New Orleans News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

The Orleans Parish School Board just handed the district superintendent unprecedented power to shut down charter schools—even before their contracts expire—amid plummeting enrollment. Triggered by new state law, the move lets the superintendent propose closures, consolidations, or operational changes if the district is deemed over capacity, defined by low occupancy rates or student numbers. Critics fear it undermines school choice and concentrates too much control in one person’s hands, while supporters say it’s essential for financial survival. The board narrowly approved the policy, with two dissenting votes, and must report its findings by November 15th. Meanwhil...

A 15-year-old girl in Livingston Parish received a juvenile life sentence for first-degree murder of her newborn, the longest possible term for a minor — she’ll remain in custody until turning 21. The tragic incident occurred in 2025 when she delivered the baby in her room and killed it; the infant’s body was later found in a tote bag in her bedroom. Though prosecutors sought to try her as an adult due to the severity of the crime, a court hearing ultimately kept her within the juvenile system. On August 17, she accepted a plea deal, and Judge Matthew Belser sentenced her ac...

A jury in Washington Parish convicted 43-year-old Derrick Fairley of second-degree murder for supplying fentanyl that killed 34-year-old Roxanne Fortenberry in a December 2024 overdose. Prosecutors presented damning text messages linking Fairley to the transaction, and undercover officers used Fortenberry’s phone to set up a follow-up buy—where Fairley handed off a bag of fentanyl to someone else. Lab tests confirmed the deadly substance. Fairley now faces a mandatory life sentence with no parole, sentencing scheduled for September 4th—a stark warning about the lethal consequences of fentanyl trafficking.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli...

Jerome “Big Duck” Smith, a civil rights legend who died at 87, lived by one rule: never bow. A Freedom Rider turned community builder, he founded Tamborine & Fan to empower New Orleans youth with history, civic pride, and resistance to drugs. Known for rallying kids to demand change—blocking traffic for clean streets, flooding mayor’s offices with children—he earned his nickname and left a legacy of unshakable courage. His daughter recalls him buying 75 birthday cakes for kids; his allies say his moral compass centered on children’s dignity. Though gone, Big Duck’s roar echoes in every young voice that sta...

A 21-year-old from Slidell, Gage Ticker, has been arrested on multiple serious charges—including uploading child pornography to Snapchat and sexually abusing an animal—after authorities received a tip leading them to his home. This arrest comes while he’s already out on bond for similar offenses from last year, including abuse against a juvenile and animals. The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation made the bust, and Ticker is now jailed with no bond set for the new charges, underscoring the escalating legal consequences and the relentless pursuit of justice in these disturbing cases.

Listen in comfort:
Get a...

The Trump administration’s controversial vaccine plan could unravel decades of pediatric health progress—proposing to scrap seven vaccines and split the MMR shot, all while ignoring overwhelming science that links vaccines to autism is false. Pediatricians warn this move fuels confusion, distrust, and could spark preventable disease outbreaks as measles cases surge. With public comment now open, experts urge caution: these changes offer no benefit and only add burden to families already battling vaccine hesitancy.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
a...

A new biopic “Tony,” directed by Matt Johnson, fictionalizes Anthony Bourdain’s early restaurant days in Provincetown, blending nostalgia with a soft, safe portrait of his formative years. While well-crafted with solid performances and a pleasing aesthetic, the film fails to capture Bourdain’s complex, unfiltered essence—coming off as bland and forgettable despite its promising premise. Critics call it a missed opportunity, likening it to a perfectly cooked meal you forget once you’re done. Don’t miss your chance to skip this one—hope the director’s next project dares to be bolder.

Listen in comfort:
Get a...

Three luxury homes in New Orleans hit the $2M mark last week, showcasing the market’s resilience and appetite for high-end properties. The priciest, a brand-new Uptown mansion on Chestnut Street, sold for $2.25M—over 5,600 sq ft with modern amenities and classic charm. River Ridge’s sprawling Garden Road estate, complete with a guest house, also crossed the threshold, while a beautifully renovated 1890s Uptown gem on Webster Street added historic flair with its pool and updated luxe finishes. Buyers are clearly prioritizing space, style, and location in today’s competitive market.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discou...

