| BY CHAD CALDER | Staff writer |
Port deal deadlines loom: Key deadlines are coming up for the Port of South Louisiana's controversial, $445 million bid for the former Avondale Shipyards site. And port director Paul Matthews, the man who negotiated that deal for the port, says it won't move forward unless the numbers add up. Thing is, he agreed to the price before any of the outside financial advisers scrutinizing the deal came aboard. Tony McAuley and Sam Karlin have the story. School closure plan fallout: Jefferson Parish parents, teachers and students are still processing this week's consultant's report recommending eight schools for closure. The plan has the support of schools Superintendent James Gray, who spoke with reporter Blake Paterson about what it means. Essence Festival: The line-up of acts scheduled for the 2023 Essence Festival were announced Wednesday, and the list includes Ms. Lauren Hill, Megan Thee Stallion, Jermaine Dupri and others. Keith Spera has all the details. Thank you for starting your day with Morning Headlines. Catch up on the latest news on NOLA.com. Chad | 