthall now has seen the Dutch flood protection system. And now she wants the same thing for New Orleans.

06/02/2009 Entergy says restoring power after hurricanes still will take time Though Entergy says it learned from last year's hurricane season, the company wants customers to know restoring power still will take time.

New Orleans once again nation's murder capital After a brief loss of the title, fresh data from the FBI shows New Orleans has regained its crown as the nation's murder capital.

Saints sell out whole season again Hurricane Katrina's devastation couldn't stem the tide of Saints fans ready to buy tickets when the NFL team returned in 2006 -- and neither has the national recession.

Skeletal remains found in Tangipahoa Parish A littler cleaning crew stumbled upon the remains of what is believed to be a 43-year-old man in a wooded area near Interstates-55 and -12 on Monday evening, officials with the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Department said.

Hurricane forecasters adjust prediction downward The forecasts for this hurricane season keep trending downward from two noted hurricane predictors.

Coast Guard searching for missing fisherman
The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a fisherman missing since Monday morning.

NOPD seeking help in identifying French Quarter robbery suspect The NOPD is seeking help in finding and identifying a woman who robbed a man in the French Quarter on May. 15.

Geologist, wife who lived in La. until 2004 were on Air France plane An energy company says the two Americans on board missing Air France Flight 447 were a geologist and his wife, who resided in Lafayette, La., until 2004.

Plane debris found in path Air France jet took An airplane seat cushion, a life jacket, metallic debris and signs of fuel were found in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday by Brazilian airplanes searching for a missing Air France airliner.

Independence man arrested, charged with vehicular burglary Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs arrested a man in connection with a string of car break-ins during the past weeks, officials said.

Report says Katrina showed need for officer-in-charge A think tank is calling for a legislative change that would authorize a presidential appointee to take charge of the government's response to major disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

Sex offender shelter to be at Claiborne prison Registered sex offenders who are evacuated when a hurricane threatens will be housed on the grounds of a Claiborne Parish prison.

Causeway Police honoring two men who rescued driver in Pontchartrain
Nearly two weeks after rescuing a pickup truck driver who drove into Lake Pontchartrain off the Causeway, Rick Sterner and Mike Thomas are being commended by the Causeway Police Department.

Make It Right readies for storm season Homes built in the Lower 9th Ward through the Brad Pitt-backed Make It Right program have been equipped with hurricane-resistant materials and technologies for added protection during storm season.

La. biker helmet law up for debate A state lawmaker wants to repeal Louisiana's law requiring motorcyclists to wear protective headgear.

House to debate ban on smoking in bars, casinos Lawmakers in the state House take their turn to debate a proposal to ban smoking in bars and gambling facilities, after the Senate passed a similar bill last week.

06/01/2009 City Council gives DA half the money asked to hire investigators New Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro is asking for nearly half a million dollars to hire more investigators. The City Council is granting him only half his wish.

Obama's plan to save GM: bankruptcy, $30 billion President Barack Obama pushed General Motors Corp. into bankruptcy on Monday and said it was part of a "viable achievable plan that will give this iconic company a chance to rise again."

Three arrested for inciting a riot Tangipahoa Sheriff’s deputies arrested three people for inciting a riot over the weekend, officials said Monday.

Officials hope residents have hurricane evacuation plan Emergency officials hope problems that popped up in the return of evacuees during Hurricane Gustav won't keep people from leaving in case of a storm this season.

'Rainy day' fund legislation temporarily shelved The sponsor of legislation to tap into the state's "rainy day" fund to stave off some budget cuts has temporarily shelved the proposal.

Man killed while trying to cross I-10 on foot A man was killed on Interstate-10 early  Monday morning when he was hit while attempting to cross the major thoroughfare on foot.

General Motors files for bankruptcy protection General Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday as part of the Obama administration's plan to shrink the automaker to a sustainable size and give a majority ownership stake to the federal government.

Hummer sale could decide fate of GM Shreveport Although the General Motors' assembly plant in Shreveport remains open, a top GM official says the plant's fate could change on what happens to the Hummer brand.

05/22/2009

Bank reopening at 1:30 p.m. after heist
NOPD is investigating a bank robbery at Fidelity Homestead on S. Carrollton Ave at Oak Street.

Appeals court reviews ex-inmate's $14M award The New Orleans district attorney's office asked a federal appeals court today to throw out or reduce a 14 million dollar award to a former death row inmate who was exonerated after 18 years in prison.

Man pleads innocent in 3 traffic deaths of SLU students Prosecutors say a 21-year-old Hammond man has pleaded innocent to vehicular homicide and other charges stemming from a hit-and-run accident that killed three people near Southeastern Louisiana University in early March.

NOAA forecasts 9 to 14 tropical storms this season Federal forecasters say hurricanes will strike the United States this season and Americans must be prepared. They predicted nine to 14 named tropical storms this year.

New Orleans recovery chief leaving June 30 New Orleans' hurricane recovery director said he's leaving the job next month -- satisfied he's done what he was hired to do more than two years ago.

No interim protection in Industrial Canal The Army Corps of Engineers won't have New Orleans as protected as it had hoped this hurricane season.

Chalmette guard admits planting fake bombs A 25-year-old security guard has admitted that he twice planted fake pipe bombs at the hotel where he worked and then reported nonexistent bomb threats to the manager and police.

Bolar expected to be indicted today Gretna Councilman Jonathan Bolar is expected to be arraigned in federal court today.

05/20/2009 Cody: A truly super moment for New Orleans Dire times usually call for desperate measures. Securing the 2013 Super Bowl was a product of both.

05/19/2009 Bill would ban smoking in La. bars A House committee says Louisiana's hazy, smoke-filled bars and casinos should become smoke-free.

05/18/2009 Teen suspect named in school shooting; police, metal detectors added this morning Authorities have identified the boy in Monday’s shooting at Larose-Cut Off Middle School. Sheriff discusses shooting. Principal discusses shooting, aftermath. PHOTOS from the scene.

05/19/2009 Two wanted by NOPD for attempted murder The NOPD is searching for two men wanted in connection with an attempted murder in late April.

05/18/2009 Zurik, WWL-TV accept 7th Peabody Award At a ceremony Monday at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, members of the Eyewitness News team accepted WWL-TV's seventh George Foster Peabody award.

High court won't delay trial of ex-Rep. Jefferson The Supreme Court has refused to delay the upcoming trial of former Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson on bribery and other charges.

St. Tammany Sheriff's looking for gas station robber St. Tammany Sheriff’s Officers are searching for a man who robbed a Slidell gas station early Monday morning, authorities said.

State committee approves bill to repay Pou The Committee on Appropriations in the Louisiana Legislature approved a bill that will allow the state to pay for legal fees and expenses incurred by Dr. Anna Pou as well as provide for payment to the Dr. Anna Pou Defense Fund.

Man rescued after car goes into Lake Pontchartrain Causeway police helped rescue a man after his pickup trick plunged into Lake Pontchartrain early Monday morning.

NOPD investigating Forshey Street murder NOPD is investigating another murder after a double shooting left one man dead and another in serious condition late Sunday night.

Lee Zurik's Peabody Award acceptance speech
Lee Zurik accepted the Peabody Award on Monday in New York City. This is a transcript of his acceptance speech.

Supreme Court expected to decide on Jefferson appeal The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide today whether or not to drop more than a dozen corruption charges filed against former Congressman William Jefferson.

05/15/2009 Deuce working his way back to health, still on the market Two and a half months before training camps begin around the NFL and Deuce McAllister still is searching for a team. But he’s not worried, not yet.