LCMC Health is making bold moves to combat the opioid crisis—distributing over 1,000 free naloxone kits and equipping every ER to provide them to high-risk patients. They’re also expanding their Substance Use Navigator program to guide patients toward lasting recovery, while training staff to treat addiction with compassion and reduce stigma. Joining forces with national leaders like LSU Health, they’re building a stronger, more supportive system of care—one that saves lives and offers hope.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
...

Hyundai’s $5.8 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, is poised to break ground on September 4 — the same day a public hearing on its still-draft air pollution permit takes place. With emissions of particulate matter, lead, and nitrogen oxide linked to asthma, lung damage, and cancer, environmental groups are sounding the alarm over the rushed timeline. Critics say the Clean Air Act demands thorough review, not a rubber-stamp approval. Hyundai insists it’s working with regulators, revised the permit to cut emissions, and will operate 70% cleaner than traditional methods. The public meeting is set for 6 PM at the Lemann Center...

Young professionals under 40 are invited to the UNLOCKED Young Professionals Summit on October 15th at The Harbor Center in Slidell — a half-day powerhouse event designed to equip the next generation of Northshore leaders. Featuring expert sessions on leadership, career growth, and confidence-building, plus a keynote by Fleurty Girl founder Lauren Haydel, who turned $2K and one t-shirt into nine retail locations, this summit is shaped by young pros for young pros. Priced at just $75, it includes all sessions, lunch, and networking — perfect for employers investing in talent or individuals ready to level up.

Listen in comfort:
Get...

Former president’s pushing hard to disrupt the meat industry, eyeing an executive order to give farmers more control over processing — calling it a move to break up a “nasty monopoly.” With grocery prices soaring and elections looming, his anti-monopoly pitch is gaining traction. He’s also floated importing more ground beef tariff-free and the Justice Department’s already probing meat giants for price-gouging. The entire food supply chain is under intense scrutiny right now.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@th...

Lincoln Beach in New Orleans, shuttered for over 60 years, could reopen by end of 2027 after a $24.5M restoration — a vital historic spot once sacred to Black New Orleanians during segregation, now rising from ruins with restrooms, parking, a bridge, and breakwater, after hurricanes and decades of neglect turned it into a dangerous relic; community meetings ahead for updates.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Re...

Urban South Brewery is resurrecting their beloved Oktoberfest Märzen lager — a rich, malt-forward classic with a crisp finish and 6.2% ABV — proving they master both tradition and innovation. Perfect for festive sipping, it’s rolling out across the South in six-packs and on tap, with a handy beer finder to track it down.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

Twenty-one years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, the city and surrounding parishes are rallying to honor the past, heal together, and celebrate resilience—with ceremonies, marches, parades, and wreath-laying events across Louisiana, all centered on August 29th, now being pushed for official recognition as Katrina Day.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest up...

New Orleans mourns the loss of civil rights icon Jerome Smith, aka “Big Duck,” who died at 87 after a cancer battle. A powerhouse of the 60s movement, he rode Freedom Rides, led boycotts, and co-founded Tamborine and Fan to preserve Black culture for youth. Thousands turned out in yellow and red for a vibrant second line procession through his beloved neighborhoods, stopping at landmarks like Treme Center and Hunter’s Field — the park he helped save from highway destruction. Dancers trailed a horse-drawn carriage bearing his casket, echoing his spirit of joy and resistance. At Hunter’s Field, the community...

New Orleans’ Sewerage and Water Board is reviving an old-school turbine to power pumps—just months after spending $280 million on a new Entergy substation. The move follows reliability issues during a tropical storm, with officials citing backup power as essential. But city council members were blindsided, calling the sudden pivot puzzling and questioning the logic after such a major investment. The utility insists the turbine will be online by year’s end, while councilwoman Aimee McCarron pushes for transparency and debate at the next Public Works meeting. It’s a tense balancing act in the city’s race to keep water...

