Good morning, New Orleans.

In 1872, congregants from St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Morris Brown AME, and University Church at Straight University formed Central Congregational Church—establishing a key site in New Orleans’ African-American history with roots dating back to 1846.

The church met on South Liberty Street before moving and merging with St. Matthew Church after Hurricane Katrina—resulting in the Central St. Matthew United Church of Christ in 2014.

New Orleans will host the world premiere of the documentary BAR on July 21 at NOCHI from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—red carpet arrivals are set from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the screening from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and a Q&A will follow until 7:00 p.m. Directed by Emmy-winning Don Hardy, the film explores bartending as an art while local bars earn national awards.

New Orleans residents can use an online map to check their pumping station status as tropical weather is expected to bring heavy rain from Thursday through Saturday morning, raising flood risks in low-lying areas.

The system update shows that 86 of 93 major drainage pumps are working while some need repairs + emergency power remains limited.

Although the Gulf Coast has felt calm, climatologists say the Atlantic has already produced three named storms—one that caused deadly flash flooding in Texas and another that brought high winds and heavy rain to the Carolinas; local forecasts indicate that today will be dry but severe weather and flash flooding are expected by Thursday and Friday, so residents should stay prepared.

After Hurricane Ida left many without power, Entergy New Orleans began a grid hardening plan that invests over $100M with federal help to upgrade transmission lines and replace old poles—steps aimed at reducing outages as hurricane season ramps up.

Today the New Orleans Coroner’s Office said a malfunction in the autopsy area’s air conditioning has forced it to seek backup space at LSU with Jefferson Parish as a second option due to a backlog of 20 pending autopsies, including homicide cases—repair work continues as contractors face delays in obtaining specialty parts.

Louisiana governor Jeff Landry announced today that residents can use LA Wallet at TSA security checkpoints, federal buildings and courthouses for the next three years — TSA will review the app in 2028 to ensure it meets federal security standards.

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.