Good morning, New Orleans.

New Orleans police arrested a 19-year-old man—Thomas Riggio—early Saturday after a hit-and-run killed a bicyclist in Bywater.

Police arrested 19-year-old Thomas Riggio for allegedly hitting a cyclist on St. Claude near Alvar St. at 4:30 a.m. Saturday — the victim died at the scene — and Riggio faces hit and run resulting in death charges.

NOPD is investigating an armed robbery in the lower 9th ward—near Rampart and Gordon streets—where a man walking was attacked by two men who showed a gun, beat him with a crowbar, searched his pockets, and then fled; the victim was taken to a local hospital.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church awarded 22 scholarships totaling $15K on Saturday to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to support their academic goals.

Pastor Jamaal Weathersby said the church is committed to uplifting local students, and State Senator Royce Duplessis praised the program — noting its impact on community education.

Rainbow Restoration is urging New Orleans families and business owners to secure their homes before storms hit — the company shared simple tips like checking entry points, drainage, and utilities — while local reps plan to show how to lessen flood risks.

President Josh Miller said the service, built since 1981 with 400 locations, offers 24/7 help for storm recovery.

Over a year after New Orleans launched its Healthy Homes program to enforce basic rental standards, tenants in neglected units continue to face unsafe conditions—complaints of water leaks, mold, and missing appliances persist despite fines totaling over $600,000.

Advocates say that without funds for tenant relocation and proactive inspections, the program will struggle to ensure safe living conditions.

The Judge William Seeber Bridge on Claiborne Avenue will close today at 6 a.m. for repairs to fix a drawbridge problem.

The state DOTD said repairs will take four weeks and last until 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8 — drivers should use alternate routes such as the St. Claude and Florida Avenue Bridges.

Bryan Lagarde of Project NOLA said his facial recognition system is off limits to government use — he explained that the city's proposal to grant police direct access to live alerts threatens privacy.

Tensions over oversight will be key next month when City Council debates easing restrictions on facial recognition tools — officials and critics remain divided on how to protect the public's privacy.

Louisiana health officials are preparing for a federal Medicaid work mandate set to take effect January 1—requiring most adult recipients to work, study or volunteer 80 hours per month while exempting pregnant, disabled and caregiving individuals.

Critics warn that administrative errors could remove up to 132,000 people from Medicaid—prompting local leaders to plan outreach efforts to help eligible residents maintain coverage.

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.

Uptown Jazz Orchestra Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra led by Grammy winner Delfeayo Marsalis.

Paella Night on The Balcony

6-8:30 p.m. — Tableau by Dickie Brennan & Co. — $50 per person — Savor delicious Louisiana Seafood Paella and a mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake at this festive evening event.

Paris Avenue with The Quickening

9 PM - 12 AM — Tipitina's — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant night of live music at this iconic New Orleans venue.