Good morning, New Orleans.

Camelback Ventures announced its 16th Fellowship cohort with an increased investment of $50,000 per venture (up from $40,000) as part of a four-month program offering coaching and peer learning for under-resourced entrepreneurs.

The next application will open in early February.

In the early 1900s, private parks in Carrollton served as gathering spots for Black residents, where cornetist Buddy Bolden played to call his community together (at Lincoln and Johnson parks).

White property owners later closed these spaces, and the sites now host homes and small businesses.

Officials with the Algiers Mardi Gras Festival announced Edward J.

Robinson Sr., a lifelong Algiers resident + veteran, as the 2026 Grand Marshal for its free, family-friendly event. The festival will feature a parade, live entertainment, food vendors, and kid activities at Federal City on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Louisiana’s five deep-water ports now work together, sharing a maritime study and unified marketing strategy that supported projects like the Hyundai Steel mill — an effort aligned with state economic plans to boost global trade.

Local schools are offering diverse opportunities this week: Rooted School students earned 20 Adobe certifications and families can join a free after-school STEM program at Old Metairie Library on select dates, while open houses are scheduled at LSMSA (Jan.

19), NOMMA (Jan. 22) and Discovery Academies (Jan. 14 to 21).

New Orleans East Hospital has partnered with The Center for Literacy & Learning to install a book vending machine in its Emergency Department to offer books to children after care.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. on the fifth floor at 5620 Read Blvd.

The Orleans Parish School Board approved that The Leah Chase School remain open for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years if it raises $865,000 by Jan.

15, 2026. The board accepted over $2.2 million in private donations to cover operating expenses (donations will be refunded if the goal is not reached).

Today, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case about oil companies' role in damaging Louisiana's coastline after parishes were awarded $745 million in state court while Chevron seeks a switch to federal court based on its past federal contracts.

Mayor Helena Moreno was inaugurated yesterday as New Orleans' first Latina mayor, celebrated with speeches, songs, dances, and an interfaith prayer at Saenger Theater (including a Spanish prayer by Rev.

Michelle Aguirre). Local community leaders hope Moreno’s administration will open doors for ESL students and small businesses.

LCMC Health's podcast Beyond Extraordinary returns this year with episodes set for the second Tuesday of every month.

The show features Dr. Toni Flowers and Kristen Gradney—discussing specialty care and Carnival emergency planning with local partners.

Top-ranked transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt is expected to sign with the LSU Tigers to help fill the gap after Garrett Nussmeier’s graduation.

He visited Kentucky, Tennessee and Miami before making his decision, which was reported on Monday.

The LSU women's basketball team beat second-ranked Texas 70-65 in Baton Rouge on the weekend.

Mikaylah Williams led with 20 points as the Tigers (16-2) will visit fifth-ranked Oklahoma Sunday afternoon.

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.

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Le Petit Theatre — Ticket prices vary — A whimsical comedy about a novelist haunted by a ghost after a séance goes awry.