05/13/2009 Slidell police arrest one, look for another in armed robberies Slidell police arrested one man for a fake robbery call and are searching for another after two armed robberies were reported within two miles and 30 minutes of each other.

Five arrested for multiple vehicle burglaries in Kenner, River Ridge Kenner police arrested five people, including three juveniles, for breaking into cars early Wednesday morning in the Driftwood subdivision.

05/12/2009 Handwerger: Just say no to London; Hornets should emulate Cavs Roger Goodell could quickly be on his way to becoming a pariah to sports fans – NFL ones in particular – if he keeps up his attempts to expand professional football internationally.

New Orleans native Granger wins NBA's Most Improved award Indiana Pacers forward and New Orleans native Danny Granger was named the NBA's Most Improved Player on Tuesday after averaging a career-best 25.8 points a game this season.

05/11/2009 CDC confirms 11 new cases of H1N1 in Louisiana Eleven more cases of H1N1 in Louisiana were confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state’s Department of Health and Hospitals said Monday.

State Rep hoping to set up homicide court As murders pile up in New Orleans, so does the case load at criminal court.

LSU reaches No. 2 in latest baseball polls
For the second straight week, LSU took an SEC baseball series against a top 10 opponent.

Former Saints player Stallworth allowed to travel for medical visit Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth, free on bail on a DUI manslaughter charge, has been cleared to travel this week from Miami to Atlanta for a medical visit.

Saints sign three after rookie mini-camp Three tryout players made their way onto the Saints roster after impressing New Orleans’ coaches during this past weekend’s rookie mini-camp, the team announced Monday afternoon.

05/08/2009 Saints' first-rounder Jenkins hoping to help team New Orleans' first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins happy he stayed in college for his senior season. Now he hopes his time with the Saints proves as fruitful. Rookie ruptures Achilles tendon

05/05/2009 Saints cut Ealy, Kapanui after weekend arrests Two days after being arrested and charged with obscenity and disturbing the peace, wide receiver Biren Ealy and tight end Kolo Kapanui both were released from the Saints on Tuesday afternoon.

LSU's Miles gets message out one tweet at a time The popular Web site Twitter.com is gaining traction in Baton Rouge and in other Southeastern Conference athletic departments.

Tulane's Jonathan Garrett named C-USA Pitcher of the Week
Tulane senior Jonathan Garrett has been named Conference USA Pitcher of the Week.

05/04/2009 School closed for 3-day scrub down after student diagnosed with H1N1 Crews used a hospital-strength disinfectant on the chairs, desks and door handles of classrooms at Audubon Charter School in Uptown Monday. The scrub-down comes on the heels of a second-grader there having been diagnosed with swine flu. Swine flu questions and answers Meg has answers on swine flu

Galliano man arrested for kidnapping 15-year-old girlfriend, infant child A 22-year-old man who kidnapped his 15-year-old girlfriend and their infant child before fleeing to Mexico is no longer a free man.

LSU moves to No. 3 in latest baseball polls
After a mid-April slump dropped LSU five spots, the Tigers are fighting their way back to the top.

Handwerger: Super Bowl in London ridiculous concept A London paper reportered that the city will bid on a Super Bowl in the near future. But with so many cities in the United States yet to have hosted the big game, why take it abroad?

05/02/2009 Police arrest man in French Quarter slaying of wife Police arrested a man they say shot and killed his wife and critically injured another man in a French Quarter bar just off Bourbon Street early Saturday morning.

Jindal: flu causes Lafayette school closure; no Orleans Parish schools closed Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration closed a Lafayette Parish school, the fifth closed in that parish because of swine flu fears, as the number of suspected cases in Louisiana rose to 23 on Saturday.

05/01/2009 Victims may not be getting enough from Victims' Rights Act Theodore Todd came to New Orleans to work and help replace roofs following Katrina. Now he’s recovering after getting shot twice in the head during a robbery.

05/02/2009 Jindal's sex offender ideas scaled back after blunt questions from House speaker Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has scaled back plans for toughening sex offender laws.

05/01/2009 Hair loss aids: What works and what doesn't It is normal to shed around 100-150 hairs a day. But when genetics, illness or over processing causes hair loss, it can be psychologically painful to live with every day. But doctors can help.

05/02/2009

Trial delayed for man linked to fatal overdose
A federal judge has agreed to postpone a trial for a New Orleans man accused of conspiring to sell heroin that a teenager ingested before he died of an overdose last year.

05/01/2009 Two arrested in connection with gas station murder NOPD arrested two men in connection with the murder of a woman at a 7th ward gas station after a standoff at a house near the crime scene.

05/02/2009 Man shot several times, left for dead in Metairie A man died Saturday morning after being shot multiple times before being left in the back yard of a Metairie apartment complex, authorities said.

05/01/2009 Hydroxycut pulled from local shelves It's a popular weight loss supplement, one that its users live by. But now, the federal government said the drug Hydroxycut may have been responsible for a user's death.

Was witness killed before he could testify in murder case? New Orleans Police are still trying to determine if 51-year-old Stephen Hymel was killed because of his potential testimony in the 2nd Degree murder case against Kedrick Johnson.

Anti-viral drug treatments now in state as precaution for swine flu State health officials have started giving out anti-viral drugs in part of Louisiana to treat possible H1N1 flu cases, though the virus has not been confirmed in any of the nine possible cases.

Preservationists sue over hospital plans A preservation group is suing the federal government, claiming it failed to adequately assess the effect of building two new hospitals in New Orleans' Mid-City neighborhood.

Vitter: I've put a hold on FEMA nominee Louisiana Sen. David Vitter said he has put a hold on Craig Fugate's nomination to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency because a list of hurricane recovery issues he'd sent to FEMA have not been "adequately addressed."

Violet man arrested after killing $3,500 cat A Violet man was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a cat worth $3,500 earlier this week.

La. ethics board wants changes in watchdog law
The Ethics Review Board of New Orleans has put its search for a new inspector general on hold, pending possible changes to the city ordinance setting out the office.

Running universities like businesses, capping TOPS could help schools With more than $200 million in cuts potentially coming to higher education, Northshore Rep. John Schroder wants to let universities operate like businesses and set their own tuition prices.

La. agency: thumbs down for cargo airport Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is recommending an end to state funding for a proposed cargo airport between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

05/02/2009

Man wanted for murder of woman in French Quarter
A 25-year-old man is wanted in connection with the murder of a woman in the French Quarter early Saturday morning. Eighth District police are searching for Roy Parker, the estranged husband of the 23-year-old woman who died at the hospital.

05/01/2009 Students remember John McDonogh during 119th commemoration Students and community leaders helped carry on a New Orleans tradition on Friday for the 119th annual commemoration of John McDonogh Day.

Metro universities claim multi-million dollar economic impact On the heels of the big cuts expected at universities across the state, two schools in the metro area have released information on their economic impact on the state.

Medical Digest: Healthier snacks coming to schools? A Senate bill could require healthier snack foods in schools, the effects of dementia could be lessened by exercise and the poor economy is being blamed for some weight gain. Meg Farris reports in the latest Medical Digest.

04/30/2009 Saints new deal goes through 2025, includes Benson purchase of N.O. Centre, Dominion Tower A long-term deal that would keep the New Orleans Saints in a refurbished Superdome through the year 2025 has been reached, the team announced Thursday.

In the Zone: Lakeview's Recovery Nearly a year and a half ago, Bobby Roth’s restaurant was in the midst of major storm repairs and he was unsure exactly when the Steak Knife – a Lakeview institution for four decades – would open its doors again.

