Good morning, New Orleans.

Last week, content creator Will Giles accidentally joined a protest in the Lower 9th Ward when police blocked North Derbigny Street near the community center, and his viral video—viewed by more than 5.8 million people—helped raise petition signatures against a planned grain terminal. He said he plans to attend weekly community meetings and meet with organizers at Xavier University to push for neighborhood improvements.

Six weeks after an explosion at Smitty’s Supply, residents in Tangipahoa reported that black oil has stained homes, ruined gardens, and made pets sick while chemicals spread nearly 40 miles to Lake Pontchartrain—EPA says cleanup is 75% done and Governor Landry promises to speed up the work.

Sonny Gullage appears on WWL Morning Show today — he brings his blues and gospel sound ahead of his concert at Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club on Oct.

5.

The Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival will take place from October 10 to 12 at Lafayette Square—featuring blues, barbecue and live broadcasts on WWOZ 90.7 FM and online.

Hosted by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation, the event highlights top performers like Devon Allman’s Blues Summit and Bobby Rush while supporting free cultural initiatives in our community.

The Mississippi Sound Coalition is urging local officials to adopt a proposal that will keep the Bonnet Carre Spillway closed—aiming to protect coastal water quality and marine life.

Former Vice President Al Gore led a climate group that expanded a modeling tool to display how particulate pollution spread from 37 local facilities on May 17, 2024 and traced industrial emissions along Cancer Alley to nearby neighborhoods.

The tool uses satellite, weather and facility data to help local groups hold companies accountable—highlighting the health risks linked to burning fossil fuels.

Five candidates are running for the District A council seat to replace term-limited Councilmember Joe Giarrusso; Holly Friedman — a former DA official who leads a poll with 16% support— and a teacher, a software developer and an administrator aim to improve city services in a diverse district. A runoff is expected as voters in areas from conservative to low-income neighborhoods weigh their options.

At a forum on water and coast, mayoral candidates Helena Moreno, Frank Janusa, Oliver Thomas and Royce Duplessis explained their plans to fix drainage systems, set up a regional water authority and work with local groups to restore the coast.

They said the proposals needed new funding from state, federal and local sources to protect the city—steps viewed as essential to reduce flooding risks.

Today, Congressman Troy A.

Carter and his colleagues introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program through Nov. 21 to keep flood insurance active during hurricane season—lawmakers aim to set the stage for long-term reform. This move will help protect Louisiana and other flood-prone areas.

Governor Jeff Landry suspended tolls on the Belle Chasse Bridge after many residents complained about the charges—he posted on Instagram with Plaquemines Parish President Keith Hinkley and Rep. Jacob Braud that his administration will later introduce a plan to improve the bridge.

Congress's failure to pass a government funding bill has led to the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program — it will not issue new or renewal flood insurance policies during the shutdown, a change that may delay home closings in flood hazard areas while current policies remain active until their one-year term ends. Louisiana Commissioner Tim Temple said the program can continue paying claims only until available funds run out, risking problems during hurricane season.

The New Orleans Saints and the city finalized a long-term lease for the Caesars Superdome yesterday—extending the agreement to 2035 with options for four additional 5-year terms.

Governor Jeff Landry and Saints owner Gayle Benson said the deal secures the stadium as the Saints' home and ensures future Super Bowl opportunities.

Daphne Parker Powell: Parker's Mood

7-11 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Cost info not provided — Experience the fusion of classic southern roots sounds reimagined through a contemporary lens.

New Orleans Saints VIP Tailgate - Giants at Saints

9:00-10:30 a.m. — Caesars Superdome — Tailgate festivities before the game — Celebrate football with fellow fans at this special VIP experience.

Empire Of The Sun Live Concert

6:00 – 9:30 PM — Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of alt/electronic pioneers Empire of The Sun.

Louisiana Export Bootcamp

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Ship Happens — Free entry — Boost your export knowledge with expert insights on logistics and market entry strategies.

Yellowjackets Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Tickets available — Experience a soulful evening with masterful performances from Yellowjackets.

Japanese Breakfast Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Joy Theater — Ticket prices vary — Dive into the indie-pop vibes of Japanese Breakfast after a year of supporting top acts.

Where Y'acht 10th Anniversary Show

8-11 p.m. — The Broadside — Get your cruise wear ready for an unforgettable night of Yacht Rock featuring special guests and frozen cocktails.

Yoke Lore Concert

7-9 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting indie pop sounds of Yoke Lore, a project by Adrian Galvin.

Paul Thorn Performance

8-11 p.m. — Chickie Wah Wah — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful roots music of Paul Thorn, who blends Southern traditions with universal themes.

Big Sam's Funky Nation Live

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Jazz Playhouse — Tickets required — Experience a night of vibrant live funk music with Big Sam Williams in a cozy French Quarter setting.