A 17-year-old suspect, Denis Castro-Andrade, was arrested for shooting an 18-year-old student near West Jeff High School in Harvey, Louisiana, during the last day of school dismissal. The victim's injuries are non-life-threatening, and the school was placed on lockdown. The suspect faces multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder.
A manhunt is underway for Leon Ruffin, a Jefferson Parish inmate accused of second-degree murder, who escaped from a medical transport. Ruffin pepper-sprayed a deputy and stole her marked JPSO Ford Explorer before abandoning it in Algiers. Law enforcement considers Ruffin armed and dangerous and is actively searching for him.
Ernest Sam, 59, was shot by a Jefferson Parish deputy after allegedly driving towards her following a parade in Marrero. Sam, who was in a SUV, claims he had come to a complete stop as ordered when the deputy opened fire. The sheriff's office stated that the deputy fired as the vehicle moved forward, endangering her. The incident is under investigation, and the department is reviewing body camera footage. Sam's family believes the shooting was unjustified, while the sheriff's office is still determining if Sam will face any charges.
Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken is taking action after two parades, Krewe of Caerus and Krewe of Culinary Queens, abruptly canceled right before Carnival due to financial challenges. Van Vrancken plans to meet with Krewe captains and leaders to identify the challenges and ensure that Carnival continues to be successful in 2025. She aims to revisit deadlines and explore solutions to address the financial challenges faced by the Krewes in Jefferson Parish.
East Bank schools in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, will be closed on Thursday due to low water pressure caused by a boil water advisory in East Jefferson. High schools will operate virtually, while elementary, middle, and K-8 schools will be closed.
A water main break in East Bank Jefferson Parish has been repaired, but a boil-water advisory remains in effect. Water pressure is expected to return slowly throughout the day, with residents closest to the distribution center seeing it first. The aging infrastructure and recent weather are likely causes of the break, and the parish is working on 70 projects to update infrastructure. Many residents are still without water, and road closures and facility closures are in effect. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is also affected, with restrooms and water fountains closed.
Jefferson Parish schools in East Jefferson will be closed on Wednesday due to low water pressure and a boil water advisory, affecting all public and Catholic schools, as well as other facilities on the east bank of Jefferson Parish. The closures are a result of a water main break, and parents are advised to check for communication from their children's schools for specific information.
The Jefferson Parish Water Department, in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Health, has issued a boil water advisory for the east bank of Jefferson Parish following a major water line break outside the East Bank Water Treatment Plant, leading to a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth, or to disinfect it with chlorine bleach. Those with compromised immune systems, infants, and the elderly are urged to seek advice from healthcare providers. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice, and regular updates can be obtained through the Jefferson Parish East Bank Water Treatment Plant or the Parish's social media channels.
A water main break outside the East Bank Water Treatment Plant in Jefferson Parish has prompted a boil water advisory for the entire east bank, including Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Residents are asked to conserve water and use boiled, disinfected, or bottled water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. The advisory will remain in effect until rescinded by the Jefferson Parish Water Department or the Louisiana Department of Health. Officials are working to repair the break and restore normal water pressure, urging residents to have patience and follow safety precautions.
Jefferson Parish president Cynthia Lee Sheng announced the opening of two warming centers for people and pets in need of shelter due to cold weather, starting Monday, Jan. 15 at 12 p.m. The centers will be located at Terrytown Playground and Johnny Bright Playground. Residents can visit www.JeffParish.net for more information or follow the Parish on social media for regular updates.
Louisiana voters are heading to the polls to choose their governor and other state and local officials. Early voting results show Republican Jeff Landry leading in several parishes, including Jefferson and Lafayette. In the Jefferson Parish Council races, Scott Walker and Jennifer Van Vrancken are leading in early voting. Results are slowly being posted on the Secretary of State's website. Low turnout is expected, and the top two finishers in the governor's race, regardless of party, will advance to a runoff in November.
As Louisiana's primary election approaches, first-time voters in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish may be curious about what their ballots and voting machines will look like. Each ballot is unique, featuring different races depending on the district. Sample ballots for both parishes are provided, and voters will select their preferred candidate by pressing the corresponding button on the voting machine. Additional information on the candidates can be found in voters guides.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has released a new timeline projecting the impact of saltwater intrusion in Louisiana. The saltwater wedge is now expected to reach Algiers and Gretna later than originally anticipated, with dates pushed back from late October to late November. However, three treatment plants in Orleans and Jefferson parishes may not feel any impacts of saltwater intrusion through November. The Army Corps will continue to monitor the situation and provide weekly updates.
Forecasts for saltwater advancing up the Mississippi River towards New Orleans have been pushed back by around a month, potentially sparing most of the city and Jefferson Parish from the threat. The updated forecast by the Army Corps of Engineers has provided relief to officials in the area, who were scrambling to protect drinking water. While some areas are still predicted to be affected, the need for an emergency pipeline estimated to cost up to a quarter of a billion dollars may be avoided. New Orleans plans to proceed with pipeline construction if necessary, while Jefferson Parish will partially build smaller-scale pipelines.
As saltwater intrusion continues to move up the Mississippi River, crews have begun laying out miles of flexible pipeline in Jefferson Parish to supply fresh water. Parish officials, including Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, are overseeing the installation as a proactive measure to combat the encroaching saltwater.