| By DREW BROACH | Deputy metro editor |
SLIGHT RELIEF: Louisiana consumers and businesses saw some respite from inflation as the pump price for gasoline continued to tick lower this week. But many of the forces behind the four-decades-high surge in prices over the past year still loom over the local economy. (Subscribe to our free business newsletter, emailed weekday mornings.) TAX-FREE BEEF: A Louisiana judge has denied a closely watched attempt by Washington Parish Sheriff Randy "Country" Seal to collect almost $40,000 from a rancher who sells meat from his own cows under a private label without charging sales tax. MISTAKEN IDENTITY: It was deputy constable from Second City Court in Algiers – not a New Orleans police officer – who failed to heed an eyewitness’ plea for help stopping a rape in the French Quarter, authorities said Thursday. The deputy has been suspended indefinitely. Thanks for starting your Friday with Morning Headlines. Keep up with today's breaking news on NOLA.com. D.B. | 