New Orleans and Kenner are expanding missing‑person alerts and changing police procedures to speed searches and get specialized investigators to vulnerable cases faster.

A 63-year-old Marrero woman shot by deputies after a Dollar General standoff pleaded guilty to four counts and received a largely suspended sentence and probation.

Two Oklahoma men were arrested after authorities say they found roughly 168 pounds of marijuana in Lafayette — a haul investigators estimate is worth about $1.5 million.

Multiple agencies blocked North Prieur Street near Esplanade in Tremé Wednesday as officers worked a developing incident.

St. John Parish deputies investigated a late‑night "swatting" call near Nice Court and found no injuries. Detectives say the call was a prank and the probe is active.

A New Orleans man was charged after allegedly threatening State Sen. Jay Morris and his family. He is being held in Texas while authorities arrange extradition.

Angela Filardo, a former New Orleans teacher, will be released May 16 after serving months for helping an escaped juvenile reach Houston. The victim’s family says the early parole shortchanges justice.

A duffle bag with skeletal remains was pulled from a sewer near Annette & Benefit in Gentilly; the Orleans Parish coroner is investigating.

A large plume of smoke rose near the Mississippi River in New Orleans' Leonidas neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon. Officials had no immediate word on the cause.

A man was found shot and killed Tuesday in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. NOPD homicide detectives have opened an investigation and are asking witnesses to come forward.

A man was fatally shot Tuesday near North Claiborne and Desire in the St. Claude neighborhood; police say his identity has not been released.

A 28-year-old man identified as Christopher Joseph was fatally shot in Gert Town early Saturday. Detectives are asking the public for tips and video.

Five Evangeline Parish officials — including Ville Platte’s mayor and Mamou’s police chief — were arrested after state police say they accessed and shared protected case information.