Good morning, New Orleans.

On June 13, civic leaders and local organizations launched the $1.95M Recreation for Youth Partnership at the University of New Orleans to offer year-round sports and mentoring for about 7,000 youth.

The funding includes facility upgrades and program costs (with $1.25M for renovations and $750K for programming) and creates part-time jobs for high school and college students.

A New Orleans high school grad was attacked in the French Quarter at about 6:30 p.m. when a man shouted homophobic slurs—leaving him with three lost teeth, an injured eye, a damaged nose that needs surgery, and his phone and sunglasses stolen—and 27-year-old Steve Dauphin Jr. was arrested on hate crime, robbery, and resisting arrest charges.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams announced on Monday that a jury found James Moliere guilty of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the killing of Clark Bowdry on New Year's Day 2023—a verdict reflecting his involvement in what officials called a 'senseless' act.

Master P, a New Orleans native and hip-hop icon, will perform his farewell set at Essence Fest on July 6 at the Superdome before taking on his new role as president of basketball operations at UNO.

His final show will include a tribute to the city amid the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—marking his journey from the Calliope Projects to a leadership role on and off stage.

On Monday, the Supreme Court announced that it will hear an appeal from Chevron, Exxon and other oil companies in a lawsuit filed by Plaquemines and Jefferson Parish governments for coastal damage and environmental harm.

The companies argued that federal court is more suitable while parish attorneys said the appeal is a delay tactic—potentially affecting future efforts to restore the coast.

Residents in New Orleans East, especially in Little Woods, have faced frequent boil water advisories because low water pressure from an aging system far from the treatment plant affects their service — officials will hire a consultant in two to three months and install new water mains to help fix the problem.

New Orleans City Council approved changes to tighten the city’s ban the box policy that now requires public agencies and contractors to ignore felony convictions unless the offense affects job performance + hiring managers must submit written reasons for rejecting applicants.

The new law will take effect when Mayor LaToya Cantrell signs it by Thursday, allowing applicants to challenge discrimination in Civil District Court.

Governor Landry met with company CEOs on June 11 to confirm his backing of the Louisiana International Terminal project led by the Port of New Orleans, which will boost trade and create thousands of jobs.

The terminal in St. Bernard Parish will begin construction later this year—strengthening port capacity and connectivity—and promises lasting economic impact.

Nola Nurses United says nurses at University Medical Center plan a second strike after LCMC Health fired registered nurse Mike Robertshaw following a previous strike — the union claims the firing was retaliation.

Dr. Maria Velez, a pediatric hematologist oncologist at Manning Family Children’s, was named president of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at their annual conference in Louisville.

She will lead the largest pediatric cancer team in the Gulf South and use her expertise to advance care for children with blood disorders and cancer — a notable achievement for New Orleans.

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.

New Orleans 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

9 p.m. — Riverwalk Outlets — Free entry — Experience a dazzling fireworks display over the Mississippi River with patriotic tunes during this vibrant celebration.

Essence Festival - Saturday

7-10 p.m. — Caesars Superdome — Check website for ticket info — Enjoy performances from iconic artists including Boyz II Men and a special tribute to Quincy Jones.