Good morning, New Orleans.

On Thursday at 5 a.m., an EF-1 tornado hit Avondale, trapping a woman in her trailer until neighbour Gilbert Simmons rescued her while volunteers from United Way & Rebuilding Together New Orleans cleared debris on George Street on Friday.

New Orleans celebrated Juneteenth on Friday (June 19) at Congo Square where hundreds gathered for food, artisan vendors and a second-line parade while organizers urged civic engagement; the Afro-Indigenous Society will continue the commemoration on Saturday with its 'Blueprint to Freedom' summit.

Local reporter Susan Larson (a longtime book editor) interviewed debut novelist Joe Bond about his book (Hope House) on Friday, Jun.

19, connecting his fresh narrative to our vibrant literary scene.

At its 34th commencement, Nunez Community College honored chemistry professor Dr. Lauren Englade-Franklin with the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award and the Lamarque Endowed Fellowship; she has taught at the college for 11 years and serves as chair of the General Educational Assessment Committee (she won the award in 2019).

Several rivers in southeast Louisiana are at critical levels, with West Hobolochitto near McNeill cresting at 20.50 feet & the Jourdan River expected to reach a major stage soon.

Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor conditions closely.

Arthur’s remnants produced the state’s highest 24-hour rainfall of 29.06 inches in Cottonport, Louisiana — breaking a 1962 record from Hackberry.

Rainfall totals included nearly 8 inches at New Orleans International, marking the wettest day in June history.

Homeowners in southeast Louisiana are finding that claims from Thursday's storms may include named-storm deductibles, meaning they might pay 2 to 10 percent of the loss instead of a set fee (a rule established after Katrina), insurance experts said.

Louisiana representatives introduced the bipartisan CRAW Act on June 18 in Washington, D.C. to reclassify crawfish processing as agricultural labor (covering washing, sorting, and peeling) and let employers use the H-2A visa program, easing labor shortages in a $640 million industry.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple advised residents to document storm damage with pictures and videos before cleaning up and to make temporary repairs (like covering a damaged roof) to help with insurance claims.

He also urged them to use trusted contractors and keep all receipts for expenses.

Bywater Bakery is hosting a summertime blood drive today, offering six free cupcakes to pre-registered donors (an effort inspired by owner Chaya Conrad’s tribute to her late father) to help replenish vital blood supplies.

New Orleans announced yesterday that running back Mark Ingram and offensive tackle Terron Armstead were chosen for the Saints Hall of Fame.

Ingram earned 8,304 yards and 57 touchdowns over 10 seasons, while Armstead started 93 of 97 games from 2013 to 2021.

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.

Ilana Glazer Live!

7-10 p.m. — Joy Theater — College discounts available — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Ilana Glazer in the heart of New Orleans.

Dead Letter Office Concert

9-10:30 p.m. — Chickie Wah Wah — Tickets starting at $32.61 — Experience the energetic tribute to R.E.M. with hits and deep cuts alike.

Stooges Brass Band Concert

8 p.m. — Tipitina's — Free entry — Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Free Fridays Concert Series with an energetic performance from the Stooges Brass Band.

Kieko Komaki Duo Performance

4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check website for entry details — Experience the fusion of classical training and New Orleans jazz from Keiko Komaki.

Lawrence Sieberth & Christian Winther Concert

4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check the venue for ticket info — Enjoy a captivating evening of jazz with a versatile pianist and his talented collaborator.

Charmaine Neville Band Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Charmaine Neville in the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene.

ESSENCE Festival 2026

Time TBD — Caesars Superdome — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate culture, music, and community at one of New Orleans' premier events.

Bobby V Live Concert

10 p.m.-3 a.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Tickets required — Experience an unforgettable night with Bobby V at the iconic House of Blues.