| BY CHAD CALDER | Staff writer |
Stat spat: Fresh off a legal victory in the battle over the NOPD consent decree, Mayor LaToya Cantrell took the offensive in the public relations war over the city's soaring crime rate. Specifically, she took on critics who question statistics showing a downturn in violent crime. Matt Sledge has the story. Jefferson Parish regulates gun stores: Last month, news broke that a gun store was planning a grand opening across the street from St. Matthew the Apostle Church and School in River Ridge. On Wednesday, after a rash of complaints, the Jefferson Parish Council voted to ban any new firearms retailers from setting up shop within 1,000 feet of schools. Blake Paterson has the story. French Quarter Fest food: Wanna know what's in store this weekend for food at French Quarter Fest? Ian McNulty has you covered. Thanks for starting your day with Morning Headlines. Catch up on the latest news on NOLA.com. Chad | 