Good morning, New Orleans.

Fight Like a Warrior Foundation (FLAW) will host its annual Rise and Thrive Mini-Fest on May 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Docville Farm in Meraux to support cancer survivors, patients and families; the free event offers live music, food from local vendors, children’s activities and cancer screenings.

New Orleans area nonprofits raised $8.2M during Give NOLA Day, a 24-hour giving marathon that ran from Tuesday, May 5 to Wednesday at midnight.

The Greater New Orleans Foundation exceeded its goal by collecting an extra $1M to help over 1,000 local charities.

New Orleans is buzzing with community events starting today and continuing through May 9.

The Garden District Hotel hosts an interactive dating game for singles today at 7:30 p.m., while strolls on Magazine and Harrison Avenues deliver drink specials and live music (5-9 p.m.).

The Amistad Research Center at Tulane celebrated its 60th anniversary May 6 amid funding cuts that forced layoffs last year — during a press conference, key figures reported raising $1.8 million to reinstate staff and urged continued support to preserve its vital historical role.

Jefferson Parish Schools said nearly 80% of schools had bus route cancellations in March due to a driver shortage — leaving students with late arrivals and missed classes.

Officials expanded bus leases and launched a mobile app and plan to help cover licensing costs to attract drivers.

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans marked a major milestone by mentoring 1 million students across the region (according to community records), reinforcing its ongoing support for local youth.

New Orleans Public Library is hosting events for families this week.

Preschool BINGO is at 10:30 a.m. today at Robert E. Smith Library, international author Marjan Kamali holds an online talk from 6 to 7 p.m. today, and a Chinese American history lecture is scheduled at 11 a.m. May 9.

During this year’s Mardi Gras season, New Orleans crews collected 1,363 tons of trash, a 24% increase over last year, and officials said larger crowds + abandoned gear like folding chairs and tents made cleanup tougher.

The Orleans Parish School Board voted Tuesday to accept a settlement deal—where the city will reduce sales tax collection fees starting next year and provide annual lease payments for school funding—pending a City Council vote and judge’s signature.

Residents in parts of Poydras must boil tap water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth as crews work on water lines which could lower pressure — the advisory covers areas along East St. Bernard Highway and nearby streets and will stay in effect until water tests confirm safety.

The Jefferson Parish Council announced it will no longer pursue the $16 million tennis complex at Bright Playground after community backlash — officials plan to work with nonprofit Split Sets to find an alternate site.

LCMC Health created its Office of Advanced Practice (to boost professional development and patient care) and named Meghan Kirkland as its inaugural chief on May 4; she will lead over 1,000 APPs in a systemwide effort to strengthen operational alignment.

The Molly Ringwalds Live

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Southport Hall — $15 adv — Experience the world's greatest 80's tribute band from Sheffield, England.

New Orleans Ballet Theatre Presents Cinderella

2-5 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Check event page for pricing — Experience the magic of Cinderella with the New Orleans Ballet Theatre this Mother's Day weekend.

Charmaine Neville Band Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticketed entry — Experience the soul of New Orleans through Charmaine Neville's vibrant R&B and Jazz performance.

The Black Angels Concert

7:00–8:30 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — $42–$209 — Experience the psychedelic rock vibes of The Black Angels in a lively New Orleans setting.

Gabrielle Cavassa 'DIAVOLA' Album Release

7:30-10:30 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Tickets start at $29.40 — Celebrate the launch of a new album by a local artist in the vibrant music scene of New Orleans.

Andre Bohren Performance

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved, $5 Student Tickets — Experience an evening of diverse musical talent from lifelong musician Andre Bohren.

Fund 17's Living Like Water| Immersive Experience Community Day

The Living Like Water Immersive Experience Community Day is a one-day gathering connecting New Orleans entrepreneurs, environmental leaders, land stewards, and workforce partners around climate resilience, public health, and emerging economic opportunities. Through a panel conversation, hands-on demonstration, and networking experience, the event is designed to bring direct access to the people, industries, and ideas shaping the future of the Gulf South.

Britney Chauntae Live Performance

4:30-6 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free performance — Experience the powerful vocals of Britney Chauntae in an enchanting happy hour concert.

Christian Fellowship Picnic at Longue Vue

1-3 p.m. — Longue Vue House and Gardens — $20 for Non-Members + $15 garden entry — Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of blooms, picnic, and meaningful discussions with fellow Christians.

Anareta's Send-Off Party

9:00 p.m. — Siberia — $12.47 — Enjoy a double set by Anareta and a special opening by The Bomb Pulse for Sarah's send-off party.