A man was found shot and killed Saturday on the 7800 block of Sand Street in New Orleans East; homicide detectives are investigating.

State police say an undercover online sting led to two arrests in Baton Rouge, with charges including indecent behavior with a juvenile and purchase of commercial sexual activity.

Agents say about 6,000 carisoprodol pills were seized at a Metairie apartment and a man was arrested after a federal‑state probe into illegal importation.

Chef Michael Stoltzfus says Coquette will close after nearly 18 years. The Garden District mainstay will serve its last regular meal June 26 with a final event June 27.

A new OIG letter says NORD’s coach vetting was inconsistent in 2025, with unprocessed checks and unresolved criminal cases; the agency says it is rechecking coaches.

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.