Good morning, New Orleans.

Rock of Ages Baptist Church purchased the former Franklin Avenue Baptist Church campus for $4 million, with the sale completed Tuesday, July 7.

The church has grown from a small congregation troubled by loud chickens to regularly filling the 2,000-seat sanctuary in St. Roch and plans to launch new community programs.

Yesterday morning, New Orleans hosted the Running of the Bulls event downtown where Big Easy Roller Derby runners chased participants with foam bats in a playful twist on a Spanish tradition — drawing thousands and leading to a lively afterparty.

The American Battlefield Trust is raising funds for a 40-acre expansion near Chalmette Battlefield for $3.6 million by September + it has secured most funds through grants and donations but still needs roughly $1 million to finalize the purchase and protect the site with conservation easements.

New Orleans public and charter schools posted improved LEAP scores thanks to intensive after-class tutoring and coaching.

Collegiate Academies and Einstein Schools led math gains (double-digit improvements) that lifted the district average by 3 percentage points, even as officials noted more progress is needed.

Heavy rains on Saturday, July 11 caused flooding and road closures across New Orleans — residents were seen navigating floodwaters along Palmyra and State streets.

Today, flash flood risk remains across southeast Louisiana as lingering showers and early thunderstorms follow heavy Saturday rains.

Monday will bring more tropical downpours with a level 2 flood warning for areas with saturated ground.

High school students on the Legislative Youth Advisory Council helped pass a new school safety law that requires schools to report threats and request security reviews.

The Legislature approved Senate Bill 450 (SB 450) unanimously and Gov. Landry signed it into law; it will take effect next month.

After heavy rain flooded metro areas yesterday, Mayor Helena said Pump Station 7 in Lakeview suffered temporary pump failures causing major flooding at the Canal Underpass — the Sewerage and Water Board fixed Hollygrove’s issue, though police closed Carrollton Avenue lanes at the I-10 overpass due to high water.

New Orleans police have closed both eastbound and westbound lanes of Carrollton Avenue at the I-10 overpass due to flooding; motorists are urged to use alternate routes until floodwaters recede.

Second and Third District officers are on scene managing traffic safely.

Former LSU outfielder Derek Curiel was picked 5th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2026 MLB Draft today.

Curiel — named D1 Baseball National Freshman of the Year and key to LSU’s 2025 national championship — led his team with a .353 average in 2026.

On Saturday afternoon, the Pelicans ended a 12-game summer league losing streak with a 95-91 comeback win over the Hornets—rallying from an 18-point deficit and led by Hunter Dickinson’s 21 points.

The team will play the Suns Sunday at 2 p.m. on GCSEN.

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.

Stanton Moore Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — $TBD — Experience the exceptional drumming and vibrant personality of Grammy-winning musician Stanton Moore.

FLYLEAF with Lacey Sturm Concert

1 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying concert by Flyleaf featuring Lacey Sturm in a vibrant music venue.

New Orleans Suspects Live

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Tipitina's — Check their website for ticket prices — Experience a night of captivating music from the New Orleans Suspects at the iconic venue.