Good morning, New Orleans.

At its meeting on June 10, United Way of Southeast Louisiana set a goal to help 100,000 households under the ALICE threshold reach prosperity by 2035 as part of its 2025 to 2027 Strategic Plan and honored community partners and award winners.

New board officers including board chair Elizabeth Ellison-Frost will take office on July 1—an effort aimed at boosting targeted investments to fight poverty across the region.

Patrick Wattigny, a Slidell priest convicted of molestation, was denied parole yesterday after asking forgiveness before the board—one victim said he abused his spiritual authority to groom and manipulate him—while the decision comes days after the governor signed a new law against grooming.

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant has restored its iconic upstairs dining room that once hosted civil rights leaders to now serve as a modern private event space.

The renovation features new murals by local artists — along with upgrades such as wheelchair access, updated audiovisual systems, and new wood flooring.

The New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts will host the joint post-hurricane exhibit A Tale of Two Cities starting September 13 at 5256 Magazine Street and running until November 8—featuring art that reflects the impact of hurricanes Katrina and Helene.

In partnership with ArtsvilleUSA and River Arts District Artists, an Asheville leg will open on September 1 and a virtual showcase will be available online through the end of the year—uniting artists from both cities in a shared tribute.

Two University of New Orleans undergraduate students presented their research at the Louisiana State Capitol on June 9 as part of the first annual Posters at the Capitol event hosted by LaURA, where they displayed their posters and answered questions from visitors.

Jody Billiot detailed her work on an effigy pipe while Walker J. Reisman discussed plastic nurdles in spotted seatrout & state legislators and a local journalist showed interest in their studies.

On Thursday, the City Council approved an emergency zoning measure to create the Fair Grounds Interim Zoning District—this limits new permits to those tied to horse racing and aims to keep the historic track as a racetrack despite financial issues at Churchill Downs.

State lawmakers are working to designate the site as a Louisiana Historic Site to add legal protection for the future.

Many Louisiana residents received text messages from CVS on Wednesday night warning that House Bill 358 could close pharmacies and raise medication costs—messages that spurred Gov. Jeff Landry to call for the bill’s passage and urged Attorney General Liz Murrill to investigate.

The bill, which would bar PBMs from owning pharmacies, was under review in the Senate on Thursday.

Louisiana lawmakers passed a set of bills that will overhaul the state transportation system by reorganizing the DOTD and establishing the Office of Transformation and the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction (to handle local roads not covered by federal funds).

Gov. Jeff Landry is expected to sign the measures soon as the new structure aims to boost efficiency across more than 17,000 miles of roads.

CPDD 85th Annual Scientific Meeting

10 a.m. — Sheraton New Orleans Hotel — Registration required — Engage with leaders in substance use disorder research and explore innovative therapies.

Father's Fest 2025

2-8 p.m. — The Broadside — Free entry — Celebrate fathers with live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities in a vibrant community setting.

2025 The Enclave Women's Retreat Weekend

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District — Check website for details — A transformative retreat exploring women's empowerment and personal growth.

Ala Jaza Live Performance

10 PM — Empire — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying live show by Ala Jaza in the heart of New Orleans.

Musical Encounters

6:00 – 6:30 PM — New Orleans Museum of Art — Free for Louisiana residents — Experience intimate performances and conversations with musicians about their creative processes.

The Soul Rebels Live Performance

11 PM – 2 AM — Le Bon Temps Roule — Check website for ticket info — Experience the vibrant sound of The Soul Rebels at this iconic New Orleans venue.

The Dancing Pixel Party

7-9 p.m. — Cafe Istanbul — $10 admission — Celebrate animated GIFs, collage, and dancing in a vibrant community gathering.

Dinosaurs on the Moon: Stories from the World of Collage

7-9 p.m. — Cafe Istanbul — $10 — Experience an evening of storytelling, poetry, and collage with laughter and creativity.

Honey Revenge Concert

6:00 – 10:30 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of vibrant pop-rock from Los Angeles' rising stars, Honey Revenge.

Essence Music Festival - 4 Day Pass

July 3-6 — Caesars Superdome — Day passes and 3-day weekend packages available — Celebrate Black excellence with a star-studded lineup and vibrant marketplace at ESSENCE Fest.