| BY CHAD CALDER | Staff writer |
Thanks for starting your week with Morning Headlines. Here are some of our top stories. The Louisiana Legislature will convene this week to consider a raft of recommendations Gov. Jeff Landry has proposed to stiffen penalties in the state's criminal justice system, including changing the age for minors accused of crimes, making it harder to reduce sentences and expanding death penalty methods, among others. James Finn has a look at what to expect. In another criminal justice-related proposal, Gov. Landry is seeking to eliminate the board that oversees the public defense system in Louisiana, transferring that role to a public defense czar appointed by the governor to serve a six-year term. Critics say the idea, touted as a way to improve efficiency, would be implemented at the expense of a system that already has trouble funding legal representation in capital cases. Meghan Friedmann and John Simerman have the details. Jefferson Parish's decision not to renew a contract for curbside recycling has caused an uproar among those who consider it an essential public service. Marie Fazio has the story. Check out all the latest news, sports and entertainment coverage from The Times-Picayune. Chad | 