New
in New Orleans
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Judy Reese Morse leads the Urban League of Louisiana by building on her family's civil rights legacy to deliver job placements, entrepreneurship counseling, and capital infusions while uniting over 60 local partners (all during challenging times). Biz New Orleans
- ➤ New Orleans & Company honored last year's Bourbon Street attack victims with the Second Line in the Sky, which featured 822 prayer flags on Bourbon Street last December, and announced plans to boost tourism later this year with events including Rockin’1000, LIV Golf, FIFA World Cup, America 250 and Sail 250. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ New Orleans’ Celebrate Canal Coalition, led by Sandra Herman, is working to transform Canal by adding wider sidewalks, modern lighting, and green spaces. Its Windows on Canal project previously drew more than 100,000 visitors, and it will break ground on a $100 million project in the River District soon. Biz New Orleans
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Kyle Monti founded Haptech Inc. after choosing to build tech solutions in New Orleans instead of leaving the region. His company evolved from VR gaming to haptic training systems, securing $11 million in military contracts + winning a state Innovative Company award, with its latest M4 surrogate launched in December. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Helping Hands Accounting Services helps local businesses handle tax season with tailored bookkeeping and financial advice. Owner Justin Williams (a former auditor for the Department of Revenue) opened the firm in early 2020 and mostly assists Westbank clients to prepare clear reports for loans and IRS cases. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans tourism celebrated 2025 with standout events including a record-setting Super Bowl, a renewed Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, and UNESCO Creative City of Music recognition, plus multiple awards that highlight the city’s culture + resilience and set a strong path with Vision 2035. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ JAMNOLA reopened in June near Frenchmen Street and the St. Claude Arts Corridor after a $5.4 million move doubled its space. The immersive museum now showcases 29 installations by over 100 local artists & celebrates New Orleans’ art, music and culture. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Black churches held Watch Night services on New Year’s Eve to honor the Emancipation Proclamation & continue a tradition of prayer, singing and dancing late into the night. The services connected history with modern faith practices in New Orleans. Verite News
- ➤ New Orleans welcomed 2026 as a glowing fleur-de-lis dropped over the French Quarter at midnight + fireworks illuminated the sky shortly after. WWL-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Tulane alumnus Kalen Hall co-founded Informuta with Leo Williams after a personal ICU experience; the company at the New Orleans BioInnovation Center develops predictive biomarkers for infections (with commercial availability expected in late 2026). Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Michele K. Sutton leads North Oaks Health System, Louisiana’s largest independent hospital service district, and she has doubled its provider network, overseen half a billion dollars in projects & launched programs to advance medical careers. Her work has also boosted the region’s economy and earned national recognition. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Lucio Fragoso, CEO of Manning Family Children’s, has expanded services with a Spanish clinic, new NICU, and the upcoming Walker’s Imaginarium (children’s museum attached to the hospital) while boosting outreach through mental health programs and clinical trials to lower sickle cell treatment age. His charity races have raised key funds. Biz New Orleans
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ LSU has hired Lane Kiffin as its head football coach, known for fast plays and strong social media presence. Kiffin left Ole Miss after a 55 to 19 record and signed a seven year deal to bring renewed energy to the team. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ College football fans are gathering early at Sugar Bowl Fan Fest in New Orleans today to enjoy local food, music, + games ahead of the Sugar Bowl game. Organizers expect the event to boost local spirit as a fun prelude to the big matchup. Fox 8
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Bangers Album Release Party
8 PM — Maple Leaf Bar — $15 Adv, $20 Day of Show — Enjoy a lively night featuring SLUGGER with local talents.
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Fair Grounds Live Racing
12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Enjoy a thrilling afternoon of live horse racing and clubhouse dining.
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Fair Grounds Live Racing
12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the excitement of live horse racing while enjoying clubhouse dining.
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Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Le Petit Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a delightful séance with the charmingly eccentric Madame Arcati and the hauntingly humorous antics that ensue.
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Steve Detroy Trio Live Performance
1:00 PM – 8:30 PM — Fritzel's European Jazz Pub — Check for pricing — Experience the soulful, sophisticated sounds of the Steve Detroy Trio as part of the Happy Hour Concert Series.
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Fair Grounds Live Racing
12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Enjoy an exciting day of live horse racing with buffet dining options.
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Charmaine Neville Band Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Tickets required — Enjoy Charmaine Neville's captivating voice and vibrant personality at one of New Orleans' favorite jazz spots.
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Keiko Komaki Concert
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — Tickets available — Celebrate New Orleans piano traditions with a live performance.
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Folk Alliance International Conference
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Sheraton New Orleans Hotel — $300 CAD for artists — Celebrate folk music with showcases and networking opportunities in the vibrant heart of New Orleans.
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Blithe Spirit
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Le Petit Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy a comedic ghost story that brings the past to life with charm and wit.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
About New in New Orleans
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