Man shot, killed in St. Claude neighborhood
The NOPD is investigating the latest murder in New Orleans after finding a man shot in the St. Claude neighborhood.

Hornets can't capture Game 5 in Denver; eliminated from playoffs Coming off the biggest loss in playoff history, the Hornets couldn't pull out Game 5 against Denver. But they didn't make it easy.

Motorcyclist dies after being hit by car A 24-year-old man died late Thursday night after his motorcycle was hit by a car in New Orleans East.

04/27/2009 Handwerger: Hornets embarrass themselves at home in Game 4 walloping For much of the first half, the 17,236 fans in the New Orleans Arena directed their anger at the three NBA officials. Instead, the boos needed to be directed at the home squad, the team that lost 121-63. Nuggets lay 121-63 shellacking on Hornets at Arena

Nuggets lay 121-63 shellacking on Hornets in Arena This time, New Orleans didn’t have enough fight in it to mount a comeback. New Orleans fell behind by double digits midway through the first quarter, couldn’t pull back within 10 and tied an NBA record for the worst playoff loss in league history.

Handwerger: Expect Hornets-Nuggets Game 4 to be physical Tyson Chandler heard that Denver Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups attended Jazz Fest, where he was greeted in a less than, shall we say, Southern manner on Sunday. Blog: Paul a Class Act Paul may not get rest in Game 4

Man dies after car strikes light pole exiting I-610 A man died after his car crashed into a light pole while leaving an Interstate 610 exit ramp early Monday morning.

La. lawmakers open regular session Gov. Bobby Jindal hopes to do more with less as the legislature latest session begins today.

04/23/2009 Handwerger: And now it's time to panic for the Hornets Really, the looks caught by the TV cameras said it all. Chris Paul looked sick. Morris Peterson looked like someone stole his puppy. Peja Stojakovic looked let down.

Back to school: Jesuit baseball coach settling into prep game after 20 years in college For nearly two decades, Tim Parenton sat comfortably in the dugouts like Alex Box Stadium. Now he’s busy getting the Jesuit team ready to play.

04/22/2009 Police: No reports that Covington sex offender molested local children Police arrested a man after they found him outside the Covington Library carrying a notebook of children’s names and the sexual acts he had performed with them, authorities said Wednesday.

Police add charge of murder to Barnes in kidnapping case Police have charged Kenneth Barnes with 2 counts of first-degree murder in connection to the kidnapping, murder of 2 teens. Family implored suspect to turn himself in PHOTOS: Suspect surrenders, family grieves

Five-run third inning propels LSU past Southeastern Louisiana
Juniors Ryan Schimpf and Blake Dean launched back-to-back home runs to spearhead a five-run third inning, and the LSU pitching staff hurled five straight scoreless frames after the fourth to lead the sixth-ranked Tigers past Southeastern Louisiana, 6-5, Tuesday night in Alex Box Stadium.

04/21/2009 Saints can't afford a first-round mistake If the New Orleans Saints hold on to their 14th overall selection in this weekend's NFL draft, getting it wrong could be costly as ever. Forecast: Saints draft prospects not exciting

New Orleans Bowl sponsor signs extension
The sponsor of the New Orleans Bowl has signed a three-year renewal, extending its commitment through 2011, organizers of the annual football game said Tuesday.

04/20/2009 NOPD: Male victim may have had dealings with suspect The New Orleans Police Department found two bodies in a Gert Town house Monday afternoon near an area they were searching for two teenagers kidnapped a day earlier. PHOTOS: Family holds vigil

Police arrest 30-year employee of bank for stealing $65,000 Police arrested a long-time employee of Regions Bank after a Slidell resident’s family discovered $65,000 missing from their mother’s account, authorities said.

LSU falls in polls after rough week
After losing three out of five games this week, including back-to-back to close the weekend, LSU fell from its top spot in both major baseball polls.

Crimestoppers tip leads to arrest of man in connection with January murder Following a lead procured from a Crimestoppers tip, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 19-year-old man in connection to a January murder in Harvey, authorities said Monday.

04/21/2009 Forecast: Saints draft prospects not looking exciting It's draft week and I’m completely uninspired. The Saints have one draft pick in the first three rounds. How can you expect me to get excited if Mel Kiper can’t rip the Saints for picking Cody Brown with their third-round choice?

04/20/2009

Kenner police investigating murder
Kenner Police are investigating a late-night murder of a teenager.

04/18/2009 Charles Scott leads White team to 27-0 win in LSU spring game While Les Miles was playing catch with one of his sons, running back Charles Scott was running wild, guiding the White team to victory over Purple in LSU's spring football game. < Spring Game notebook: Shepard impresses; Jefferson has big day

LSU spring game notebook: Shepard impresses, Jefferson has big day
For much of this past fall, quarterback play was at the forefront of conversation in regard to LSU’s football team. Saturday, following LSU’s annual spring game, quarterbacks again were the talk of the media pack covering the Tigers.

04/17/2009 Hornets as healthy as they're going to be heading into playoffs When Tyson Chandler started Wednesday night against San Antonio, it was the first time in a month and a half the Hornets played with this season’s full starting lineup.

04/20/2009 Police look in abandoned homes for clues in kidnapping; Mom pleads for daughter's return New Orleans Police said they have arrested a man in connection with the kidnapping of two teenagers this past weekend. Mom pleads for daughter's return

04/16/2009 Hornets hope poor ending to season doesn't portend future It’s conventional wisdom that a team would rather go into the playoffs playing well and winning games to end the regular season. So the fact that New Orleans went 3-6 down the stretch could portend problems for the Hornets when their playoffs get underway at Denver on Sunday.

04/15/2009 Man found guilty of providing drugs to 16-year-old sentenced to 15 years A judge sentenced the man who helped provide Lusher High School student Maddy Prevost with the illegal drugs that led to her overdose to 15 years in prison on Wednesday.

04/14/2009 Saints' release 2009 NFL schedule New Orleans opens the season at home against last year’s worst team and closes it at last season’s NFC South champion. In between, the Saints play three prime-time games, all at home.

04/13/2009 LSU baseball hits No. 1 in latest polls LSU moved to No. 1 in both of the latest polls after taking its ninth straight SEC series with a two games to one weekend at Alabama.

5 new traffic cameras go online Monday More traffic cameras go online today in attempt to continue curbing red-light running and speeding in the metro area.

Handwerger: Hornets season a success despite drop from a year ago The task is simple for New Orleans – win one of the final two games and clinch the sixth seed in the Western Conference. When you look at the way this season has gone, that’s a successful one for the Hornets.

Authorities investigating early morning West Bank murder The string of violence that has plagued the metro area during the past few days continued early Monday morning when a fourth person was found murdered.

Prosecutors seek 20-year sentence for bond broker tied to Jefferson Federal prosecutors are seeking a 20-year prison sentence for a woman convicted of participating in a money laundering scheme with a former Louisiana lawmaker.

Victims' relative: 'We didn't deserve it' A day after a shocking triple murder in Terrtown, a family member of one of the victims spoke out about the deadly rampage and the search for the suspect still on the run.

04/12/2009 Paul, West combine for 62; Hornets hold off Mavs 102-92 Chris Paul and David West once again combined for 62 points for New Orleans in a game against Dallas. This time, though, they had some help. Handwerger: Consistency, Bench will end Hornets' season earlier than expected Hornets - Mavs Game Blog Recap

Handwerger: Consistency, bench will end Hornets season earlier than expected Following New Orleans’ 102-92 win over Dallas on Sunday, Chris Paul and Byron Scott echoed each others sentiments, saying they feel good about their chances against any team in the West, especially if they’re healthy. That’s good. That’s what they’re supposed to think.