Mike Brennan, who lost his leg after a series of surgeries stemming from a high school knee injury, turned his life around by launching BraveLyttle Pickle Company in Slidell. Using his cooking skills and a knife bought with video game points, he started pickling red onions and “Cuke Nukes” cucumbers — selling out fast. Inspired by his online muse, fiancée Cookie Bravely, and stocked by market owner Misty Fullilove, his business exploded from under ten to nearly thirty jars in a month. His story is pure resilience — proving that with grit, you can turn personal adversity into a thriving venture...

SpaceX is poised to launch a major rocket facility in south Louisiana, sparking a heated debate over secrecy as Governor Jeff Landry defends the use of nondisclosure agreements with the company, arguing they’re essential for private negotiations. While Louisiana’s Economic Development Department confirmed signing an NDA with SpaceX in February — part of a broader trend under this administration involving giants like Meta — legal experts warn that public records laws may force disclosure, especially since NDAs signed by elected officials could violate constitutional transparency rights. Residents near potential sites like Pecan Island say they weren’t consulted early enough, th...

The Esplanade Mall is in chaos—code violations, boarded windows, and over 70 arrests since the police chief took office. Lawyers for the owner face court this Friday, as city officials demand a proper fence, cleared shrubs, and working lights. The mayor calls their efforts “a band-aid on an open wound,” while Council Member Arita Bohannan labels it the worst blighted property in Jefferson Parish. She’s pushing for $12.5 million from Governor Landry’s Fast Sites Program to buy, demolish, and rebuild the site—potentially turning a liability into a revitalized neighborhood. The fate of the mall hangs in the balance, wit...

In Metairie, Louisiana, cops are still scouring a house that’s become the epicenter of what may be the largest steroid operation ever seen by the local sheriff—uncovering over a million dollars worth of steroids, MDMA, ketamine, and even 3D-printed guns and a silencer. The bust began with the arrest of 41-year-old Anthony Caruso, allegedly running the lab, which authorities called “a drug chemist’s nightmare.” With search warrants still active and K-9 units on scene, this case reveals just how advanced and dangerous modern illicit operations have become.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli...

A New Orleans judge, Juana Lombard, is back on the ballot after a legal twist: despite missing her 2023 tax filing record, a higher court ruled she acted in good faith, letting her stay in the race — and the state’s top court declined to intervene, sealing her victory.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & late...

Survivors of abuse in the Archdiocese of New Orleans are furious and bewildered after receiving payouts from a $305 million bankruptcy settlement—far below what they expected, with a maximum cap of $641,000. A points-based system, which assigns rape 75 points and grooming just 5, has sparked outrage, with many calling the process a “farce.” Payouts are dwarfed by jury verdicts and private settlements, and survivors face $1,000 fees to appeal their allocations—deepening their frustration. Despite the archdiocese’s claim that bankruptcy offers fairness, many now believe the system has failed them, leaving them to fight for justice amid emotional and financial strain.

...

New Orleans is set to hike sanitation fees this fall, with residential bills jumping $8.25 to $32.25 monthly and businesses paying an extra $16.50, bringing their total to $64.50 — all to fix a decades-old billing mess. A state audit revealed the city was overpaying for services by $21 million in 2025, with fees unchanged since 2010 despite reduced service and over 20,000 un-billed addresses. Mayor Helena Moreno says the new rates will cut the shortfall to just $3 million and fund a dedicated illegal dumping team. Trash pickup won’t return to twice weekly until 2028. The council votes September 3 — if approved, rates go live October 1, 2026, and stay fixed throug...

