NOLA News

New Orleans News

• New Orleans Regional Transit Authority CEO resigns, repays agency nearly $21K May 21, 2026
  Regional Transit Authority CEO Lona Edwards Hankins submitted a resignation letter on Sunday and signaled that she plans to sue the agency after negotiations with the board over the terms of her departure broke down, according to Hankins' attorney, Bill…
  BY BLAKE PATERSON | Staff writer
• Roughly 10,000 Entergy customers in New Orleans lose power Wednesday May 20, 2026
  More than 10,000 Entergy New Orleans customers were were without power for about 90 minutes Wednesday evening.
  Staff report
• Ex-Baton Rouge police chief Murphy Paul among top brass for New Orleans sheriff May 20, 2026
  Former Baton Rouge police chief Murphy Paul has a new job in New Orleans, reemerging in a public role as chief deputy in the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, second in command to newly seated Sheriff Michelle Woodfork.
  BY JOHN SIMERMAN | Staff writer
• US announces charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro in 1996 downing of planes May 20, 2026
  MIAMI (AP) — Federal prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles as the Trump administration escalated pressure on the socialist government.
  By JOSHUA GOODMAN and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER | The Associated Press
• Boil water advisory canceled in New Orleans East after fire hydrant damaged May 20, 2026
  A boil water advisory for a portion of New Orleans East was lifted Wednesday, a day after it was put in place after a hydrant was hit, according to the Sewerage & Water Board.
  BY MARCO CARTOLANO | Staff writer
• A fix for Belle Chasse Bridge tolls? Legislation seeks way out of contract with bridge operator May 20, 2026
  A year after the introduction of tolls on the new Belle Chasse Bridge brought widespread driver complaints, state leaders are looking at how to raise enough money to reduce tolls or buy out a 30-year contract with the bridge's private…
  BY LARA NICHOLSON | Staff writer
• New details revealed in trial of woman accused of killing boyfriend inside downtown NOLA hotel May 20, 2026
  Cache Shelton evaded prosecution for years until the District Attorney’s Office re-opened an investigation into her slain boyfriend Nicholas Harrison’s 2022 death. This week, she’s standing trial inside a New Orleans courtroom.
  BY MATT BRUCE | Staff writer
• S&WB makes headway on New Orleans East sewage problem in Dwyer Canal May 20, 2026
  Months after New Orleans East residents began complaining of a persistent stench emanating from the Dwyer Canal, Sewerage & Water Board officials said Tuesday that they’ve made headway on the raw sewage leaks and other issues that have created another…
  By JONI HESS | Staff writer
• 'Walking in the footsteps of giants.' Helis Foundation President David Kerstein awarded Loving Cup May 20, 2026
  Helis Foundation President David A. Kerstein received the 2025 Times-Picayune Loving Cup on Tuesday, surrounded by representatives of the artistic, cultural, civic and charitable organizations that have benefited from his work for decades.
  BY JOHN POPE | Contributing writer
• Boil water advisory issued for part of New Orleans East after fire hydrant damaged May 19, 2026
  A boil water advisory is in effect Tuesday for a portion of New Orleans East after a fire hydrant was hit near Stonewood Street and Partridge Lane, according to the Sewerage & Water Board.
  BY MARCO CARTOLANO | Staff writer