The French Market’s Creole Tomato Festival marks its 40th year June 6–7 with tomato‑forward food, live music, a second line and family activities in the French Quarter.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely today in New Orleans; east winds and a Coastal Flood Advisory run through Friday. Expect gusts and minor tidal flooding on east-facing shores.

Jefferson Parish investigators say an April Grand Isle shooting that killed a 19‑year‑old grew from a planned robbery tied to an earlier drug‑deal scam; two suspects were arrested.

DOE selected two demonstration projects in Louisiana and Oklahoma for up to $134M to extract rare earths from industrial waste and bolster domestic supply chains. The awards name a Gramercy, LA plant and an Ardmore, OK demo with MIT.

An Impact Day was declared for New Orleans as heavy downpours and storms threaten the afternoon and evening commute. Local forecasters warn of street flooding and gusty winds.

The College Football Playoff released its 2026–27 broadcast map: the Sugar Bowl semifinal is set for Jan. 15, 2027 on ABC/ESPN, with the national title slated for Jan. 25 in Las Vegas.

A flash flood warning covered parts of Jefferson and St. Charles parishes Sunday evening as heavy storms moved through, with the NWS and local outlets alerting river towns including Luling, Destrehan and St. Rose. Expect ponding and flooded streets in low-lying areas.

Act 196 outlaws intentional outdoor balloon releases in Louisiana starting Aug. 1, 2026, pitting environmental groups against those who say the tradition matters. The law targets planned releases of a dozen or more balloons and includes narrow exemptions.

After walking the stage at East St. John High, Derion Melancon returned to find her Garyville home destroyed by fire. School staff, a local foundation and a GoFundMe are stepping in.

A Franklinton man died Thursday in a two-vehicle crash on La. 1057 near Milburn Grace Road in Kentwood. State police say the driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the crash is under investigation.

Lawmakers passed SB 319, which would raise documentary standards for voters without photo ID. It requires extra paperwork or a quick registrar visit to cure a conditional ballot.

NOPD says a mid‑May sweep in the 7th Ward turned up fentanyl, meth, seven firearms and nearly $8,700 — investigators say the haul links suspects to an April drive‑by.

Live Oak High defensive backs coach Stepfan Henderson was arrested in Watson and booked on a $350,000 bond on charges including molestation of a juvenile and indecent behavior.