04/09/2009 Tickets for concert benefitting Drew Brees' charity on sale Drew Brees is used to delivering thrills in the Superdome. Now he’ll get the chance to do it in the New Orleans Arena just across the street.

04/08/2009 Handwerger: Hornets should rest Paul, West Byron Scott saw it. So did nearly 17.781 fans in the New Orleans Arena. And so did those watching the Hornets’ game against Phoenix on TV. New Orleans is tired, banged up and just plain wore out. Hornets can't finish comeback Hornets - Suns Game Blog Recap

Hornets can't finish comeback, fall to Suns 105-100 A night after clinching its second consecutive postseason berth, New Orleans fell for the second straight time at home. Phoenix entered New Orleans Arena, hit 11 of 12 free throws down the stretch and sent New Orleans to its 30th loss of the season 105-100 in front of 17,781 fans. Handwerger: Paul, West should rest Hornets - Suns Game blog recap

Handwerger: Healthy Hornets could prove dangerous in playoffs New Orleans is in the playoffs and that big sigh of relief you hear is emanating from the home locker room. In other words, no more questions about missing the postseason. Miracle shot sends Hornets to playoffs Playoff ticket info

04/07/2009 Nissan begins removing cars from McAllister's lot About 20 cars and trucks were loaded on tractor-trailers and the former New Orleans Saints running back says he is still seeking investors to help pull the dealership out of bankruptcy.

Handwerger: Amazingly, door still open for Hornets Byron Scott likes to talk about doors opening and closing, opportunities granted and opportunities taken away. He’s usually referencing that sort of situation for a player, and more than not, it seems to be thrust at players on the bench.

Scott: Fatigue can't be a factor Sixteen times prior to March 25, the Hornets allowed an opponent to score 100 or more points. That’s in 68 games. In five of the past seven, however, New Orleans is giving up an average of 102.4 points per game. Four of those five games ended in losses.

04/06/2009

LSU remains No. 2 in polls; catcher earns SEC honor
A day after sealing a 2-1 series win over then No. 1 Georgia, LSU was rewarded by staying pat in the rankings.

04/05/2009 Hornets falter at home to Jazz 108-94, fail to clinch playoff berth Two nights after failing to clinch a postseason berth against a team with a losing record, the Hornets had much the same trouble against a team with a winning one. Utah embarrassed the Hornets 108-94 at home in the Arena. Handwerger: Hornets showing concerning signs Hornets - Jazz Game Blog

Handwerger: Hornets showing concerning signs The New Orleans Arena was sold out. The crowd was ready. The Hornets, on the other hand, were not.

04/02/2009 Lawmakers unhappy with Saints payment Lawmakers are bristling at Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposal to use more than $20 million in state tax dollars to meet the state's contractual obligation to the New Orleans Saints and Hornets next year.

Injury to Stojakovic's back not taking longer than should to heal Peja Stojakovic has missed 15 games, almost five weeks and 31 days because of back spasms. Before each game, he’s listed as day-to-day. Before each game, he’s then scratched from the lineup.

Concert to raise money for Brees' Dream Foundation New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is thrilled that some of the biggest names in rock and roll have agreed to come together for a concert that will benefit his children's foundation.

Court rules against white supremacists A federal appeals court has upheld a judge's ruling in a lawsuit that a white supremacist group filed against the central Louisiana town where its members marched to protest support for the so-called "Jena Six."

03/31/2009 Obama administration names hurricane chief The Obama adminstration has named a new federal coordinator for Gulf Coast rebuilding, tabbing Janet L. Woodka for the position Tuesday.

03/30/2009 Voodoo Fest, City Park reach agreement Confusion over dates nearly pulled the plug on the Voodoo Music Experience this year. But Monday, organizers announced an agreement to hold the festival in City Park on Halloween weekend.

Saints re-sign QB Harrington The Saints re-signed Joey Harrington just in time for the backup quarterback to begin the club’s offseason conditioning program, which started today.

Handwerger: Golf needed Tiger's strong return A little more than an hour prior to New Orleans’ crucial home game against the San Antonio Spurs, Hornets Head Coach Byron Scott was watching TV. He wasn't tuned to basketball, but instead golf.

Saints announce preseason schedule New Orleans will play four AFC opponents during the 2009 preseason, including one playoff team from this past season, the team announced Monday.

Hornets' Posey to miss 3 games with sprained elbow The Hornets already won one game without James Posey. Now they’ll have to try to do it three more times. New Orleans’ sixth man will miss the next three games with a sprained left elbow, the team said Monday.

03/29/2009 Paul's clutch free throws seal 90-86 win over Spurs Two nights after a listless performance in a loss at New York, New Orleans did the unthinkable Sunday night on its home floor – the Hornets beat San Antonio. New Orleans won 90-86 despite being without three key players. Handwerger: Playing tough opponents might be key for Hornets Hornets-Spurs Game Blog

Handwerger: Playing tough opponents for the Hornets might be the key
Seventy-two games into this NBA season and one thing is evident about these New Orleans Hornets – they play to the level of their opponents. Yeah, it’s a cliché. But sometimes clichés are clichés for a reason – they’re true.

03/26/2009 Saints sign safety Prioleau The New Orleans Saints picked up another player Thursday, adding unrestricted free agent safety Pierson Prioleau, the third defensive back signed this offseason by the team.

Hornets' Scott unconcerned with team's play Byron Scott sauntered over to the assembled media after the Hornets’ Thursday practice at the Alario Center, his black pinstripe workout suit jacket unzipped and loose.

03/25/2009 Handwerger: Maybe we should have seen this Hornets loss coming Maybe we should have seen this coming. Maybe this shouldn’t have been that much of a surprise. New Orleans lost to Denver 101-88 on Wednesday night, finishing the last part of a five-game home stretch 3-2. Nuggets pound Hornets 101-88

Handwerger: Hornets have nothing to hide with injury report Byron Scott laughed before the questions were even lobbed his way. No, he doesn’t know about injuries. No, he doesn’t know when they’ll all be back. Hornets v. Nuggets game blog: Hornets fall 101-88

Nuggets pound Hornets 101-88 Carmelo Anthony was hot early. Chauncey Billups caught fire late. And in between, J.R. Smith hit big shots. The result – New Orleans lost at home 101-88 on Wednesday night, only the second defeat in the Arena since Feb. 11. Handwerger: Maybe we should have seen this Hornets loss coming Hornets - Nuggets Game Blog

03/24/2009 Hornets' Armstrong taking advantage of opportunity Hilton Armstrong was having a career night on Sunday when he went out with a cut ring finger. Regardless, it appears he's finally proving himself to his coach. Hornets' injured day-to-day still

03/23/2009 Paul picks up fourth player of week honor New Orleans’ All-Star point guard continues to befuddle opponents at an alarming rate. And for the fourth time this season, Chris Paul was honored for his standout play, earning the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week.

Handwerger: Stop the whining, NCAA selection committee got it right Jeff Lebo was likely beside himself on March 15. Auburn’s head men’s basketball coach likely didn’t agree with NCAA tournament selection committee, which didn’t include the Tigers in this year’s field of 65.

