New
in New Orleans
Sunday, January 4th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 4th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local innovators and leaders are recognized with awards spotlighting achievements in science, healthcare, law and venue management. Tulane’s J. Quincy Brown became a 2025 fellow for developing cancer imaging technology, while groups like Ochsner and the New Orleans Convention Center received honors—celebrations set for upcoming events. NOLA.com
- ➤ Julio Machado, chef and owner of Origin Bistro in the Bywater, received a call from his mother in the early hours amid military action in Venezuela and learned she is safe. Local Venezuelans gathered at the bistro — celebrating hopeful news and a fresh start. Fox 8
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A water main break on LB Landry Ave + Lawrence St caused a street in Algiers to flood today; Sewerage and Water Board crews responded at the scene. WWL-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Deep-pocketed national chains have reshaped Magazine Street’s retail scene as local merchants have pushed back against the influx. The trend was reported on Jan. 2 when shoppers observed the evolving mix (local opinions differ). NOLA.com
- ➤ Haydel’s Bakery announced it will pause including collectible porcelain figurines in its king cakes for the 2026 Carnival season due to rising costs & production challenges; a limited number of figurines will be sold separately to keep king cake prices stable. WWL-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local kitchens honor holiday traditions by preparing hearty gumbo, jambalaya, and sweet pies that reflect Louisiana's rich food culture. The culinary display — full of seasonal colors and textures — invites neighbors to slow down and savor local heritage. WWNO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Jefferson Parish School Board purchased 28 acres near the Alario Event Center for $9.4M to build a new Westwego school that could serve K-12 students or serve solely as a high school. WWL-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A weak cold front is moving through New Orleans today as spotty showers give way to clear skies later with highs in the upper 70s, while cooler, drier air and morning fog bring lows in the 50s. Rain chances remain low until scattered showers arrive next Saturday. WDSU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Janice Lansing, a longtime official with CPRA (the state’s coastal agency), has been honored with the R. King Milling Distinguished Coastal Service Award. She managed coastal spending after the BP spill and driven efforts to restore wetlands and safeguard funds. NOLA.com
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans expats returned for the holidays to chase familiar flavors at local eateries—savoring dishes like oyster po-boy, gumbo, and cannoli that recall their youth. They will enjoy these meals before soon heading back to pursue new dreams. WWNO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Today, the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons meet for the final regular season match, with the Falcons chasing a season sweep and the Saints entering the game after winning four straight despite missing receiver Chris Olave (recovering from a blood clot). WDSU
-
Bangers Album Release Party
8 PM — Maple Leaf Bar — $15 Adv, $20 Day of Show — Enjoy a lively night featuring SLUGGER with local talents.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
~ Seneca
About New in New Orleans
Welcome to the New in New Orleans, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the New Orleans, Louisiana community. If you like the New in New Orleans, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in New Orleans.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in New Orleans and across Louisiana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to New in New Orleans
A free New Orleans community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://newinneworleans.com/sitemap