Big Easy Beats

Deliberations begin in camera case

A jury began deliberations Tuesday to consider 37 allegations against former city technology chief Greg Meffert and other defendants. The plaintiffs claim Meffert and other city officials conspired with Dell Inc. to sell their camera network system.

New Orleans leads country in charter school students

For the third year in a row, New Orleans has enrolled more students in charter schools than any other city in the country. Fifty-seven percent of public school students in New Orleans attend charter schools, more than 20 points higher than Washington D.C., which ranked second.

Saenger Theatre Slowly Reopens

The historic Canal Street theatre, which has been closed since Hurricane Katrina, will undergo renovations beginning early next year. Officials hope to open the theatre in fall 2011. The restoration is expected to cost $38.8 million. The money will come from federal grants, private donations and tax credits.

Gunman barricades himself inside Uptown home

Richard Searce, 59, set fire to his home and barricaded himself inside after being served with an eviction notice last Thursday morning. When firefighters broke down his door, he began shooting. Searce surrendered more than six hours after the ordeal began and was then arrested by the New Orleans Police Department.