Good morning, New Orleans.

Richard Freeman, Jr., a respected business and civic leader who ran Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling and later became a noted horse breeder, died Wednesday at Lambeth House in New Orleans at 88 (complications from Parkinson’s disease).

Funeral arrangements are pending.

The Port of New Orleans and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad launched an AI program (developed with UTC Transo and Palantir) to streamline heavy cargo delivery to construction sites.

The tech will help move oversized equipment for projects including AI data centers and a planned Hyundai steel mill.

Local baseball star David Malarcher—known as Gentleman Dave—was born in Whitehall and played for the New Orleans Black Eagles, leading his teams to multiple championships and serving in World War I.

He later worked as a real estate broker and poet, leaving a lasting mark on local sports heritage.

Good Catch Thai Urban Bistro received Thai SELECT 1-Star certification from Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce after a September 2025 inspection by the Thai Trade Center, recognizing its authentic dishes and full-service hospitality while it prepares for New Orleans Restaurant Week and Coolinary month in August.

On May 7, Nunez Community College in Chalmette set a record by awarding 400 credentials to dual enrolled high school students at the Nunez Auditorium.

The ceremony also celebrated new workforce partnerships that help guide students into careers or further education.

New Orleans Public Library launches its annual Summer Fun & Reading Challenge today, inviting readers of all ages to complete 800 minutes and a bingo card while offering free programs, prizes, and a writing contest with rewards from local sponsors.

School leaders and charter advocates warned Gov. Landry's plan to shift 168-million dollars from K-12 operations to maintain teacher and support staff stipends may lead to layoffs and cuts in rural districts; lawmakers will vote on the proposal by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23.

Good Shepherd School marked 25 years and is expanding with a second campus near Desire Parkway in the Upper Ninth Ward for the 2026-2027 school year; the new campus will serve kindergarten initially & add one grade each year in partnership with The Giving Hope Foundation.

New Orleans City Council is urging the Sewerage and Water Board to assess rust in the pump system amid hurricane season.

The board said its current budget covers assessments while repairs may cost up to $15 million (lack of funds could risk flooding).

Louisiana voters will decide on a constitutional amendment in November that would allow public funds to be used to remove lead pipes from private property as part of a stalled project funded by an $86 million EPA grant—aiming to help the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board meet federal requirements.

Metro New Orleans home sales increased 4.2% in May with 1,225 closings, despite a 9.9% decline in new listings, with the average price near $370K (Orleans Parish transactions up 11.3% while Jefferson Parish dropped 13.3%).

The Pelicans face a pivotal offseason as they weigh trade and free agency moves to reshape their roster while emphasizing a defense-first approach with new coach Jamahl Mosley leading efforts to build around Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and a young core.

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.

Key-Key Live Performance

9:00 p.m. — Casa Honduras Restaurant #1 — Ticketed event — Experience a lively performance by Key-Key in an inviting restaurant setting.

Father's Fest 2026

2-8 p.m. — The Broadside — Free entry — Celebrate fatherhood with food, entertainment, and activities dedicated to dads making a difference.

Charmaine Neville Band Performance

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticketed event — Experience the vibrant sounds of Charmaine Neville, blending R&B, Jazz, and world rhythms in an electrifying performance.