Hey hey New Orleans! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Flash Mob New Orleans - 15th Annual Thriller Halloween Workshop 2026 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. New Orleans police turn to drones amid officer shortage (fox8live.com) — New Orleans police are rolling out a Drone as First Responder program later this year to help offset a roughly 300-officer staffing shortfall and speed up responses across city neighborhoods. Supporters say drones could cut response times and aid investigations, while civil liberties advocates are pressing City Council for strong privacy guardrails and transparency around how the technology is used.
2. Parents of slain New Orleans honors graduate question bond disparity for teenage suspects (fox8live.com) — New Orleans parents of slain honors graduate Ferdinand Woolens are questioning why two teenage suspects in his killing received dramatically different bonds from the same magistrate judge. As NOPD continues searching for additional suspects and releases new surveillance video, the family is pushing for what they see as fair treatment in court while celebrating Ferdinand's legacy and urging anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers.
3. Southern Decadence takes over New Orleans for 54th annual LGBTQ celebration (fox8live.com) — Southern Decadence is filling New Orleans this weekend with one of the nation's largest LGBTQ celebrations, centered in the French Quarter and nearby neighborhoods. With performances, bar specials, and a Sunday parade at 3 p.m. led by this year's Grand Marshals, the event is expected to draw tens of thousands and make this one of the city's busiest weekends of the year.
4. New Orleans Crowned Yelp's Top Foodie City for 2026 (myneworleans.com) — New Orleans just landed the No. 1 spot on Yelp and Lyft's 2026 list of Top Foodie Cities, highlighting everything from po'boys and gumbo to modern Creole tasting menus. Local favorites like Heard Dat Kitchen, Café Du Monde, Commander's Palace, and Cochon helped showcase how central dining is to daily life and culture here.
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Ok New Orleans! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
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