Good morning, New Orleans.

Two local groups filed a federal lawsuit on July 9 at a New Orleans courthouse, alleging that Formosa Plastics is blocking access to an antebellum burial site where five enslaved people are interred—claiming that the company's control violates rights under the Thirteenth Amendment and seeking its removal along with further investigation into similar sites.

Jail escapee Antoine Massey pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic abuse battery involving strangulation + auto theft during a remote court appearance from Angola and will be held without bond until his pretrial conference and bond hearing on August 5.

Authorities are still searching for convicted killer Derrick Groves, who escaped from jail nearly two months ago on May 16 and is suspected of receiving help from insiders—officials are offering a $50K reward for tips on his whereabouts.

Jordan Bankston Noble, who was enslaved as a child, led drum calls for U.S. troops at the Battle of New Orleans on January 8th to help win the fight.

He later led parades and built a legacy—his story shows how hardship turned him into a local hero.

Sean Ardoin, a five-time Grammy-nominated Kreole Rock and Soul artist — headlining the inaugural Dat Zydeco Fest — will perform on Saturday at The Broadside.

JEDCO and local leaders announced the creation of a Design District in Old Jefferson on July 8—an area along Jefferson Highway from River Road to Earhart Expressway that will offer tax incentives and special financing to support design businesses.

The initiative aims to drive local economic growth and strengthen the regional creative community.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell asked the Louisiana Supreme Court to review her twice-dismissed restraining order case against Anne Breaud — Cantrell said Breaud stalked her in 2024 after taking photos of her dining with former NOPD bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie at a French Quarter restaurant and her lawyer argues that earlier rulings misread the law.

The Jefferson Parish Inspector General is recommending that the parish cancel the brew pub project in Gretna because the leasing process had major flaws—JFI and JRI did not set fair terms.

Councilwoman Van Vrancken supports the report while the project, which had its groundbreaking last October despite controversy, faces a new future plan.

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson was named National Coach of the Year by D1Baseball after leading his team to its second national championship in three years.

He earned the honor for the second time and won College World Series titles at one school faster than any other coach (a record acknowledged nationally).

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.

Will Wood Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — $55+ — Catch Will Wood live in an energetic night of music for ages 18 and up.

Flow Tribe Concert

9 PM – 12 AM — Tipitina's — Free and open to the public — Experience a vibrant night of rock and funk with Flow Tribe.

Tales of the Cocktail

Various times — The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans — Price varies — Explore the evolution of the cocktail industry at this premier global drinks conference.

Oddities and Curiosities Expo

10:00 – 11:30 AM — New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center — Cost info not specified — Explore a showcase of strange vendors and artists from across the country.

Charmaine Neville Band Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticketed event — Experience high-energy live jazz infused with R&B and world rhythms from the daughter of a legendary saxophonist.

Tales of the Cocktail

12-2 p.m. — GW Fins — $125 per person — A fiesta of flavors featuring the finest tequila, seafood, and live music from Mariachi en Nueva Orleans Los Viajeros.