Good morning, New Orleans.

Celebrate Canal! Coalition held its quarterly meeting on April 30 at the Sheraton—over 80 leaders discussed plans to improve transportation, public safety, and economic opportunities along Canal Street.

The group announced that Windows on Canal, an outdoor art gallery with interactive QR codes, will launch May 10—featuring a Children's Scavenger Hunt and other community events.

A slate of community events is set for May in New Orleans and nearby areas, with Sugar Roots Farm festival on May 10 at 10701 Willow Drive — featuring live music and pony rides — and Woodmere Festival on May 10 at Woodmere Playground in Harvey offering free crawfish and kids' activities. Additional events — including Bayou Boogaloo May 16 to 18 and Greek Festival May 23 to 25 — offer food fests, concerts and author talks with free or ticketed admission.

On Friday in a Walmart parking lot, officer Raychel Willey gave Narcan to Gregory Williams, 42, who then drove off erratically—hitting a bystander and two cars before Willey fell from the car and fired a shot that struck Williams in the chest, and the New Orleans coroner's office confirmed his identity after he died on the scene.

The Sewerage & Water Board has urged New Orleans residents to clean catch basins before midweek storms to cut flooding risks; officials say proper cleaning & maintenance will keep drainage clear for heavy rain days.

Real ID will be needed to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings starting Wednesday.

Scammers are trying to fool residents with fake calls (BBB CEO Michael Drummond warns) and he says people should go to the DMV directly (the government will not contact you).

Governor Landry claimed that a previous administration concealed an unfavorable study about the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, a $3 billion project to restore coast damaged by the 2010 oil spill, which led the Army Corps of Engineers to suspend its permit.

State officials will have until Monday to contest the permit suspension—raising legal and funding challenges for the project.

Port officials and local leaders are fighting over a road link needed to connect the Louisiana International Terminal to the interstate for its planned 2028 opening.

A report from the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission will be released on May 14—showing three route options, one costing about $800 million—while opponents worry it will harm nature and add to heavy traffic.

The Louisiana Department of Health reported 164 whooping cough cases in early 2025 with two infant deaths—the first since 2018—and 70% of hospitalizations involving children under 1.

State health officials urge vaccination to protect infants from the infection.

NOLA Gold lost to the San Diego Legion 45—36 and earned a bonus point by scoring four tries in the match.

The team will face the Miami Sharks on May 9th at 6:00 p.m. as they seek to turn their strong offense into a win.

October London Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Saenger Theatre — Tickets starting at $81 — Experience an electrifying evening with October London in New Orleans.

Spring Music Festival

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Zony Mash Beer Project — Free entry for under 18 — Celebrate the talent of young musicians with diverse performances across genres.

Mother's Day Brunch

10 a.m. — The Pelican Club — Starting at $76 — Treat Mom to a memorable 3-course brunch with diverse options for everyone.

Doug Jones Author Talk and Book Signing

6-8 p.m. — Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore — Ticket required — Debut author Doug Jones discusses his gripping novel on displacement and identity set against the backdrop of the 1996 Olympics.

Smino Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Joy Theater — Tickets from $40 — Catch Smino live in an electrifying night of hip-hop at Joy Theater.

NOCCA Spring Jazz Ensemble Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Tickets required — Experience a showcase of New Orleans' talented young musicians led by renowned pianist Michael Pellera.

George Porter Jr Concert

8-10 p.m. — Tipitina's — Tickets starting at $27 — Enjoy a night of vibrant music from a legendary New Orleans musician.

BLERDFEST! 2025

11 AM – 6 PM — McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School — Cost not specified — Immerse yourself in a celebration of fandoms at the Gulf Coast's First & Only Black Nerd Festival.

Open House on Chef Menteur Highway

2-4 p.m. — Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans — Listed at $450,000 — Explore this stunning waterfront retreat with modern upgrades and gorgeous lake views.

Salon Supper Club at NOMA

6-9 p.m. — New Orleans Museum of Art — $250 — Indulge in a culinary journey with progressive food stations inspired by art while enjoying live Cajun music.