Tropical Smoothie Cafe will open at Sweetland Centre in Broussard, taking over the former Taco Bell corner. Local franchisees behind the Youngsville expansion will operate the new spot.

New Orleans gas bills are rising due to increased fuel costs and high usage, with residents and City Council members questioning Delta Utilities' billing practices.

NOPD posted a photo after a Feb. 10 exchange of gunfire on General de Gaulle Drive and asked the public to help identify a person of interest.

New Orleans forms a task force to tackle online child exploitation with law enforcement agencies collaborating to protect children and increase arrests and rescues.

A cyclist was critically injured by an impaired driver, who is now in custody facing multiple charges, including 4th-offense DWI and vehicular negligent injuring.

St. Louis police investigate the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jaheed Sharp in the Baden neighborhood, appealing for information to aid their inquiries.

Copper thieves stripped wiring and stole thousands of gallons of diesel from Jefferson Parish pump stations, briefly crippling West Bank drainage pumps. Arrests have followed.

Chicken Salad Chick confirmed plans for a Lakeside Mall location in Metairie, which would become the chain’s second New Orleans‑area store. Franchise partners behind the first Metairie site are involved locally.

New Orleans announces traffic changes for Mardi Gras, with Calliope St closure from February 6-8 and 13-17, 2026 for event control. Detours are provided.

A precautionary boil-water advisory covers parts of Poydras after emergency repairs. Residents should boil tap water for one minute or use bottled water until tests clear the system.

Bunge is expanding its Avondale oils refinery with a $225M project that will triple capacity and join an $800M Destrehan plant as part of a roughly $1B New Orleans push.

A federal spending‑bill change could outlaw hemp‑derived drinks in November 2026, threatening New Orleans makers, retailers and dozens of local jobs. Industry groups are racing to buy time in Congress.

LSU removed Dr. Steve Nelson as chancellor of LSU Health New Orleans amid a system reorganization and an internal probe into past campus leadership. University leaders say the change reflects new priorities as they consolidate research oversight.