New
in New Orleans
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The New Orleans Community Organizing Fair will be held Sunday, Jan. 11 at The Broadside from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. as over 80 local groups come together to guide residents on community involvement (face masks will be provided for health safety). Verite News
- ➤ The Young Leadership Council approved its 2026 board, naming 25 young professionals to advance community projects; President Erica Sensenbrenner Bergeron from Adams + Reese LLP leads the group with Josie Delaune as Immediate Past President and new executive and general board members joining from local organizations. Biz New Orleans
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Joanie’s Cheese Straws has grown from a family recipe to a thriving New Orleans business. Owner Joanie Hartson Mulkin began baking at home in August and moved into a commercial kitchen at Friends of Codey’s NOLA (rooted in a cherished family tradition) to meet increasing local retail interest. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Twelfth Night and King's Day marked Carnival season's start and celebrated the birthday of famed chef Leah Chase, who would have been 103 yesterday. The Chase family held tributes to keep her memory alive. WWL-TV
- ➤ Mandeville entrepreneur Victoria Ikeda handcrafted a glitter-adorned king cake knife that spells out 'Stays in Box' to honor Carnival tradition & local craft. She sells her one-of-a-kind pieces online and in boutiques from Houma to Covington, with custom orders available for special celebrations. NOLA.com
- ➤ Carnival season begins today as local bakeries start King Cake lines in historic neighborhoods and community centers prepare festive celebrations across the city. More events will follow this week as the season unfolds. Fox 8
- ➤ Mardi Gras expert Professor Carl Nivale broke down the parade routes, throw details, and expectations for Jan. 6 festivities in New Orleans, guiding locals on what to expect as the celebrations unfolded yesterday. WWL-TV
- ➤ Beloved author and literary advocate Patricia Brady died on Dec. 15 after battling Parkinson’s and heart failure — her leadership enriched local cultural events including the Tennessee Williams Festival. A celebration of her life will be held Jan. 21 at Audubon Clubhouse on Magazine St. NOLA.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Civil rights pioneer Gail Etienne urged the Orleans Parish School Board not to close Leah Chase School in a Jan. 5 letter, saying it upholds the legacy of a local civil rights icon. The board will decide its future after this school year. NOLA.com
- ➤ Dr. Calvin Mackie, a New Orleans native and STEM advocate, was featured in three documentaries on Aug. 29 marking Hurricane Katrina’s 20th anniversary. The former Tulane professor and founder of STEM NOLA+STEM Global Action expanded hands-on science for local students. Biz New Orleans
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ AVALA Care is expanding its primary care services with Susan Ovella, a New Orleans native board-certified in internal medicine + pediatrics, who will see patients from Feb. 2 in the Northshore area. Biz New Orleans
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout 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.
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