Fire crews extinguished a blaze at Sam's Southern Eatery on Pontchartrain Drive in Slidell; no injuries were reported and the department calls the fire accidental.

Hot and sticky Thursday with highs near 93°F and a heat-index up to 105°F. Heat only ramps up into the weekend - plan to stay cool.

A New Orleans coalition urged state leaders Wednesday for a statewide outdoor siren network, citing mid‑June tornadoes and gaps in cellphone alerts.

New Orleans police have released an image of a grey Nissan pickup believed to have fled after a deadly Oct. 28 crash on General Meyer Avenue. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Traffic Fatality Unit or Crimestoppers.

NOPD released images after a June 13 stabbing at Leonidas and Sycamore and is asking anyone with information to call Second District detectives or CrimeStoppers.

A woman was shot Wednesday at the Victorian Condominiums in Metairie; detectives were on scene and no arrests have been announced.

A recent Jefferson Parish seizure of 54 dogs has overwhelmed shelter capacity and prompted an urgent plea for foster families and adoption support. Rescues and the parish list contacts and upcoming adoption pop-ups this week.

A photo republished by The Advocate shows convicted killer Terry Speaks at Louis Armstrong Airport, renewing focus on the 2012 killing and dismemberment of Jaren Lockhart.

A federal appeals court has dissolved a 60‑year desegregation decree in Concordia Parish, returning control to local officials amid a heated debate over equity and oversight. State leaders hailed the ruling while civil‑rights advocates warned of persistent disparities.

A Baton Rouge court order pauses a law that would have erased three Orleans judgeships, keeping Judges Fuller, Levine and Goode‑Douglas on the bench while the state appeals.

St. Tammany Parish approved one‑pay‑level raises for certificated and support staff for 2026–27 and expanded bereavement and personal leave across the district.

An anonymous Instagram page posting fights and other disturbances near the downtown New Orleans library was taken down after alarming staff and patrons. Library leaders say they're working with the city to stop impersonation.

A Jefferson Parish jury convicted Leon Ruffin Jr. Tuesday of pepper‑spraying a deputy and escaping custody; a judge added 32 years to run consecutive to his life term.