Good morning, New Orleans.

A variety of community events are set for the coming days; the Krewe Mosaique parade will roll in the French Quarter Jan 17 at 6 p.m. (starting near Armstrong Park) while a Carnival costume party, market and other cultural gatherings enrich the local scene this week.

Today, Bywater Bakery hosts a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that honors 14 lives lost in last year’s Bourbon Street terror attack — donors receive a free king cake.

Marrero’s Sal’s Seafood, known for serving crawfish, shrimp + other dishes for over 40 years on the Westbank, permanently closed on Jan.

8; Lefort’s Seafood is set to take over the property, though no reopening date is announced.

Thousands of fantasy and pop culture fans have gathered at the Convention Center for Fan Expo New Orleans (showcasing panels on comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and cosplay), and the event runs until Sunday.

McDonogh 35's historic marching band (the Roneagles) will kick off the Soundtrack to Carnival series with new music and high energy as new Director of Bands Jordan Harper leads the parade route.

The performance honors the school's legacy while energizing Carnival season.

The new Rosenwald Center, built in 2015 in Central City near the Calliope Housing Development, replaced the 1950 facility that served Black children during segregation and was damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

It features a gym, pool, stage, and activity rooms (echoing historical struggles and community resilience).

Progressive will lower auto insurance rates starting Jan.

16 for new policies and Feb. 13 for renewals while State Farm’s 5.9% cut took effect on Jan. 1, driven by new 2025 laws and fewer claims in Louisiana.

After a strong community rally, the Orleans Parish School Board voted Thursday to keep the Leah Chase School open for two more years amid low enrollment and budget challenges (the school must secure $865,000 in donations by Jan.

15) to support its temporary stability.

Mayor-elect Helena Moreno has cancelled her inaugural ball in favor of a community festival at Lafayette Square today that begins with community service in the morning and includes food and music from noon to 5 p.m.

Louisiana was ranked last in the America’s Health Rankings 2025 report (using 99 health indicators) released Jan.

8, showing high smoking rates, obesity, and cost barriers to care as key challenges. Experts say coordinated efforts will be needed to boost overall health statewide.

Addiction medicine doctor Elyse Stevens, once praised for her flexible patient care at University Medical Center, was suspended on March 10 amid an investigation into her prescribing practices.

Hundreds of patients faced provider changes as the review led to abrupt care shifts (raising community concern).

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.