Good morning, New Orleans.

On National Fried Chicken Day, Al Copeland Jr. launched a statewide fundraiser supporting families battling pediatric cancer via the Al Copeland Family Assistance Fund, which covers essentials from gas to groceries at his restaurants.

The Copeland family will match donations 100 percent — proceeds help cover treatment costs.

Origen Bistro in the Bywater raised donations to fund 1,000 meals for earthquake victims after twin quakes claimed over 3,000 lives and left thousands homeless.

Community organizers partnered with the Archdiocese and held a prayer service at 2525 Maine Ave. in Metairie at 6 p.m. Monday.

The National Association of Community and Restorative Justice is hosting its 10th national conference at the New Orleans Marriott on July 7-10, with pre-conference workshops starting today.

Community leaders and educators will share practices through keynotes and breakout sessions (including featured local speaker Calvin Duncan).

Gris-Gris, the Lower Garden District restaurant on Magazine Street, will permanently close at the end of July after seven years, following an announcement made on Monday, July 6.

Chef Eric Cook and his wife Robyn Cook thanked the community and will offer one last dinner chance (dance at the funeral) before closing.

SeaD Consulting’s audit of 44 New Orleans restaurants found 11 served imported shrimp, with 9 misrepresenting them as local (about one in five dishes).

The audit notes that mixing imported with domestic shrimp is now against state law.

New Orleans and Company launched Living Artists Month to celebrate and support local creative talent by expanding its Artist Database to include at least 50 visual artists.

The month-long initiative connects residents with updated artist profiles (exhibitions and social media) to highlight the city’s vibrant art scene.

The Essence Festival wrapped after its hosting contract expired, and the mayor & city leaders say they hope to secure a new agreement soon.

Louisiana students earned a record 36% statewide mastery rate on LEAP tests, with Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans) reporting over 95%.

Scores showed improvement in 28 of 31 courses despite a slight decline in English I, and Superintendent Fulmore plans to boost math learning.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser met on Monday, Jul.

6 with Mayor Helena Moreno to discuss ongoing construction projects impacting Decatur Street businesses and French Quarter restaurants (including long-standing local eateries); he is scheduling further talks with local groups to set better future protocols.

Frederick Robinson, co-founder of the Black Heart Foundation, discussed the upcoming Essence Fest Heart Health Initiative during an interview, highlighting plans for free screenings & resource stations at the festival.

The program will bring heart health support and information to visitors.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center started the COACH trial (a weight management study for children ages 5 to 17) to test obesity treatments.

The project partners with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and will enroll 900 children at local clinics in Louisiana and Tennessee, offering personalized counseling and community resource access.

Kelly Oubre Sr. is named head basketball coach at Abramson Sci Academy (in New Orleans East) and will lead the Commodores, a team that had seven wins last season.

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.

Clarence Johnson III Performance

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $5-$45 — Experience the captivating jazz virtuoso Clarence Johnson III live on stage with special ticket pricing options.

Davell Crawford Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of the 'Piano Prince of New Orleans' in an intimate jazz setting.

A Taste of Napa: An Evening with Treasury Wine Estates

7-9 p.m. — Hilton New Orleans Riverside — Free parking — Experience guided tastings featuring distinguished California wines paired with delicious dishes.

Colombia Nola Fest 2026

3-10 p.m. — The Broadside — Kids up 12 Free entry — Celebrate Colombia's culture with live music, dance, and delicious food.

Tim Laughlin Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check venue for entry fee — Experience master clarinetist Tim Laughlin as he brings New Orleans jazz alive with original compositions and fresh takes.

2026 X Games in New Orleans - Friday

4:00-8:30 PM — Caesars Superdome — Check event page for details — Experience three days of elite action sports at the MoonPay X Games Championship.

Alfred Banks Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — One Eyed Jacks — $17.15 GA — Experience a night of captivating music from Alfred Banks in the heart of New Orleans.