Good morning, New Orleans.

Nearly 3,000 Entergy customers in Bywater lost power Wednesday morning (June 24) and Entergy said service will be restored by 8 a.m. while investigating the cause.

New Orleans Public Library accepts sign-ups for its Summer Fun & Reading Challenge through Aug.

14, offering prizes like a tote bag for finishing 800 reading minutes plus free items at registration. The library also hosts events, such as a henna workshop at Alvar Library on June 24.

After Tropical Storm Arthur affected nearby areas and produced 14 tornadoes, United Way of Southeast Louisiana launched a relief fund to help neighbors (who lost homes, vehicles, and belongings).

Dollar General has reduced its local footprint from 11 stores to one after closures on Poland Avenue, North Broad Street and Earhart Boulevard — prompting store workers to seek severance and transfers while local advocates worry the move will cut access to essentials for some families.

Loop Linen Service broke ground on a 62,000 sqft laundry facility in Avondale today as part of a $25.1 million investment in Jefferson Parish.

The business will move from Westwego to a site near U.S. 90 and LA Hwy 18, keep 125 jobs, and finish the facility in 16 months.

New Orleans will host a series of global events starting with the Essence Festival of Culture (July 3 to 6) featuring music and panels at Caesars Superdome and the Ernest N.

Morial Convention Center, followed by the X Games Championship (July 24 to 26) and international culinary and sports events through fall.

New Orleans will distribute $200,000 in one-time grants to French Quarter businesses hurt by road closures from the Sewerage & Water Board project.

Businesses operating since Jan. 1, 2025 that lost revenue near Decatur have been approved for $2,500 or $5,000; the Greater New Orleans Foundation will oversee funds.

The New Orleans City Council approved a zoning change today to let a new Omni hotel be built in the Warehouse District on the former Sugar Mill site.

An ordinance vote will follow to greenlight the hotel as the new Morial Convention Center headquarters.

Louisiana lawmakers approved Gov. Jeff Landry’s plan to cut $168 million from the Minimum Foundation Program to fund $2,000 teacher stipends and $1,000 for school support workers for the 2026 to 2027 school year.

Over two-thirds of legislators voted for the measure despite a temporary restraining order on the funding change.

The New Orleans City Council Street Renaming Commission proposed renaming Behrman Highway to honor historic labor leader Elenora Peete, who founded the Domestic Workers Union in 1918 to fight for fair wages + shorter hours.

The Council will decide soon.

The Pelicans are set to make their first draft selection in the NBA Draft’s second round tonight in Brooklyn + ESPN’s final mock draft projects Duke senior Maliq Brown as the chosen 28th pick.

Ponchatoula High School product Allen Graves (No. 19 pick) was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the 2026 NBA Draft.

The Santa Clara University standout (a key player in the Broncos' NCAA run) is poised to blossom as a versatile defensive wing.

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.

R&B Glow Paint & Sip N'awlins Fest Weekend 2026

12-4 p.m. — Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor — Admission included — Enjoy a glow-in-the-dark painting party with great drink specials in a festive atmosphere.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Tribute

6:30-7:45 p.m. — The Sazerac House — Tickets required — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a stunning venue.

Teena May - Happy Hour Concert

4:30-6 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy original alt-Country and Folk music from the talented Teena May and her band.

FLYLEAF with Lacey Sturm Concert

1 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket info available — Experience the hard-hitting sound of Flyleaf live with Lacey Sturm.