Patchy fog this morning; highs near 826F and scattered storms likely through Sunday.

The Odyssey House sobering center closed on Jan. 15 after the city removed its funding from the 2026 budget, leaving a 25‑bed site shuttered and advocates scrambling. Providers warn hospitals and police will absorb more demand without the center.

An early‑morning bomb threat forced St. Mary’s Dominican to clear its campus Friday; police searched the grounds and gave the all‑clear within an hour.

Dense coastal fog could slow Friday morning commutes while highs surge into the low 80s. Showers possible this afternoon and a stronger storm threat arrives Sunday.

Baton Rouge wing spot Empire Wingz will open at 1521 Ambassador Caffery Parkway in Lafayette, taking over a former Subway. The chain is known for its sauces and VJ Fries.

New Orleans police warn residents after callers posing as officers leave fake-warrant voicemails and demand payment. Officials say these messages are fraudulent and should be reported.

A 23‑year‑old tied to a St. Rose home invasion was found dead on nearby railroad tracks; two residents inside escaped unharmed.

Sen. Kirk Talbot’s new bill would require FORTIFIED roofs for new builds and replacements, a move supporters say could lower homeowners insurance across Louisiana.

Shintech will invest $3.4 billion to expand its Plaquemine plant, adding ethylene and VCM units and promising more than 800 potential jobs for the Capital Region. The phased build targets lower emissions and a first‑phase finish in 2030.

Rep. Alonzo Knox introduced HB 800 to increase grocery‑pricing transparency and HB 472 to let cities adopt rent‑stabilization as the 2026 legislative session opens.

A federal judge found St. James Parish failed to meet parts of a 2017 desegregation order; one school is now more than 95% Black and the case remains open.

Kenner police say a woman paid $6,020 to someone posing as an immigration attorney; a suspect was arrested in Fort Myers and returned to Jefferson Parish.

State lawmakers filed at least 18 bills to regulate AI, focusing on chatbots, deepfakes and health‑care uses that could affect children and consumers.