City Park officials eyeing more golf courses For some golfers, playing at City Park just feels right. Their options are fewer these days with two courses still down and out after the storm. But crowds are flocking to the recently re-opened North course

03/22/2009 Hornets hold off Warriors for 99-89 win Chris Paul had 27 points, David West added 23 and New Orleans won its third in a row, defeating Golden State 99-89. Handwerger: Another sleepless night in store for Hornets' Scott? Hornets - Warriors Game Blog Recap

Handwerger: Fourth quarter will lead to another sleepless night for Hornets' Scott Byron Scott would love to get sleep. A good, honest-to-goodness solid night’s rest. Unfortunately, his Hornets don’t appear to be a great version of Lunesta for a head coach in desperate need of some nice shut eye. Hornets hold off Warriors for 99-89 win Hornets - Warriors Game blog

03/20/2009 Handwerger: CP3 should be in MVP talk Go to the New Orleans Arena for just about any Hornets game and you’re likely to hear a chorus of chants screaming for Chris Paul. And generally, the message is loud and clear – those in New Orleans lucky enough to watch the man affectionately known as CP3 night in, night out believe he’s the MVP. Paul wills Hornets past Memphis 96-84 Hornets-Memphis Game Blog

Paul wills Hornets to 96-84 win over Memphis The Hornets were struggling. Couldn’t find a way to consistently outscore Memphis, one of the Western Conference’s worst teams. So what did New Orleans do? What it always does. Handwerger: CP3 should be in MVP talk Hornets - Memphis Game Blog Recap

Handwerger: Opportunity knocks for Hornets tonight against Memphis Take a quick gander at the Hornets final 15 games and one thing pops out at you – the closing seven games could be the toughest stretch of the season for New Orleans. And it couldn’t come at a worse time, what with the Hornets in a fight for playoff position with every team they’ll play during that run. Peja, Tyson to miss tonight's game

03/18/2009 Handwerger: West shows why he's an All-Star on a tough night Sometimes, All-Stars have bad nights. Sometimes, All-Stars have bad stretches. Sometimes, none of that matters. The only memory most of us will have of David West from New Orleans’ 94-93 win over Minnesota on Wednesday night will be of the All-Star forward dunking the Hornets ahead of the Timberwolves with 12.4 seconds to play.

West's dunk propels Hornets past Minnesota 94-93 David West didn't play to his normally lofty standards Wednesday night. No matter. The All-Star forward hit the game-winning shot with 12.4 seconds to play, helping the Hornets crack a two-game skid. Handwerger: West show's why he's an All-Star on a tough night Hornets - Timberwolves Game Blog

Handwerger: Hornets' Scott will continue to lose sleep over puzzling team Byron Scott couldn’t sleep Monday night, waking throughout the night to wonder and worry about what he can do to make the Hornets play better. Memo to Byron: There’s nothing you can do short of making a monetarily irresponsible move.

03/16/2009 Overworked Paul, West may run out of gas Chris Paul and David West are logging tons of minutes for the Hornets this season. But for Head Coach Byron Scott, there isn't any other choice. And that's why New Orleans won't go deep into the playoffs. Chandler's ankle still a problem

03/17/2009 Hornets' Chandler still playing through ankle pain With 16 games left in the season, Tyson Chandler’s ankle isn’t going to get any better. And that could be a problem.

03/16/2009 Paul's 29 points not enough, Hornets fall to Rockets 95-84 In a game the Hornets desperately needed to win, anyone not named Chris Paul or David West failed to produce needed points and production. And when the Hornets had a chance late in the fourth quarter, not even Paul or West could pull the Hornets through. Handwerger: Paul, West logging too many minutes

Saints re-sign kick returner Roby The New Orleans Saints have re-signed kick returner Courtney Roby, who averaged nearly 25 yards per return last season.

Schedule to sign up for school voucher program More than 40 schools in the New Orleans are opening up space for in their classes for children taking advantage of the state's voucher program.

03/13/2009 Sheriff's investigating shooting in unincorporated Gretna Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are looking into an early morning shooting in unincorporated Gretna.

03/12/2009 Hornets say they won't need state money The New Orleans Hornets say they won't need any performance based financial inducements from the state of Louisiana after this season.

NOPD arrests fourth suspect in bowling alley murder New Orleans police have arrested a fourth man believed to be involved in the March 1 murder of man following an argument at a Kenner bowling alley.

Louisiana homes threatened with foreclosure rises The number of Louisiana households threatened with losing their homes through foreclosure rose 40 percent from January to February, far exceeding the national average of 6 percent, a national firm that lists foreclosed properties said Thursday.

03/11/2009 Vitter, Landrieu among earmark leaders in latest spending bill Louisiana's U.S. senators added hundreds of millions of dollars in pet projects to the $410 billion spending bill awaiting President Barack Obama's signature. Survey: Is Vitter being hypocritical by voting against bill?

'Bored' Slidell woman arrested for falsely calling 911 Police arrested a woman who repeatedly called in false reports to 911 from a disconnected cell phone after she told them she was “bored.”

St. Tammany deputies find dead woman on side of interstate St. Tammany Parish deputies found the body of a young female along the side of Interstate 12 early Wednesday morning, authorities said.

Fugitive accused of rape, molestation caught by U.S. Marshals Service U.S. Marshals captured a suspect wanted in connection with the aggravated rape and molestation of a juvenile in Plaquemines Parish, Sheriff’s officials said Wednesday.

Group claims housing rule is biased against blacks A housing advocacy group is asking a federal judge to strike down an ordinance that it claims is designed prevent blacks from moving into a suburban New Orleans parish after Hurricane Katrina.

Rapper to stay in jail for breaking rules
A state judge has ordered Rapper Corey "C-Murder" Miller to remain in jail until his trial next month for allegedly breaking the rules of his house arrest.

Kermit Ruffins, Trombone Shorty, Galactic headline Wednesday's at the Square Wednesday at the Square is about to kick off with another all-star lineup. It’s the 10th year for the free concerts at Lafayette Square in downtown New Orleans. This year, they will be held every Wednesday from April 1 through June 17.

Police arrest babysitter after finding children in locked car Police arrested a Hammond woman who left three children she was babysitting in a parked car, authorities said Wednesday.

NOPD searching for robbery suspect The NOPD is searching for a man who robbed a business on Gentilly Blvd. on March 4.

03/10/2009 Hung jury forces mistrial in Vazquez murder case The jury in the Jose Vazquez murder trial was not able to come to a unanimous agreement in deliberations Tuesday, meaning that the case ends in a mistrial.

Third suspect in custody in Mardi Gras Day shooting A third suspect has been taken into custody in connection with a Mardi Gras Day shooting that left seven people injured and made national headlines.

PHOTOS: Airlift of Christmas Trees into Bayou Sauvage The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service placed thousands of trees into Bayou Sauvage on Tuesday in order to form breakwaters in open ponds and build new marsh habitat. PHOTOS

LSU takes SEC's big two post-season awards LSU swept the SEC's big post-season awards issued Tuesday by the league. Trent Johnson was named the league's coach of the year while Marcus Thornton was the player of the year.

Lawmakers want tax breaks amid shortfall Despite a large budget shortfall, Louisiana lawmakers are proposing millions of dollars in tax breaks for retirees, businesses, homeless shelters and crawfishermen.

Man dies awaiting transport from Belle Chasse Lockup to Jefferson Parish A Lafitte man died after collapsing while waiting a move to Jefferson Parish from Belle Chasse Lockup, authorities said.

Senator pushing to override Jindal on stimulus A state senator is asking lawmakers to override Gov. Bobby Jindal's refusal to accept nearly $100 million in federal stimulus money to expand unemployment benefits.

