Good morning, New Orleans.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will offer free meals for eligible children at sites in local parishes this summer—this federally funded program will help ease food insecurity when school meals are not available.

After 10 inmates escaped last week from the Orleans Justice Center built 10 years ago, officials said broken locks, too few staff & flooding have left the jail unsafe and raised questions about management and spending.

New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson is accused of rape in a civil complaint filed Thursday in Los Angeles—court documents allege that the abuse, including two incidents in 2020 and further violence until their relationship ended in 2023, occurred in California, Louisiana and Texas while his accuser seeks monetary and emotional damages.

Verite News launched a project that explains how New Orleans was built through the slave trade—highlighting sites along Esplanade Avenue and the French Quarter where markers of slave pens point to a painful past.

The series aims to educate New Orleanians about the legacy of forced labor and its deep impact on the city’s growth.

Jonathan Vazquez, a 17-year-old from Morris Jeff who earned perfect attendance in his senior year, won a new Toyota Corolla from NOLA Public School & Premier Automotive Group as one of 60 students celebrated for their dedication.

He plans to study automotives and game programming while the Orleans Parish School Board lauded his commitment.

Storm surge remains a deadly threat that can quickly flood streets and homes, as seen during Hurricane Ida when water reached up to 14 feet.

Crews are building the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain project—an 18-mile levee system aimed at reducing risk for more than 60,000 residents, though full protection will not be achieved until the work is complete.

A guide explains essential steps for local residents to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes, such as assembling a two-week supply kit, planning evacuation routes, and reviewing home and flood insurance.

The guide also urges households to pack evacuation bags and clean catch basins—measures meant to protect families as storms approach.

The New Orleans levee system was built to protect our city after Hurricane Besty and was rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina to guard against major flooding.

The system spans over 99 miles of levees and 77 miles of floodwalls maintained by local groups + the US Army Corps of Engineers across 12 segments in four parishes.

City officials said on Tuesday, May 27 that New Orleans is ready for hurricane season starting June 1—coordinating with state partners and FEMA to counter federal budget and staffing cuts.

Local nonprofits are also setting up workshops to help families build emergency plans and secure essential supplies.

The New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board will launch a new power complex this summer to test a modernized pumping system that draws power from Entergy’s grid for century-old pumps—officials say the upgrade will help prevent power outages during hurricane season.

Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival

3-8:30 p.m. — The George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant sounds and culture of southwest Louisiana with local Zydeco and Cajun musicians.

Scatterjazz Trios Featuring Aurora Nealand, Mahmoud Chouki, and Thomas Helton

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Broadside — Cost Info TBD — Experience unique sound-sculpture trios with an exciting lineup of talented musicians.

The Cat Empire: Bird in Paradise Album Tour

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Tipitina's — Ticket info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of The Cat Empire with Toyesauce in a legendary New Orleans venue.

B. Dylan Hollis Cookbook Signing

6-8 p.m. — Nims Fine Arts Center — Ticket includes signed copy — Celebrate the release of Baking Across America with author B. Dylan Hollis and enjoy a humorous journey through nostalgic recipes.

Nola Soul Flower Music Fest

1-8 p.m. — Louis Armstrong Park — Ticket purchase required — Experience the world's first Hip Hop Food Festival with delicious food and live music from top DJs and bands.

The Walrus — A New Orleans Beatles Experience

8-10 p.m. — The Broadside — Tickets possibly available — Experience a faithful tribute to The Beatles' beloved song catalog performed by four talented local musicians.

Peter Hook & The Light Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Joy Theater — Almost sold out — Experience the legendary sounds of Peter Hook & The Light live in New Orleans.

Andrea Bocelli Live Performance

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Smoothie King Center — Ticketed event — Experience a night of classical music with the world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of captivating jazz with Delfeayo Marsalis and his talented orchestra.

Jacqui Naylor Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating blend of jazz, folk, and pop from acclaimed vocalist Jacqui Naylor.