| BY CHAD CALDER | Staff writer |
Ferguson to retire: Shaun Ferguson will retire as New Orleans' chief of police at the end of the year, and Mayor LaToya Cantrell is expected to tap Jonette Williams, a deputy chief, to become the city’s first woman — and first Black woman — to lead the department. Ferguson's departure comes after almost four years atop an embattled, shrinking police force. John Simerman has the story. Utility bill woes: The city council's utility subcommittee is looking at whether Entergy is doing enough to assist cash-strapped residents in the face of a surge in enrollment in the company's deferred payment program. Also discussed Tuesday was what can be done to make sewerage and water bills more accurate. Ben Myers and Matt Sledge have the details. Suspended deacon pleads: Virgil Maxey “V.M.” Wheeler III, who was suspended as deacon at St. Francis Xavier Church in Old Metairie after being accused of sexually abusing a boy 20 years ago, has pleaded guilty to indecent behavior with a juvenile. Michelle Hunter has the details on his sentence. Thanks for starting your day with Morning Headlines. Catch the latest news all day on NOLA.com. Chad | 