From worst to first on COVID; running for AG while working for the AG

The Advocate's Top Headlines

with Matthew Albright| Metro editor

Good morning! Here are some of our top reads from yesterday:

From worst to first

When the delta variant of the coronavirus was rampaging through Louisiana over the summer, our state was in as dire straits as anyplace in America. But now we have the lowest rate of hospitalizations of any state.

This story explains what that means, and why some health officials are warning not to get complacent.

Running for AG — while working for the AG?

There's a rule in the Louisiana Attorney General's office that employees can't run for political office unless they get "specific written authority" from the AG. But Liz Murrill, a top official who often represents Louisiana in court, says she's running for the top job herself if Jeff Landry doesn't (he's widely expected to run for governor).

She can't provide the paperwork to prove Landry gave her the exception, but says she got a "verbal exemption." This story explains what it all means in the state's political scene.

Another shooting in Tigerland

A teenager who was shot Sunday at a Tigerland apartment complex has died from his wounds. It's the latest violent incident in the area near LSU that Baton Rouge law enforcement leaders say is a chronic crime hotspot.

Thanks for reading, and have a great day.