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Community Corner

🌱Relaxed Marijuana Restrictions For City Employees + Pest In LA Pines

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in New Orleans.

Good morning, friends! It's me, Shannon Denney, your host of the New Orleans Daily — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community. Today we'll cover...

  • Sad update in Pontchartrain Park shooting case
  • Beetle found to be killing Louisiana pine trees
  • City employees have less strict consequences for using marijuana

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy, afternoon rain. High: 54 Low: 44.


Here are the top stories today in New Orleans:

  1. In a tragic update to the shooting death in Pontchartrain Park Wednesday morning where a person was found dead on train tracks, it has been revealed that the victim was a child, 14-year-old Dominic Tomlin. The incident is classified as a homicide and NOPD has begun investigating. (WDSU New Orleans)
  2. In poor timing for the holidays, the Ips Beetle, a pest known for killing pine trees, has been found in pine trees across Louisiana. The beetle, also called 'wood engravers' is what is causing many pine trees to turn brown and die. (WDSU New Orleans)
  3. New Orleans has relaxed its stance on marijuana use for city employees. Previously, any city employee found to have cannabis in their system was supposed to be fired immediately. Now, in an effort to recruit and retain more staff, the repercussions of finding it in an employee's system will be dealt with by the Civil Service Commission. (WDSU New Orleans)

Today in New Orleans:

  • Tulane University Cross Country vs NCAA National Championships (All Day)
  • Yoga with a Vue at Longue Vue House and Gardens (9:30 AM)
  • Lego Club at the Rosedale Branch Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:


Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

Shannon Denney

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New Orleans Daily? Contact me at neworleans@patch.com

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