Early voting in St. Tammany runs May 2–9, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; sites in Slidell, Mandeville and Covington.

Showers and thunderstorms increase Thursday afternoon in New Orleans, with heavier rain possible Friday night. Expect ponding, slower commutes and a cooler weekend.

NOPD released security images after a late-night burglary at Vampire Apothecary; detectives say about $3,000 was taken and are asking for tips.

City Hall and the Orleans Parish Assessor struck a temporary agreement to return $16 million to the city this summer to shore up key revenue and permitting operations.

A special grand jury has indicted outgoing Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson on 30 felony counts and charged her top aide over the May 16, 2025 jail escape.

Two people were arrested Wednesday in connection with the April 7 St. Claude shooting that killed Marine veteran Michael Garcia, court records show.

A parent alleges a Drexel Prep teacher pushed and struck her daughter during a grade discussion. The school says it reviewed the incident with NOPD and the Archdiocese.

Kingston Cravinz, a 7,000‑sq‑ft Jamaican restaurant and event space from Liquid Gardens owner Kim Harris, is planned for Slidell with jerk, oxtails and live acts. Opening is tentatively set for early summer.

A school bus crashed in New Orleans East Wednesday morning; New Orleans police are investigating and officials have released few details.

Hospitality consultant Justin Audibert plans to open All Day at Parc Lafayette, offering espresso service, a diverse menu and a full cocktail program with a tentative late-May debut.

An AHLA‑commissioned study finds New Orleans hotels generated nearly $9 billion in 2025, supported 51,000 jobs and produced about $1.2 billion in tax revenue. The numbers underline hospitality’s outsized role in the local economy.

Doris Voitier, superintendent since 2004, will retire in June, the district announced, closing a chapter that included Hurricane Katrina recovery. The school board will manage the transition.

A Mid‑City shooting Tuesday night left one man dead; NOPD homicide detectives are investigating. Authorities are asking anyone with tips or footage to come forward.