NOLA News in Brief

Melissa Rosenthal, Contributing Reporter

Here are some of the happenings around New Orleans you may have missed during the excitement of Crawfest on campus.

Councilwoman’s father carjacked. Councilwoman Cyndi Nguyen reported her father was carjacked in New Orleans East Sunday, April 7. Nguyen’s father was held up at gunpoint by a group of juveniles, who then proceeded to steal his car. The attack prompted Nguyen to post a Facebook live video discussing juvenile crime aimed at her constituents. Nguyen stated that New Orleans Police are “working as hard as they can,” and they are trying “to really tackle the issue of young people who are on the wrong track who need to get on the right track.”

Louisiana legislature in debate prior to election year. The next election has the power to shape policy in the following two-month session. Issues including legalizing medicinal marijuana and decriminalizing the substance have been discussed. Increasing funding for K-12 schools by $39 million, higher restrictions on euthanization in animals and raising the maximum age to receive foster care services to 21 have also been proposed. These bills filed aimed at pleasing voters and campaign contributors are sure to spark change or controversy in this divided legislature.

Confusion in Jazz Fest lineup. After the Rolling Stone’s sudden cancellation, organizers of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival announced Fleetwood Mac would perform on May 2. Fleetwood Mac then cancelled their performance after Stevie Nicks’ illness. Jazz Fest will feature headliners Widespread Panic along with Ziggy Marley, Tom Jones and Mavis Staples. Tickets will now be a part of the second weekend general admission bundle. For Louisiana locals, May 2, along with the Thursday prior, tickets will be only $50. Regardless of the headliners, Jazz Fest is sure to delight its audience. Make sure to purchase your tickets at www.nojazzfest.com or on Ticketmaster.

Leave a Comment