03/09/2009 Shooting in Treme injures 1 Monday morning New Orleans police are investigating a shooting in the Treme area this morning after shots rang out at about 5:30 a.m.

03/07/2009 Hornets sting Thunder 108-90 behind Wright's 20 Julian Wright tied his career high with 20 points and made the play of the game, blocking Russel Westbrook to set up a 3-pointer and the Hornets beat Oklahoma City 108-90. Handwerger: Hornets will need Wright to continue playing at high level Hornets - Thunder Game blog recap

Handwerger: Hornets will need Wright to continue playing at a high level Chris Paul walked to his locker after exiting the shower in the Hornets’ locker room following the Hornets’ 108-90 win over Oklahoma City on Saturday night and stopped cold. He couldn’t get to his locker, not with the horde of media swarming teammate Julian Wright, whose cubby happens to be smack dab right next to Paul, New Orleans’ two-time All-Star.

03/05/2009 Paul magic leads red-hot Hornets to drubbing of Dallas Chris Paul picked up the loose ball, looked ahead and did the unthinkable – dribbled through the legs of Dallas’ Jason Terry on a fast break. Rasual Butler finished with the dunk, but it was vintage Paul. New Orleans beat the Mavericks for the second time this season, winning 104-88 Thursday night at the Arena in front of 17,230 fans. Handwerger: Once again, Chandler proves nixing of trade was fortunate Hornets-Mavericks Game blog

Saints ink FB Evans to two-year deal; release Karney New Orleans signed fullback Heath Evans to a two-year contract Thursday, a move that set the wheels in motion to release popular fullback Mike Karney. Kincaid: Saints not wed to status quo; Karney cut day before getting married

Handwerger: Once again, Chandler proves nixing of trade was fortunate Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. The Hornets became the luckiest team in the league when Oklahoma City voided the Tyson Chandler trade.

Hornets' West putting team on his back New Orleans forward David West isn't always vocal and he's not always in your face. But that doesn't matter. West has been on a tear lately, carrying the Hornets to five straight wins. Handwerger: Losing big leads isn't necessarily a big deal

Handwerger: Losing big leads isn't necessarily a big deal Byron Scott wants to make one thing clear about New Orleans’ past five wins and how they’ve come – they all go in the W column no matter how the games were played. And that includes losing double-digit leads. It doesn’t matter. Really.

03/04/2009 Saints sign CB Greer to 4-year deal The New Orleans Saints signed cornerback Jabari Greer on Wednesday in an effort to solidify a secondary that had become porous the past few seasons. Saints sign WR Henderson to extension

Saints, WR Henderson agree to 4-year deal Devery Henderson and the New Orleans Saints agreed to a four-year contract extension Wednesday, keeping the team’s deep threat on the outside locked up through 2013.

School of Hard Knocks: Lusher takes its lumps in first season of varsity hoops Hunter Higgins sits in a classroom desk angled to point at the wall where a dry-erase board mimics a projector screen. Rewind. Play. Write down a note or two on a piece of paper. Rewind. Play. Write down another note or two on the same piece of paper.

03/02/2009 LSU jumps to No. 12 in rankings; Johnson named award finalist It took almost three quarters of the season for LSU to break into the Top 25. Now it’ll be tough for the Tigers to slip out.

Hornets' West nabs Player of Week honors For the fourth time this season, a New Orleans Hornets player is the Western Conference Player of the Week. And this time, the initials of the winner are DW and not CP.

Arraignment set for suspect in KKK killing The alleged Ku Klux Klan leader accused of shooting a would-be KKK recruit to death in November is set for arraignment in St. Tammany Parish.

Jury selection to begin in murder case of mother who gave son gun Jury selection in the case of a mother accused of giving her son a gun to commit a murder is expected to begin today nearly two years later.

02/27/2009 Chandler's tip-in gives Hornets 95-94 win over Bucks Byron Scott's assistants told him to take Tyson Chandler out of the game with 10.5 seconds to play. He didn't listen and was rewarded when Chandler's tip-in gave the Hornets a win Friday night. Handwerger: Near slip up needs to be lesson learned

Handwerger: Hornets near slip up needs to be lesson learned These are the types of games New Orleans can’t let happen. Friday night in the New Orleans Arena, Chris Paul, David West and the rest of the Hornets did exactly what they needed to do – for three quarters.

Rebounding could make difference for Hornets For months now, Hornets Head Coach Byron Scott has preached to those who will listen that his team needs to be more aggressive, needs to attack the glass harder. Finally, his team seems to be listening.

02/26/2009 Small school star ready to shine for LSU Eddie Ludwig and his family walked into the Pete Maravich Assembly Center at LSU on Jan. 24 and his heart skipped a beat. Late though they were, the Ludwig’s were about to get a lesson in what the next few years will be like for their 18-year-old son.

02/25/2009 West's rebounds, free throws key New Orleans to 90-87 win over Detroit When New Orleans needed an All-Star to step up, it wasn’t Chris Paul for once. This time, in a game the Hornets desperately needed to hold onto, David West made the biggest play of the game. Handwerger: Hornets need to find rhythm soon

Chandler could be spark Hornets need A spark can be defined as anything that activates or stimulates, an inspiration or catalyst. It’s also a trace of life of vitality. For the Hornets, it might just be a trade gone awry.

02/23/2009 Church Point driver arrested after float flips State police say eight people were injured in Church Point after an alleged drunk driver pulling a Mardi Gras float lost control of it and caused it to overturn into a ditch.

NOPD asking for help in search of robbery suspects The New Orleans Police Department is searching for two suspects they believe were involved in an armed robbery of a business in the neighborhood surrounding Dillard University.

Jindal not conservative enough for some in La. When Gov. Bobby Jindal talks to the nation Tuesday, he will be feted by the national Republican Party as the GOP's own man of hope -- an antidote to President Barack Obama.

Crowds a positive in leadup to Mardi Gras Tourism officials say the big crowds and nearly full hotels this past weekend bode well for a busy Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

Teenager killed in Terrebonne Parish accident State police say a 19-year-old driver from Houma was killed after he ran off the road and smashed into a cinder block wall.

Paradegoers take in Bacchus
If getting a good spot for the Bacchus parade means getting up early, Karen Stogner will tell you it's much better when someone else does all the work.

02/19/2009 Handwerger: Mystery surrounds Chandler's return to Hornets Tyson Chandler's return to the Hornets could be a blessing in disguise - if he's healthy. If not, owner George Shinn's do-over could cost him money and a successful season. Chandler fails physical, trade nixed

02/18/2009 Paul's 36 points, 10 assists help Hornets dismantle Magic 117-85 For nearly two and a half hours, Chris Paul made Hornets fans forget about Tyson Chandler. And then, moments after New Orleans polished off a 117-85 win over Orlando, fans needed to forget Chandler no more.

Handwerger: McAllister always welcome in Crescent City Deuce McAllister may no longer officially be a Saint, but he’ll always be one. And that’s just how he and the franchise want it. No matter where he ends up, he'll always be a part of the New Orleans franchise.

Handwerger: Chandler trade appears to be salary move Jeff Bower made sure to make one thing abundantly clear Tuesday - Tyson Chandler wasn’t traded for monetary and salary cap reasons. That, of course, is his job to do as New Orleans’ general manager. You wouldn’t expect him to say anything differently.

02/17/2009 Hornets deal Chandler to OKC The Hornets have dealt center Tyson Chandler to Oklahoma City for veteran forward Joe Smith, center Chris Wilcox and the draft rights to center Devon Hardin. Kincaid: Hornets go from soft to Pillsbury soft Survey: Do you like the move?

