Good morning, New Orleans.

Residents in St. Bernard say foul smells from refineries and port businesses have driven families away and hurt local growth.

Councilman Fred Everhardt plans to introduce an ordinance at the Jan. 20 meeting to hold companies accountable (the port is willing to work on odor mitigation).

Morrow Hospitality is launching Southern Hospitality Weekend, a multi-day conference at Contemporary Arts Center from Jan.

16–18 that will offer talks, workshops, and culinary demos. The event will boost education & networking for hospitality professionals and local entrepreneurs.

Chef Dana D’Ahzi Touhy at NOCCA said innovative chefs are reinventing King Cake with fresh flavors and creative forms, including a banana cream version with Emeril Lagasse.

The treat remains a nod to Carnival tradition & a canvas for modern culinary talent.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is hosting the 211th commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans with wreath-laying ceremonies at Chalmette Monument and Jackson Square at 11 a.m., and historical events continuing through Jan.

10 at local venues.

Dr. D. Ryan Gray, an archaeologist working in New Orleans since 1999, explained that upcoming repair work may reveal hidden clues (from indigenous residents to enslaved people) beneath areas like the French Quarter and near St. Louis Cathedral.

Sixteen-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars announced his first full headline tour in nearly a decade today; the Romantic Tour will include a stop at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sept.

16 (tickets are available through presale starting Jan. 14).

On Jan. 8, the Orleans Parish School Board voted to keep the Leah Chase School open for at least two years if it receives $865,000 in private pledges by Jan.

15 (a condition for the school’s continuation), following strong support from community members and local leaders.

The NFL invited New Orleans to submit a bid for Super Bowl 65 in 2031 and local leaders say the move reflects progress in city improvements — a sign that efforts by the Saints, sports foundation and officials are filling vital infrastructure gaps.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the first child flu death of 2026 amid a statewide surge in cases.

Manning Family Children's Hospital reported a 24% positivity rate (24%), and officials urge caregivers to vaccinate and practice good hygiene.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors after leading rookies with 1,316 passing yards and eight touchdowns from December to January + he becomes the first Saints QB to claim the honor.

The Devoted Dreamers Foundation, started by Demario and Tamela Davis, will host youth flag football tryouts for kids ages 8 to 14 at City Park on Jan.

13 and Jan. 15.

The Westbank Quarterback Club held its fall banquet in December (at a local venue) to honor outstanding high school athletes.

The event marked a celebration of athletic excellence before the new season began.

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.

Hadestown

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating musical journey to the underworld where myth and music intertwine.