Some lessons learned from top N.O. political stories of 2025

State’s first Black Josephite priest, John Plantevigne, was barred from saying Mass

In New Orleans, the Catholic Church would not let a man of color celebrate Mass in the early 1900s. As a result, the Rev. John Joseph Plantevigne died “a broken man with a broken heart.” 

Trump administration has separated dozens of children from their parents for a second time

An Associated Press investigation reveals that dozens of children who were separated under the first Trump administration have been re-separated, despite a judge's order to reunite them.

Prosecutors will get more power when defendants waive jury trials

Criminal defendants’ right to waive jury trials will be more complicated in Louisiana after lawmakers passed new legislation at the request of Attorney General Liz Murrill.

As Omni project advances, hospitality workers express doubts

The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans is working on securing hundreds of millions of dollars in tax incentives for its incoming headquarters hotel — a new Omni hotel worth $600 million.  Officials say the hotel is key to the long term success of tourism in New Orleans and could strengthen the hospitality community.

Emanuel Sayles was the cat who can play anything

Banjoist Emanuel René “Manny” Sayles once said music was the only life he ever wanted.