Saints release Deuce After eight years, 6000 yards rushing, 55 TDs and multiple knee surgeries, Deuce McAllister and the Saints parted ways. Do you agree with the move? Henderson: Deuce will never be forgotten

02/16/2009 Police: 13-year-old girl says stepbrother shot her, then himself A 15-year-old boy allegedly shot and wounded his 13-year-old sister with a semi-automatic gun in their home Sunday and then turned the gun on himself when she called deputies for help, according to St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens.

Handwerger: Paul's unhappiness tied to record, nothing else It was a comment in passing, something to take up space in between play-by-play in Sunday night’s NBA All-Star game. But it likely made those watching hesitate in what they were doing. The comment from the all-knowing voice on TNT? Chris Paul apparently isn’t having much “fun” this year.

2 shot, 1 killed in Avondale early Monday morning Two people were shot early Monday morning on the West Bank, leaving one teenager dead and another wounded.

02/14/2009 Jesuit, Holy Cross wrestle their way to state titles A year ago, Jesuit coughed up the Division I state title on the final day of competition. This time, the Blue Jays didn't let that happen, securing the title early. Holy Cross, on the other hand, used a bad break for Shaw to take the Division II title.

02/11/2009 Hornets can't hold off Celtics in Paul's return, lose 89-77 Not even the return of Chris Paul could bring the Hornets enough juice to push past defending NBA champion Boston. Paul’s 13 points and five assists weren't enough for New Orleans, which lost 89-77 Wednesday night. Hornets-Celtics Game Blog Handwerger: Hornets show in loss they still have heart for run.

Handwerger: Take no chances, sit Paul against Celtics Hornets Coach Byron Scott said Chris Paul is a "game-time decison" for tonight's game against Boston. But is that a short-term decision with long-term consequences? Paul a game-time decision, Chandler out

02/08/2009 Hornets win despite West ejection, Paul and Chandler still missing After trailing for much of the game, New Orleans relied on good defense and help from the unlikeliest of players to pick up its second win in a row. Sean Marks scored a career-high 18 points and helped the Hornets to a big win on Sunday. Hornets-Timberwolves Game Blog

02/09/2009

Court hearings set for today in French Quarter, Uptown murders
Last month, two murders sent shockwaves through two separate communities in New Orleans. Today, court hearings are set for murders that took place in the French Quarter and Uptown.

Local musicians facing challenging industry For many in New Orleans, music is a way of life. The 2009 Grammy Awards proved the Crescent City adds life to music.

02/06/2009 Hornets sink 3's on way to 101-92 win over Toronto James Posey broke out of a five-game slump and New Orleans ended a four-game slide and it was all thanks to the 3-pointer. The Hornets tied a franchise record with 15 treys. But Posey, who entered the game just 3 of 27 in the past five games, finished with 17 points. Hornets-Raptors Game Blog

Scott makes changes, but are they too late? The question came early and fast – who will be the Hornets’ starters for tonight’s game against Toronto. And as quickly and nearly as fast as the query was asked, Head Coach Byron Scott responded. The only name that stands out: Ryan Bowen.

02/05/2009 Opponents at home near basket against Hornets Byron Scott stopped drills at the Alario Center on Thursday and planted himself at the top corner of the key. Once there, he raised his arms out wide like a bird in flight. And then he put his arms by his side.

02/04/2009 No CP3, no dice: Hornets fall at home to Bulls 107-93 Chris Paul sat on the Hornets’ bench, dressed in a dark suit and white shirt. He could only watch as his teammates showed exactly how much the All-Star point guard means to New Orleans. Hornets-Bulls Game Blog

01/28/2009 Hornets' bench picks up team in 94-81 win over Nuggets An opponent finally figured out how to stop Chris Paul. The problem is, to do so allowed the rest of the Hornets team to get going. Peja Stojakovic had 26 points, Devin Brown added 18 and New Orleans’ bench contributed 42 points to pace the Hornets past Denver 94-81 Wednesday night at the New Orleans Arena. NOLA-DEN game blog

Hornets' Bowen turning in critical minutes Talk with Ryan Bowen at all about his career as a professional basketball player and you get the sense that he’s a man who has figured out how to beat the system. Shoot. Just ask him about making it to his ninth year in the NBA and he’ll all but tell you the lifespan of his career is a lot longer than even he imagined. West out against Nuggets

01/27/2009 Speech, CP3 help Hornets overcome 76ers With seconds remaining in New Orleans’ win over Philadelphia, Chris Paul grabbed his 10th rebound, cementing a triple-double for the fifth time during the season. His mark, however, already had been made on Monday’s night game. Hornets hope to get injured back soon

Hornets hope to have West, Chandler back soon The Hornets could possibly get at least one of their two walking wounded back in the next game or two. David West practiced on Tuesday, taking part in 4 on 4 drills as well as going through half court practice at the Alario Center.

01/26/2009 Paul's triple-double, Peja's 3's lead Hornets to 101-86 win Chris Paul's NBA-leading fifth triple-double paced New Orleans to another big win at home. Peja Stojakovic's six treys helped keep the 76ers at bay.

Hornets playing well despite injuries Byron Scott doesn't normally dole out compliments unless it's about Chris Paul. Though he said he's pretty happy with his team's play thus far, maybe he should be happier. Despite injuries, the Hornets are only two games off of last season's pace.

01/22/2009 Parents turn in 14-year-old suspect in Quarter killing The third suspect in the murder of a French Quarter woman was turned in by his parents late Thursday night, an NOPD spokesman said.

Motorcycle driver killed in fiery wreck with pickup truck A 49-year-old woman died Thursday when the motorcycle she was riding on ran into a pickup truck head on, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s officials said.

CP3 overcomes vote deficit to become All-Star starter Not too long ago, Chris Paul was trailing Tracy McGrady in fan votes to be named starting point guard for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game. He’s trailing no more. The NBA announced Thursday that Paul overcame McGrady – whom he trailed by more than 150,000 votes a short time ago – and will be the Western Conference’s starting point guard in February’s All-Star game in Phoenix.

Nungesser presents 12-year-plan for coastal restoration in Plaquemines It's a three part plan to restore the coastline and each phase could cut down storm surge by about five feet.  The proposal was unveiled Thursday in Plaquemines Parish.

Louisiana colleges bracing for extensive budget cuts The state's two-year and four-year colleges are bracing for extensive cuts to their budgets that could translate into fewer academic programs and employees, as well as higher tuition.

New cooling procedure saving heart patients' lives in New Orleans
A doctor in Alexandria, La., was one of the inventors of a new technology that is now saving lives of heart patients and newborns right here in New Orleans.

Marinello sentenced to life in prison for killing estranged wife Former radio and TV personality Vince Marinello headed to Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel this week to begin serving a life sentence behind bars. A Jefferson Parish judge handed down the mandatory sentence for second degree murder on Thursday after a jury convicted Marinello of killing his estranged wife.

Residents want 'aesthetically pleasing' new pumps from Corps
As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers moves towards building three new permanent pump stations along Lake Pontchartrain, residents in the affected neighborhoods are paying close attention as plans are drawn up.

01/21/2009 Paul, Hornets' defense push New Orleans past Nets 102-92 With fewer than two minutes remaining in Wednesday night’s game against New Jersey, Chris Paul went high for a defensive rebound in the paint. After clasping the ball, he stood still momentarily, shouting at teammates and getting their attention. The Hornets were in the midst of letting a 15-point lead dwindle down to five.

