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.

A Crowley man was arrested and charged after shots were fired into a vehicle downtown, leaving the driver with minor injuries. Authorities say the suspect was taken into custody in New Orleans.

FPC filed a May 27 reply brief asking the Fifth Circuit to overturn the federal ban on interstate handgun sales; the appeal could reshape how dealers handle pistol transfers across state lines.

A man barricaded himself inside the Hale Boggs Federal Building Friday; video shows him tossing items from a courthouse window as NOPD, FPS and U.S. Marshals secured the scene.

Clear and warm Saturday with highs near 88°F. Heat indices may near 100°F Sunday–Tuesday; check NOLA Ready for cooling centers.

Entergy New Orleans is installing steel monopoles and moving ahead with a $100M resilience plan after a May outage that left thousands without power.

A Metairie pursuit on Friday night ended when the fleeing vehicle overturned, Jefferson Parish deputies say. The chase began after a domestic‑battery call, officials told reporters.

Parish and state officials met Thursday to walk Northshore residents through supplies, alerts and evacuation steps ahead of hurricane season.

House Bill 719 would reallocate 60 assistant DA positions statewide; New Orleans officials say the changes could cut about 10 state‑backed prosecutor slots in the city.

Two people were stabbed during an attempted bank robbery in New Orleans East; a 39-year-old suspect was arrested in the parking lot and booked, according to reports.

An Orleans Parish jury convicted Francisco Romero of second‑degree murder on May 29, 2026; he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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 new comedy room and full‑service restaurant opened in New Orleans East, booking national acts and serving dinner alongside nightly shows.