Good morning, New Orleans.

Julia Aaron Humbles, a New Orleans native and Freedom Rider, was arrested picketing segregated stores on Canal Street and missed the first bus ride that was firebombed in Alabama during 1961.

She later joined a subsequent bus ride to test segregation laws & challenge racial injustice with her courageous acts.

Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting the second annual Dive into Discovery ROV expo at New Canal Lighthouse from July 8—12.

This family-friendly event offers six daily activities that focus on hands-on STEM learning and water quality research in Lake Pontchartrain.

Tilapia—an invasive fish that escaped a pond during Hurricane Katrina—have been found in canals near Port Sulphur, two decades after authorities thought they were eradicated.

LDWF Deputy Assistant Secretary of Fisheries Chris Schieble said officials are testing the water and urging anglers to kill any tilapia caught to prevent them from harming native species.

The New Orleans archdiocese is planning to default on a $930,206.25 interest payment due July 1 on over $41 million in bonds sold in 2017, leading investors' attorneys in court last Friday to allege securities fraud—accusing church officials of falsely assuring full repayment under canon law—and the church called the claims an extreme stretch.

Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill that will define natural gas as green energy and instruct utilities to favor it even as critics warn this could hurt renewable energy plans in New Orleans.

Gov. Landry is expected to sign the bill later this month—supporters say it will help meet rising energy demands amid new industrial projects.

State Senate President Cameron Henry warned that proposed federal Medicaid cuts could cost Louisiana $4 billion and force lawmakers to call a special session if the bill passes.

Lawmakers are looking at ways to offset the cuts — noting that more than one-third of residents depend on Medicaid for health insurance.

Gayle M. Benson announced on June 16 that she signed a contract to acquire 1515 Poydras, a 27-story Class A office tower in downtown that will transfer to Corporate Realty's management in mid-July.

The building occupies a full city block near the Sports and Entertainment and Medical Districts—positioned to boost future growth downtown.

LSU rallied in the 9th inning to beat Arkansas 6 to 5 and send the Tigers to the College World Series Finals.

They will face Coastal Carolina in the championship series—game one is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m.

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.