Good morning, New Orleans.

On Wednesday, the Greater New Orleans Foundation announced that GiveNOLA Day raised over $6.9 million with 45,000 online donations and record-breaking participation from 1,027 nonprofits—marking a significant increase from last year while final numbers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

NOLA Motorsports Park will hold a private ribbon cutting for Throttle + Swing at 11 a.m. on May 19 before its public grand opening at 11 a.m. on May 21; the 30-acre venue in Avondale will offer an 18-hole mini golf course, go-karting and more attractions for families and adults.

Thanh Vu, who ran Viet My Supermarket in New Orleans East, was fatally shot during a robbery on New Year's Eve—three suspects have pleaded not guilty—and her family now faces their first Mother's Day without her.

Two 17-year-olds were arrested in Jefferson Parish for making fake bomb threat calls to schools and for swatting calls, with Florida teen Jayden Bullard extradited on May 2 and accused of calling false threats at Metairie schools on Dec.2 and Dec.3—while Metairie teen Angel Bonilla faces terrorizing charges after multiple swatting calls, with bail set at $350,000 and $80,000 respectively.

Canal Street will host the public art event 'Windows on Canal' starting May 10 through July 6, where historic buildings are transformed into an outdoor gallery featuring playful installations and a curious dog named Scrim—who guides visitors with interactive QR code experiences that reveal local history. Families can join a scavenger hunt on May 10 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Canal Place and look forward to additional events like a culinary tour and art tour later in May and June.

A new study found that excessive lawsuits cost Louisiana nearly $2.9B in lost income and 40,000 jobs, with New Orleans losing over $1.6B and about 22,000 jobs on an annual basis.

The report urges tort reform to boost growth and lower costs—an issue that deters state investment.

The U.S. Department of Energy approved a permit for Venture Global's plan to build a second LNG terminal in Cameron Parish—an addition to its Calcasieu Pass facility that has faced pollution problems.

Residents and environmental groups have raised concerns about ongoing light, noise, and air pollution from flaring—fearing it may harm health and the local environment.

Yesterday, severe thunderstorms brought heavy rain, flooding and winds up to 60 mph to the area, snapping utility poles on Medical Boulevard in Marrero and leaving 18,000 Jefferson Parish residents without power.

Entergy expects most power to be restored by midnight—flood watches and storm warnings remain in effect as crews work to clear the debris.

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.

Bob Dylan Tribute Show

8-11 p.m. — The Broadside — Ticket prices vary — An All-Star lineup of New Orleans artists pays tribute to Bob Dylan on his 84th birthday!