Good morning, New Orleans.

On Saturday at about 5:09 p.m., Fifth District Officers responded to a call from the 2000 block of Marigny St. and found an unresponsive woman who EMS declared dead on scene as investigators gather evidence to identify a suspect and determine a motive.

On Saturday, over 100 high school students from New Orleans and Baton Rouge visited the abandoned terminal at Louis Armstrong International Airport for Project LIFT — an initiative by the Airport Minority Advisory Council — to learn about aviation careers beyond piloting and flight attending. Airport director Kevin Dolliole and record-breaking pilot Barrington Irving explained opportunities in aircraft maintenance, airport development and other fields to help ease a national shortage of aviation professionals.

Louisiana attorney John Carmouche won a $745 million verdict against Chevron for coastal wetlands damage in April—now his firm awaits a Supreme Court review to decide if his case will move to federal court.

A study by Tulane University found that parts of New Orleans and its wetlands are sinking by more than an inch per year, which could weaken key flood protection measures; researchers tracked ground changes using satellite radar from 2002 to 2020 — and they warn that regular monitoring of floodwalls and levees is needed. The work shows that natural soil compaction and human activities like groundwater pumping are driving shifts that may increase flood risk.

Louisiana homeowners have seen their insurance premiums continue to rise with rates jumping 16% in 2022 and 14% in 2023—forcing many to face high costs after hurricanes and rising reinsurance prices.

Lawmakers and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple have passed measures to support fortified roofs and offer tax credits, though most residents have not yet received relief.

State Senator Royce Duplessis, who first said he would not run for mayor, will join the race and formally announce his candidacy on Tuesday, July 1 in Central City at Ashé Powerhouse at 6:00 p.m.—he made this decision after listening to the concerns of New Orleanians.

Qualifying is next week, the primary is on October 11, and a runoff will be held on November 15 if no candidate wins over 50% of the vote.

On Saturday, Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu hosted his eighth annual Heart of Badger youth football camp at Lafitte Greenway, offering free skills coaching to 300 local kids (aged 6 to 14) and a new high school 7 on 7 tournament.

He also discussed offseason changes and a mix of veteran and younger players as the team prepares for training camp in less than four weeks.

At Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, 1,450 high school quarterbacks gathered for the Manning Passing Academy weekend where they received coaching from the Manning family — Archie, Peyton, and Eli —, 48 top college QBs and NFL mentor Tyler Shough.

Peyton Manning said that Shough’s return made a strong impact by helping young players work on their skills.

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.

Essence Festival - Sunday

6-10 p.m. — Caesars Superdome — Check event page for pricing — Experience a star-studded lineup featuring Boyz II Men, Nas, and a tribute to Quincy Jones.

Abe Partridge and Jack Barksdale Live

9 PM - 12 AM — No Dice — $10 — Experience the soulful tunes of rising stars Abe Partridge and Jack Barksdale in an intimate setting.

An Evening With Mountain Grass Unit

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Tipitina's — Check website for price — Experience an exciting night of country and bluegrass music.

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

5-6 p.m. — The Sazerac House — Tickets available — Experience the magic of a live, multi-sensory tribute to the music of Queen in an awe-inspiring setting.

HNOC Chess Club Meeting

1-3 p.m. — REACH Center — Free entry — Explore the rich history of chess in New Orleans while enjoying creative activities.

Charmaine Neville Band Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Dinner reservations available — Experience the vibrant musical legacy of New Orleans with Charmaine Neville's captivating performance.

Creepy Fest

6-10 p.m. — The Broadside — Tickets available — Experience a night of spooky music and films under the stars at Creepy Fest 2025.