A former New Orleans teacher, Aaron Johnson, just received a 33-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking and coercing a minor — a crime that began when he picked up a runaway girl via social media and brought her home instead of calling authorities. Found guilty after evidence from his phones revealed attempts to exploit a 15-year-old, Johnson abused his position of trust, knowing how vulnerable kids are. Now, he’ll spend decades behind bars — plus lifelong supervised release — as law enforcement underscores the urgent need to protect youth online.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli P...

New Orleans’ Convention Center board just flipped the script on a major hotel deal, approving a $120 million upfront payment to developers instead of the original 45-year tax plan worth nearly $837 million. The move comes after state lawmakers, led by Senate President Cameron Henry, raised red flags about the old agreement’s fairness and viability. With groundbreaking targeted for fall 2024 and construction needing to start soon, this pivot aims to keep the 1,000-room Omni hotel on track — critical for New Orleans to stay competitive in the convention market. The State Bond Commission must now approve the new plan, and watchdogs say it...

Grand Theft Auto VI just dropped a jaw-dropping 27-minute gameplay trailer, diving deep into the neon-soaked chaos of Vice City and Leonida—where two modern-day Bonnie and Clyde, Lucia and Jason, wreak havoc across a fictional Florida. After leaked footage sparked hype, Rockstar officially unveiled the full experience, confirming the game’s release for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, 2026. Originally slated for fall 2025, then pushed to May 2026, the delay is now official—and Rockstar admits they need extra time to polish this masterpiece to match GTA V’s legendary standards. With tens of thousands still playing GTA V da...

Saronic’s $300 million shipyard expansion in Franklin just hit a major milestone—topping out the structure—with construction set to finish in early 2027. The project will add over 300,000 square feet of space, including new slips, warehouses, and a dedicated production line for their cutting-edge 18-foot autonomous Marauder vessels. This isn’t just a corporate win—it’s a regional economic boost for South Louisiana, creating demand for skilled labor and suppliers while positioning Saronic as a leader in America’s emerging autonomous maritime industry. Thanks to tight collaboration with JE Dunn and Alberici, progress has been lightning-fast, turning this massive build...

Houma-Terrebonne Airport just etched its name in aviation history with the nation’s first unmanned commercial freight flight, powered by Elroy Air’s autonomous Chaparral drone — capable of hauling 500 pounds over 450 miles for critical missions like oil rigs or disaster zones. With a $3M research hub launching and 100 drones already ordered by Bristow, this isn’t a flash in the pan — it’s the dawn of a new era in American aviation. Industry leaders are rallying behind electric planes and smart drones, positioning Louisiana as a national innovation hub while creating jobs and sparking future STEM dreams right here at home.

Louisiana’s top auditor is ramping up collaboration with federal prosecutors to crack down on fraud, waste, and abuse—especially in Medicaid and SNAP programs—thanks to a new Justice Department push that’s creating cross-agency data-sharing hubs like the National Fraud Detection Center. Louisiana joins seven other states in this Southeast Fraud Enforcement Partnership, building on years of state-level investigations like the $1.5 million misappropriation case at Impact Charter School that led to indictments. With federal scrutiny intensifying—particularly around pandemic relief funds—and state authorities making arrests over fraud, both levels of government are sending a clear message: public resou...

One year after Smitty’s Supply explosion dumped millions of gallons of oil and chemicals across Roseland, cleanup is painfully slow—13 million gallons removed, but oil sheens persist. Residents still suffer lost pets, livestock, and mounting mental and financial strain, while distrust in agencies grows. PFAS-laced firefighting foam adds another toxic layer, with contamination found in the river and Lake Pontchartrain—even as Smitty’s pushes to rebuild, claiming economic gains justify the environmental toll. Locals respond with art and activism, demanding accountability and real solutions.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://s...

State Farm is returning $136 million to Louisiana auto insurance policyholders in a nationwide rebate, averaging $138 per vehicle — and payouts will continue through 2026. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple applauds the move, noting it helps offset rising costs for everyday essentials, especially as insurers like State Farm report strong profits. He also highlights recent rate cuts filed by private insurers, tied to new state laws aiming for fairer pricing — though Louisiana remains one of the most expensive states for car insurance, with more work still needed to lower costs for drivers.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli...

