New Orleans considers removing Confederate monuments

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- New Orleans is poised to make a sweeping break with its Confederate past as city leaders decide whether to remove prominent monuments from some of its busiest streets.

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With support from Mayor Mitch Landrieu, a majority on the City Council appears ready to take down four monuments, including a towering statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Their ordinance has sparked passionate responses for and against these symbols, and both sides will get one more say at a special council meeting before Thursday's vote. If approved, this would be one of the most sweeping gestures yet by an American city to sever ties with Confederate history. More...