Good morning, New Orleans.

MBLB was honored with the 2026 Pro Bono Publico Award on May 19 in New Orleans after a ceremony hosted by the Louisiana Supreme Court.

The firm was recognized for its ongoing commitment to providing free legal services to underserved community members & promoting access to justice.

NovaSpark Energy announced a $30M investment to build a manufacturing facility in Houma and expand its West Monroe operations, creating 618 jobs statewide.

Design for Houma will start mid-2026 with operations expected in 2027 (supporting advanced energy and defense projects).

Tulane University received a $2.43M bequest from alumna Anne Robertson Sellin's estate to expand the Newcomb Art Museum's pre-1950 art collections and exhibitions in New Orleans.

University officials said the permanent endowment will support new acquisitions and scholarly programming for future cultural events.

New Orleans-based Pizza Delicious was ranked No. 27 on 50 Top Pizza’s annual list of America’s best pizzerias; judges praised its crisp crust and standout Hawaiian pizza, and patrons can visit its Bywater location to savor a New York-style slice.

Downtown New Orleans saw 439,200 visits during the Sail 250 weekend, marking a 31.5% surge that boosted local tourism and business.

The event featured international tall ships, military vessels and waterfront activities, according to the Downtown Development District.

The University of New Orleans will become LSU New Orleans on July 1 and has named local music educator Eddie Williams Jr. as its new band director to relaunch a marching band program planned to join Mardi Gras parades by 2028.

A Tulane study finds mangrove forests are recovering globally thanks to restoration projects and natural expansion (including growth along our Gulf Coast).

Scientists warn the recovery remains fragile and urge continued conservation to counter threats like damaging freezes.

A new Tulane study urges the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to restart sediment diversions at Breton Sound and enforce oil industry rules to protect New Orleans from sea-level rise rather than relocate residents.

The study recommends community investment to boost local prosperity (focusing on sustainable growth and lower taxes).

Louisiana lawmakers passed bills to block imported seafood that harms local shrimpers, giving the Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner power to seize seafood failing testing requirements at ports.

Representatives Domangue and Kerner also signed a law to stop blending imported and domestic shrimp to protect seafood workers and restaurateurs.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara attended a voluntary workout on Wednesday and surprised teammates as his future remains uncertain (his final contract year looms amid free agent moves).

Coaches hope his presence will guide discussions on his next steps with the team while he rethinks his role on the roster.

Blue Monday: 80s New Wave Live

8:00 – 11:30 PM — Southport Hall — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of 80s New Wave at Blue Monday.

IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference 2026

— June 7-12 — Hyatt Regency New Orleans — Registration required — Attend a world-class conference featuring breakthroughs in PV science, engineering, and networking opportunities.

Nayo Jones Experience

5-9 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Cost info not provided — Experience the mature sounds of Nayo Jones, an accomplished vocalist and flautist, in a vibrant jazz setting.

Higher Heights Reggae Band Performance

6:30 p.m. — Cafe Negril — Cover charge may apply — Enjoy live reggae tunes from a band that has graced stages alongside reggae legends.

Lost Bayou Ramblers Live Performance

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Tipitina's — No cover charge — Experience Grammy-winning Cajun music with a punk rock twist from a Louisiana favorite.

BC Coogan Concert

7-11 p.m. — Saturn Bar — Entry price not stated — Experience the versatile sounds of prominent keyboardist BC Coogan, as he interprets the contemporary New Orleans songbook.

Youth Improv Comedy Class

5:30-7 p.m. — Art Camp 504 — Cost TBA — Unleash your creativity and comedic skills with engaging improv exercises for ages 11-15.

André Bohren Performance

5-9 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Admission varies — Experience the versatility of one of New Orleans' finest musicians in a captivating live performance.

Free Summer Movie Series: Rhinestone

8-10 p.m. — The Broadside — Free entry — Catch Stallone and Dolly Parton in a classic country comedy showdown.

Candlelight Concert featuring Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

9:00 p.m. — The Sazerac House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of live music in a stunning candlelit setting.