A 25-year-old coach in Houma, Zachariah Jerry Trujillo, has been arrested on five counts of second-degree rape involving a minor, with bail set at $1 million. The allegations emerged after deputies responded to a call on August 27, and Trujillo admitted to a sexual relationship with the victim. Authorities are treating this as a serious breach of trust, especially given his position, and are investigating whether other victims may exist—all while prioritizing the juvenile’s privacy and safety. His next court date is October 12.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/disc...

Former Coach Arrested on Rape Charges | New Orleans News

New Orleans is about to hit you with a trash bill bump—starting October 1—with sanitation fees rising for both homes and businesses as the city scrambles to close a massive budget gap. Residents pay $8 more monthly, while businesses see a steep jump to $64.50. City leaders are also tackling nearly 21,000 unregistered properties and cleaning up outdated addresses. And no, twice-weekly trash pickup? Not happening until 2028—planning’s a beast. Vote on the new fees is September 3. Need an extra pickup? Call 311—it’s free.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount...

New Orleans, brace yourself—this weekend brings temporary water shutoffs for essential hydrant repairs. Friday’s work runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in zones near Morrison Road, Seven Oaks Road, and Camberley Drive. Saturday’s outage is bigger and longer, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., hitting Audubon Street, Magazine Street, Fontainebleau Drive, and Octavia Street. Water may be restored early if pressure dips too low—run faucets for five minutes afterward to clear lines. If service doesn’t return within an hour or you’re outside the zones but still without water, call SWBNO’s Community Outreach line or their...

A Jefferson Parish man, Arsenio Adams, just received a life sentence without parole after a May 2019 shooting that killed 62-year-old Sterling Woods, wounded two others, and injured Woods’ two-year-old dog. The rampage began when Adams stormed an apartment to collect on a drug debt, escalated into a violent confrontation, and ended with him firing an assault rifle. Convicted on multiple charges including murder, attempted murder, firearm possession, obstruction, and animal cruelty, Adams also admitted to smuggling Suboxone into jail — adding years to his sentence. This night spiraled into chaos with devastating consequences.

Listen in comfort:
Get a di...

Federal prosecutors close their case in the high-stakes murder-for-hire trial of disbarred lawyer Sean Alfortish and accomplice Leon Parker, alleging Alfortish paid Parker to kill Cornelius Garrison—whose cooperation with the FBI threatened a massive insurance fraud ring. The prosecution’s star witness, former co-defendant Ryan Harris, claims he orchestrated the hit, bought the burner phone used to lure Garrison, and ditched the getaway car—though his DNA may have been on the weapon, not Parker’s. Investigators found no murder gun despite a four-day canal search, and discovered firearms and matching bullets at Harris’s residence and business. Text messa...

Louisiana sheriffs are getting over $120 million from opioid settlements meant to fight the crisis, but where the money’s going is murky. Reporters found nearly $2 million spent on body cams and drug tests, $1.3 million on mental health support and AEDs, plus salaries and public campaigns — but experts say much of it misses the mark. Two-thirds of reported spending was flagged as off-target, like buying cameras or vehicles already owned. Many offices didn’t report at all, leaving the public in the dark about whether these funds are truly helping addicts or just boosting law enforcement budgets.

Listen in com...

A $3.7 billion low-carbon ammonia plant just broke ground in Ascension Parish, Louisiana—set to become the world’s largest upon completion in 2029, producing 1.4 million metric tons annually. Led by CF Industries and backed by Japanese giants JERA and Mitsui, the project will create 3,900 construction jobs and 100 permanent roles, while pioneering 98% carbon capture to slash emissions. Using advanced autothermal reforming tech, it’ll supply ammonia for farming and future energy applications, positioning Louisiana as a global leader in sustainable industrial production.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

...