A judge’s trip to a Baton Rouge seminar briefly paused an Orleans Parish juvenile sex‑abuse trial just before deliberations; the defendant was convicted and will be sentenced next month.

State officials identified the inmate as David Closson and ordered an autopsy as investigators probe another death at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center.

A Tax Foundation ranking finds Louisiana’s combined state and local sales tax averages 10.11%, the highest in the nation after a 2025 state-rate increase. The number reflects heavy local levies across parishes.

Patchy fog this morning before a line of showers and thunderstorms moves through Sunday afternoon. Warm week ahead with record-possible highs midweek.

New Orleans lawmakers prefiled bills to overhaul the Sewerage & Water Board, consolidate courts and push fortified‑roof incentives as the 2026 legislative session opens.

State troopers are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Gonzales after one person was hospitalized with minor injuries late Thursday.

A 42-year-old Marrero father died after being struck on Jean Lafitte Boulevard late Sunday. Deputies say the driver remained at the scene and testing is pending.

Students gathered outside UL Lafayette’s Student Union as Dr. Ramesh Kolluru was celebrated after being named the university’s seventh president. He inherits a multimillion-dollar budget gap.

NORD is recruiting teens for about 150 lifeguard spots this summer, offering $17.58/hour and paid Red Cross certification. A hiring fair is set for March 4 at Milne Recreation Center.

Three LaPlace residents admitted to a federal cocaine-smuggling conspiracy after large seizures tied to a Grand Isle smuggling route; sentencing is set for June 2026.

Developers want to convert the valet garage behind Dickie Brennan's into a seven‑floor boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and speakeasy. The City Planning Commission recommended approval; council sign‑off is still required.

Marrero's longtime seafood spot Sal's has closed as the owners retire. Lefort's Seafood will take over the West Bank location, with renovations and hiring underway.

A four-vehicle crash on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge closed I-10 West near Butte La Rose and snarled traffic; state troopers posted photos and an advisory. Drivers were detoured and should check 511 for updates.