As you know, this is a technical issue which our engineers are working on, but I'll try to explain what I can.

The related story block is populated with stories from the same 'category' it is not based on a key word search. I think the latter method would be more effect but such is the nature of it. You can always use the search box in the masthead to search for related stories.  

As to the ongoing issue with your Local, I don't have that much insight into the matter other than to suggest that perhaps your internet service is routed through which messes up the system. I entered 'New Orleans' in the local section and it was populated with relevant stories. I'll point some of our engineers to this forum and hopefully they'll be able to tell us more.

Uh, Ryan, it used to always have New Orleans or Louisiana or Gulf Coast stories under the local channel on the Front Page, up until a week or so ago. So whatever the techs changed recently has caused this.

And that Lori obviously posted her story more than once, on purpose I presume. Not a good look for NowPublic or very astute by the editors in charge to allow this.