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🌱 Patch AM: How will NOPD’s new drone program change police response times?

You won't want to miss Flash Mob New Orleans - 15th Annual Thriller Halloween Workshop 2026 on the New Orleans Patch calendar

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Hey hey New Orleans! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will NOPD's new drone program change police response times?
  • Why this New Orleans family is outraged over bond decisions
  • What to know before Southern Decadence takes over the French Quarter

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 89 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, temps: high: 85, low: 78.
  • Sunday: Some sun, a t-storm; humid, with a high of 89 and low of 78 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around New Orleans

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • HAPPY UPDATE- owner found!!!
    Found intact poodle fountainebleau and pine!!! (Nextdoor Fontainebleau)
  • Please help us find our cat 🙏🏻
    RUSSELL, ~11-year-old GRAY CAT (Russian Blue type). Indoor/outdoor (mostly outdoor), home base Danneel & Marengo. LAST CONFIRMED SIGHTING MONDAY… (Nextdoor Milan)
  • Family Dollar posted a job opening for Assistant Manager II in New Orleans. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Cart Attendant in New Orleans. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near New Orleans here.

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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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