🌱 Vappie Investigation Compromised + OPSO Mardi Gras Hotel Costs

Hi all. Shannon Denney here with your fresh copy of the New Orleans Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now. Today you'll find news about...

• Information made public in Jeffery Vappie investigation.
• OPSO spent close to $20,000 on hotels for Mardi Gras.
• Banana with racial slur written on it caught in parade.

But first, today's weather: Some sun, breezy and warmer. High: 77 Low: 69.

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Here are the top stories in New Orleans today:

1. The ongoing investigation into NOPD Officer and former security detail member of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Jeffery Vappie, has reportedly been compromised by a leak of information. NOPD confirmed that files had been leaked to the public and media from the investigation into Vappie's timesheets and role with Cantrell's security. The circumstances of the leak are now being investigated and is delaying the ending of Vappie's inquiry which was almost done. (WDSU)
2. Reports have been released that the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office spent close to $20,000 housing OPSO employees in hotels during Mardi Gras. Thirteen employees spent nights in rooms averaging $203 a night over 94 nights, costing taxpayers a total of $19,149 at the Sheraton, Marriott and Omni. This was supposed to be a part of the plan to help understaffed security details during the parades, despite the CEA saying that it will only pay for housing if it is 35 miles outside of New Orleans. (WDSU)
3. People are hurt and furious after a family reported catching a banana with a racial slur written across it as a throw during a St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday. The family posted a picture of the banana to social media, calling for action. The parade president has released a statement condoning the incident and expressing regret and an apology that it occurred. (WWLTV)

Today in New Orleans:

• The Song Spinners at the New Orleans Jazz National Park (2:00 PM)
• Mid-City Market with the Crescent City Farmers Markets (3:00 PM)
• 18+ Board Game Night at the Harahan Branch Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new place to grab a cup of Joe? The Current Crop Roasting Shop has had their grand opening at 3931 Magazine St. (New Orleans Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• GNO, Inc. is hosting this year's Young, Smart & Local conference, a three-day event to inform and engage leaders from different communities on how to promote and bring in talent, coming to NOLA this November. (Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) via Facebook)
• The Urban League of Louisiana is hosting a talk on "Leveraging Best-In-Class Accelerator Programs to Grow Your Food Service Business" coming up on March 27! (Urban League of Louisiana via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Bayou Home Show & Cannata's Festival of Food (March 18)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (March 23)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Shannon Denney

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