Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Starbox? Falafel and Arabic food place with familiar green awning opens in Baton Rouge
Aysar Mohammad wanted two things — authentic Arabic food and "to make a boom in the city." So, he bought property, built out a full kitchen and named his new restaurant "Starbucks Falafel." He put up the signs and prepared to open. Then, he says,...

Lost Bow of USS New Orleans Found In Depths Of Iron Bottom Sound
A team of scientists and explorers aboard the research vessel Nautilus this week located and imaged the lost bow of the warship USS New Orleans for the first time. The bow was found at a depth of approximately 675 meters/2,215 feet in Iron Bottom...

Louisiana search and rescue teams sent to Texas for flood response
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana has sent teams to support Texas after catastrophic flooding over the weekend in the Hill Country. The death toll has reached over 80 as of Monday morning. President Donald Trump approved federal...
Law enforcement searching for suspect in 2023 killing
BATON ROUGE - Law enforcement is searching for Andre Weatherspoon, a suspect in the 2023 killing of Tonyetta Loveless — his then-girlfriend. Authorities posted Weatherspoon's photo on Monday, asking for the public's help in finding him. In 2023,...
Lawmakers add incentives to fortified roof program with new state law
BATON ROUGE - For three years, Louisiana has offered grants for homeowners seeking to upgrade their roofs. While most grants have gone to coastal residents, lawmakers want residents farther inland to take advantage and have approved tax credits...
Maine Military Museum is worth your time | Letter
I recently had the pleasure of touring the Maine Military Museum in South Portland, led by director/curator Lee Humiston. It may be the most impressive military museum I’ve ever visited, and that includes the National WWII Museum in New...

No Proof, No Payout: The New Rules for Louisiana Insurance Claims
Louisiana’s House Bill 437 is shaking things up in the insurance world. Signed into law in June 2025, it’s got insurers, agents, and industry groups buzzing. Why? Because it changes how claims are paid out and adds new penalties for delays. Some...

Where to live tax-free in 2025: Best states for retired US military personnel
Military retirees have one less thing to worry about in many parts of the US state income tax. A growing number of states are choosing to exempt military retirement pay from taxation entirely, giving veterans a financial incentive to settle there...

john kennedy commends louisiana’s support during texas flood crisis
John Kennedy, a prominent figure in American politics, has expressed his concern and support for the victims of the recent Texas floods through a series of tweets. His messages highlight the tragedy's impact and commend the efforts of those...

Louisiana lawmakers react as Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ becomes law
Over the July 4 weekend, Louisiana Republicans celebrated the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which President Donald Trump signed into law Friday, lauding it as a major boost to the economy, though Democrats warned it could have dire...

New Orleans organizations offer ways to help Texas flood survivors
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - If you want to help the survivors of the Texas floods, you can contact several organizations. Salvation Army Online: helpsalvationarmy.org Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY The Salvation Army reports it is actively responding to the...

Letters: True patriots won't aid a president out to destroy political opponents
Imagine this: A president establishes a personal security force to round up, detain and guard “enemies of the administration.” No courts. No oversight. No due process — just absolute loyalty to the leader. Would you report for duty? It sounds...

With brand new members, Louisiana board votes to favor ousting local lead public defenders
The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board voted 5-4 Monday to uphold the ousting of five attorneys who lead local public defender offices. The decision follows the replacement of more than half of the board’s members over the past six weeks....

Map of New Orleans highlights sinking and stable city spots
Parts of New Orleans, including its international airport, are sinking nearly 2 inches per year, according to a new study. Wetlands and parts of the city’s levee system are sinking, too. The geography of New Orleans resembles a bowl, and it’s...

New Orleans mayor vetoes ordinance that would help redevelop Charity Hospital
New Orleans mayor vetoes ordinance that would help redevelop Charity Hospital IT’S SUMMERTIME IN LOUISIANA. THAT USUALLY MEANS HOT TEMPERATURES, AND IT USUALLY MEANS AFTERNOON SHOWERS. WHETHER SHOWERS TODAY BEGAN A LITTLE BIT EARLIER CLOSE TO THE...

New Orleans for Essence Festival: Is a Last-Minute Trip Worth It?
The first weekend of July in New Orleans isn't reserved for Independence Day cookouts and beach days. The 2025 Essence Festival — the three-day celebration devoted to Black culture, music and empowerment that began in 1995 and was born from the...
New Orleans aims to cut emissions, energy bills with long-stalled benchmarking law
By Tristan Baurick Contributing Writer (Veritenews.org) — As thousands of architects and planners flocked to New Orleans in 2014 for the world’s largest sustainable design conference, the city saw a chance to prove it belonged in the green...

‘Just here to help the people of Texas’: Louisiana first responders deployed to assist with search and rescue efforts
TEXAS (KSLA) - First responders continue their search for those who remain missing following the deadly floods that occurred during Fourth of July weekend in Kerr County, Texas and surrounding areas. The latest number of people who have died in...

Louisiana bank looks to bulk up near home with in-state deal
travelview - stock.adobe.com Louisiana-based Business First Bancshares is moving to deepen its footprint in the northern part of the state, striking a deal to acquire the $752 million-asset Progressive Bancorp in Monroe for approximately $83...

A Flood Advisory is in effect for much of New Orleans until 3:45 pm
Flood Advisories are in effect for much of greater New Orleans until 3:45 and 5:30 pm Up to 2" of rain has been estimated to have fallen in some spots with heavy rain still coming down IT’S SUMMERTIME IN LOUISIANA. THAT USUALLY MEANS HOT...