01/20/2009 New Orleans resident speaks out after teenagers rob her, lead police on chase Police arrested a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old near Slidell on Monday night after the teenagers stole a Mercedes in Uptown New Orleans, where they committed several robberies.

Family: Helicopter crash survivor off ventilator, opens eyes The only survivor of a Jan. 4 helicopter crash is breathing on his own and opening his eyes.

New Orleanians spend inauguration day watching, helping out New Orleans may be 1,100 miles away from the site of Tuesday’s inauguration ceremony, but people in this Louisiana city were not about to miss seeing the historic moment.

Local leaders aim for help from Obama White House Today's historical change of power means a change of players in what's become a race for recovery dollars.  Local leaders are hoping to do what they can to ensure their agendas remain at the top of the list for newly sworn-in President Barrack Obama.

HUD denies 2 changes to Road Home program Federal officials have rejected Louisiana requests to make two changes in the Road Home hurricane recovery program that could have meant more grant money for homeowners, the Louisiana Recovery Authority announced Tuesday.

Local children take in inauguration by IMAX It was the ultimate civics class, watching Americans transfer leadership on a screen five stories tall. More than 300 children from New Orleans public elementary schools came to the IMAX Theaterfor the inauguration.

Hornets' wounded questionable for Wednesday's game David West, Tyson Chandler and Hilton Armstrong all are questionable for the Hornets’ home game on Wednesday against New Jersey, team officials said Tuesday.

Police seek help in catching Chalmette gas station robber Police are asking for help in identifying a man they believe to have robbed the same Chalmette gas station twice in the past month.

Metairie man killed after being pinned by car in parking lot A Metairie man died when he was pinned between two cars in a drug store parking lot, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's officials said Tuesday.

01/19/2009 Paul's buzzer-beating 3 hands Hornets 103-100 win Chris Paul continues to build on his legend. With 2.5 seconds left and the game tied at 100, Paul dribbled to his right, stepped back and unleashed a 28-foot shot, draining a 3-pointer at the horn and sending a sold-out New Orleans Arena and Hornets bench in to a tizzy.

Lone survivor of helicopter crash in stable condition The lone survivor of the helicopter crash that killed six people in the first week of January remains in “stable, but guarded condition,” officials with Ocshner Hospital said Monday in a news release.

Police need help in identifying 2 suspects in Quarter murder The NOPD is seeking help in identifying two suspects possibly involved in the murder of a woman in the French Quarter. PHOTOS: Friends and family mourn victim Slain woman was popular in Quarter

5 JP employees cleared of harassment charges A Jefferson Parish hearing officer dismissed a harassment complaint leveled at five Jefferson Parish employees stemming from a November 2007 incident.

Police: La. teen accidentally shot by cousin Authorities say a teenager accidentally shot and killed his 15-year-old cousin when he pulled the trigger on a gun he didn't think was loaded.

01/16/2009

Hornets try to end Cavs' 19-game home win streak
New Orleans ended a 13-game regular season losing streak at Dallas in the middle of the week. Tonight, as the week comes to an end, the Hornets will try to end another streak.

01/15/2009 Hiring Williams is Saints' boldest move since picking up Brees For two years, the New Orleans Saints fumbled away a legitimate postseason spot with shoddy defense. Something had to happen. Saints Hire Williams as D-Coordinator.

LSU's LaFell declares for NFL Draft LSU’s Brandon LaFell announced Thursday that he has declared for April’s NFL Draft, forgoing his senior season.

Hornets' Scott trying to find way for team to bring more energy One thing is certain about the New Orleans Hornets after 35 games – nothing is a given for this still young team. And that fact is something that is beginning to frustrate Head Coach Byron Scott.

Saints hire Gregg Williams as new defensive coordinator The New Orleans Saints wasted no time in replacing the recently fired Gary Gibbs as defensive coordinator. The franchise hired Gregg Williams, known for his aggressive defenses, on Thursday.

01/12/2009 Hornets' effort lacking in 101-95 loss to Knicks Byron Scott preached all day long to his team about not overlooking New York despite the Knicks bringing in a poor record to the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets’ coach proved prophetic. Kincaid: Hornets OK after loss

Hornets need to get defensive against Knicks With the Hornets about to embark on a difficult road trip, the team needs a solid effort at home tonight against the Knicks. It won't come easy against one of the NBA's top offenses.

01/09/2009 Butler's 27 paces Hornets to 107-80 win over Clippers Two days removed from a thrashing in the mountains, New Orleans got back on track Friday, issuing a dominating performance of its own, defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 107-80 in the Crescent City. Rasual Butler led the way, scoring a game-high 27 points.

Hornets need bench to step up tonight against Clippers When New Orleans began the second quarter against Utah ahead by four, Byron Scott already knew the outcome, even with 36 minutes still to play in the game. "After the first quarter, I told the coaches in the second quarter I think we’re spent,” said Scott, New Orleans’ head coach. “We used all the energy we could muster the night before and in the first quarter.”

01/06/2009 Saints QB Brees is AP Offensive Player of Year Brees came so close to Marino's NFL record for yards passing that the New Orleans Saints quarterback won The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award Tuesday.

Pittman resigns from Brother Martin Jay Pittman stepped down Tuesday as head coach of Brother Martin’s football team, a sudden and unexpected move following the Crusaders’ most successful season in years. The school also named offensive coordinator Mark Bonis head coach.

01/05/2009 LSU hires Chavis to be new defensive coordinator John Chavis, a veteran defensive coordinator with 20 years of experience in the Southeastern Conference, was chosen as LSU's new defensive coordinator on Monday.

01/02/2009 No. 7 Utah rolls over No. 4 Alabama 31-17 All week, Utah answered questions about Hawaii’s performance a year ago in the Sugar Bowl. By the end of the first quarter Friday night, the Utes needed to hear about the Warriors no more. No. 7 Utah broke to a three-touchdown lead and held off No. 4 Alabama.

12/29/2008

Payton mum on future of def. coordinator, McAllister
New Orleans finished near the top in most offensive categories this season. And still the Saints were 8-8. On Monday, Sean Payton began answering question about his team's future.
List of Saints 2009 opponents.

12/26/2008 Hornets bring energy, leave with 88-79 win over Houston For the third time in fewer than five days, New Orleans played a division-leading opponent. And for the first time in that stretch, the Hornets were more than practice material.

3 killed in Christmas Day wreck; 3 rescued by state trooper and Texas fireman A three-car crash in Laplace left three people dead just minutes into Christmas Day, and three were rescued from the fiery crash by a state trooper and Texas fireman who happened upon the crash.

Raceland man killed early Friday morning; suspect surrenders A Raceland man was killed Friday morning when he was shot from “point-blank range” in the head. Cornell Deon Smith is wanted for second degree murder in relation to the shooting.

Worker injured during Twin Spans accident remains in hospital The Boh Bros. employee injured in the Twin Spans accident earlier this week remains hospitalized with serious injuries, the company said Friday.

2 Fair Grounds barns quarantined NEW ORLEANS -- A pair of connected barns at the New Orleans Race Course is quarantined because a 3-year-old filly tested positive for equine herpes.

Local man delivers gifts to Forgotten Angels Clarence Adams always said if he had enough money, he'd do what he could do help out children. For 10 years now, he has done just that, giving gifts and joy to children at Christmas time.

La. universities owe back taxes on meal plans At a time when Louisiana universities already are having to make budget cuts, some of them may have to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in back sales taxes on student meal plans.

12/25/2008