New Orleans in the news as Shia LaBeouf hits headlines for his arrest there. Brief bio: major U.S. port city on the Mississippi, population ~384k (2020). Also known as NOLA and The Big Easy.
Hailee Steinfeld announced the birth of her daughter in her newsletter, sharing gratitude and early moments. She married NFL MVP Josh Allen last May, and the couple revealed her pregnancy in December. Allen is recovering from foot surgery and expected to join the Bills' offseason.
The Democratic National Committee has rejected resolutions targeting dark money and specific pro-Israel lobbying groups, including AIPAC, during its spring meeting. The decision reflects ongoing internal divisions over Israel policy and the influence of outside spending in Democratic primaries. The party has adopted a broad, non-specific stance on dark money, deferring contentious Middle East resolutions to a working group. This highlights the party's struggle to balance progressive criticism and traditional pro-Israel support.
New consumer data shows tequila is now surpassing gin as the UK's preferred summer spirit, driven by rising sales, celebrity brands, and popular cocktails like spicy margaritas. The trend reflects a shift in drinking habits, with tequila's popularity growing rapidly across the UK.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has signed legislation abolishing the Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court, consolidating civil and criminal clerks into a single office. Supporters say the move improves efficiency and reduces costs; opponents call it an overreach that could disenfranchise voters in a predominantly Black parish. Calvin Duncan, who was exonerated after decades in prison, had been elected to the post and had planned to take office this month.
A.P. photographer Thornell has died at 86 in Metairie, Louisiana, from kidney disease. His career spanned from 1964 to 2004, covering politics, disasters, and civil rights. His images captured key moments in the fight for racial justice, including the integration of schools and Martin Luther King Jr.'s marches.
Golden Dome's space-based interceptors are advancing with 12 awardees under OTA deals totaling up to $3.2 billion. Space Force officials claim initial capability by 2028, while critics warn on affordability and scale. The plan includes Space-Based Interceptors, ground systems, and AI integration; analysts debate price tags said to run into trillions.
The NTSB findings on a 2023 Southwest incident highlight cockpit smoke as a safety concern; meanwhile Joby Aviation’s six-rotor eVTOL has demonstrated quiet, electric takeoffs and a possible path to urban air mobility in New York and beyond. FAA certification, charging infrastructure, and pricing are key questions as pilots and cities watch progress.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour are listening to players seeking to shift circuits, while LIV Golf faces financial turmoil and a potential wind-down. Returning pathways for ex-LIV members are under debate, with DP World Tour and PGA Tour weighing new eligibility rules amid antitrust scrutiny and ongoing restructuring efforts.
Fighting near the Zawiya refinery has escalated, prompting a precautionary halt and evacuation of staff. The refinery’s output remains uncertain as clashes intensify and threaten key Libyan oil infrastructure.
The Supreme Court is weighing an emergency petition to pause a Fifth Circuit ruling that would restrict mifepristone access, while allowing telemedicine and mail delivery to continue for now. The government and manufacturers urge a rapid decision, as lower-court moves threaten broad abortion access.
Weight-loss GLP-1 drugs are expanding beyond injections to pills in the US, UK and UAE. Major manufacturers report rising uptake and ongoing development, with Medicare and NHS access shaping pace and affordability. Private prescriptions and new formulations are widening access while competition accelerates.
Shia LaBeouf has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge in New Orleans after an incident at a bar in February. He has been ordered to undergo rehabilitation, attend anger management and sensitivity training, and faces probation. Authorities say three men were assaulted and slurs were used during the incident.
Cities hosting major events are using outreach and housing programs to address homelessness. Atlanta reports progress under Downtown Rising, housing nearly 500 people, while critics cite ongoing encampments and questions about funding and effectiveness.
LIV Golf faces financial uncertainty as Saudi PIF funding is reported to be winding down after this season. Executives warn remaining 2026 events could be in flux, with Bedminster deemed most likely to proceed. The tour is actively seeking new investors while exploring ways to sustain its team-based format.
Federal officials have suspended funding to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority amid a widening investigation into mismanagement and alleged fraud. LAHSA has faced audits and lawsuits over the handling of homelessness programs, with HUD warning that accountability standards must be met as the White House task force acts to curb improper spending. The move places pressure on local leaders to reform funding and oversight while continuing homelessness services.
Forecasters warn that Arthur could bring prolonged, life-threatening rainfall across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia through Friday. The storm is weakening after landfall near the Texas-Louisiana line, but its flood threat persists with widespread 5–10 inches and isolated totals up to 20 inches. Residents are preparing with sandbags as watches and warnings remain in effect.
The city is moving forward with facial recognition on public buses to flag missing persons and watch-listed individuals, funded locally and with federal aid. Missouri has declined to fund the project over privacy concerns, while advocates warn of broader surveillance risks.