Former Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to New Orleans later this summer as Democrats confront a Supreme Court ruling that could sharply reduce Black representation in Congress, a person close to her first told Axios.

• Harris has slammed the court's Louisiana v. Callais ruling as "backdooring racism through politics."

Why it matters: Harris' moves are the latest sign she's inching toward a presidential run in 2028, and courting Black voters as she lays the groundwork for a campaign.

• 2028 primary polls show Harris is currently leading other contenders among Black voters.

Driving the news: Harris, who has publicly acknowledged that she's thinking about running for the White House for a third time, will be the keynote speaker at the Louisiana Democratic Party's fundraiser gala on Aug. 7.

• Harris is planning to "outline what she believes Democrats must do to counteract the decision's impact, both in this year's midterm elections and in the years ahead," the source close to her said.

The big picture: The court's decision allowed Louisiana and other states to redraw their congressional maps to dilute majority Black districts. It could result in fewer Black House members from the South.

• In Louisiana, the new map is likely to flip a seat held by Cleo Fields, a Black Democrat, to a white Republican district.
• Harris has been speaking privately to federal and state legislators affected by the Supreme Court's decision, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Reps. Troy Carter and Fields were among them.
• Harris also recently participated in organizing calls hosted by liberal groups Emerge and Win with Black Women.

Flashback: This will mark Harris' second visit to Louisiana in recent months. She was here in January for a book tour event and the swearing-in of Mayor Helena Moreno.

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Teyana Taylor wants to bring the energy back to Essence next month as the fest's new chief curator.

Why it matters: Festival organizers are working to elevate the attendee experience as they negotiate the event's future in New Orleans.

The big picture: Essence tapped Taylor and her company, The Aunties, to shape programming at the country's largest festival dedicated to celebrating Black culture.

• They are particularly focused on improving the atmosphere at the convention center, Taylor and Aunties co-founder Courtney "Coco" Gilbert said at a preview event Friday at the Caesars Superdome.
• Think double-dutch activities and people on roller skates delivering food, Taylor said.
• "People are saving up to come to Essence Fest, and I want everybody to get their money's worth," Taylor said.

Zoom out: Taylor and Gilbert said they grew up "having a time" at Essence.

• "I want it to feel like how it used to feel," Taylor said. "I want to bring that color back into it. I want it to feel like, 'Oh, my god, this is an amazing experience.'"

The headliners: Former first lady Michelle Obama will be on the main stage of the Superdome for a live taping of her podcast. Actor Keke Palmer will join her, organizers announced Friday.

• Musical headliners include Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, George Clinton, Latto, Brandy and Monica.
• Expect more announcements, especially for the Global Black Economic Forum, which Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson headlined last year.

The intrigue: Essence will get at least $1.7 million in public funds for this year's festival, but it's seeking about $12 million annually to support future festivals, writes Blake Paterson with The Times-Picayune.

• The city's seven-year contract with the festival ends in September, and discussions are ongoing between the mayor and organizers.

What's next: Mayor Moreno told organizers she wants this year's festival to be a success before making any decisions about future partnerships, Paterson reports.

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🍴 New Orleans Restaurant Week starts today with prix fixe menus starting at $25. (Participating restaurants)

• Many restaurants will roll out deals in August for COOLinary, too.

🏥 Louisiana State Police troopers removed five doctors and researchers from a New Orleans medical convention after they handed out materials critical of the Trump administration. (NYT gift link and video)

🏛️ The city of New Orleans has asked the Louisiana Supreme Court to rehear its challenge to the new law that consolidated the Orleans civil and criminal court clerk roles. (Inbox)

🚧 FEMA granted the city's request to extend the completion date for Hurricane Katrina-related infrastructure projects. (Press release)

• Gayle Benson brought the request all the way to the president, according to the city's statement. U.S. Rep. Troy Carter also brought it up at a committee hearing last week.
• Officials say the delayed approval contributed to the city's cash-flow problems.

🚂 Metairie Road has reopened after a train derailment. (Fox 8)

Weekend event recap:

🏎️ The Gumball 3000 celebrity car rally had a "crazy time" on Bourbon Street with actor Michelle Rodriguez, DJ deadmau5 and others. (Aerial shot)

🪖 The National WWII Museum honored Rosie the Riveters at its D-Day commemoration.

🍅 Creole Tomato Fest had costumes and a second-line.

🦸🏾 The Black Nerd Fest drew plenty of cosplayers.

Summer restaurant closures have started.

• Cafe Sbisa, a French Quarter restaurant that opened in 1899, closed yesterday. An Instagram post blamed the ongoing Decatur Street construction.
• Coquette's last day is June 26. The chef/owner says he wants to focus on Here Today, his rotisserie chicken restaurant.
• Boil & Barrel has closed in Lakeview. Byblos is opening in the space. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

Zoom out: Bratz Y'all, Habana Outpost, Johnny Sánchez, Showbird and Leni's closed last month.