Good morning, New Orleans.

Paula Powell, a long-time volunteer at Lacombe Nursing Centre, has brightened residents' lives with events like a lively Christmas party and talent shows.

She engages community members (including church volunteers) to create joyful memories over a 40-year span.

STARC, which runs a Carnival bead recycling program that trains people with developmental disabilities, asks residents to donate beads for upcoming parades.

Drop beads at bins in Slidell (40201 U.S. 190 East) or Mandeville (1705 Viola St.) or use the throw back float.

EskewDumezRipple has announced the appointment of Christian Rodriguez as Managing Principal — he continues to lead projects in its civic and cultural studio while taking on greater responsibilities.

The architecture firm also opened its new office in New Orleans, anchoring its local base for continued national expansion.

Local investors launched the Louisiana Impact Fund to support mid-sized businesses, raising $23.4 million toward a $100 million goal by 2027.

The fund will invest in companies valued from $10 million to $50 million and is backed by institutions like Ochsner Health — aiming to keep jobs local.

Award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien is set to serve as the 2026 Honorary Muse for the Krewe of Muses Carnival parade on Thursday, Feb.

12 in Uptown, leading the procession from atop the signature fiber-optic red high-heel shoe float & accompanied by her two daughters.

Debate over Mardi Gras origins returns as Carnival historian Arthur Hardy explains that Mobile hosted the first parade on New Year's Eve while New Orleans launched the first Fat Tuesday festivities that shaped today's celebration.

Entergy Louisiana is applying for a $237M tax break for a new power plant (1,500 MW) that will serve Meta’s data center in northeast Louisiana.

The 10-year exemption is expected to help lower future customer bills as the project advances.

The Pro Bono Publico Foundation awarded a $1.3 million grant to New Orleans Public Schools on Saturday, marking its 11th consecutive year of support.

The foundation has donated over $16 million in 20 years to boost local education.

Today, the LSU Health New Orleans Integrated Health Clinic was named one of six teams in a national collaborative to improve opioid and stimulant treatment and will work with partners nationwide throughout 2026.

The clinic will receive a $20,000 grant to expand its stigma-free, integrated care model at UMCNO.

Developer Tony Gelderman plans to convert the former Poor Clare Monastery near Audubon Park in Uptown into a complex of condos with a pool & underground parking.

The project, featuring two new buildings and renovated historic space, will finish in 2028 and has received positive neighborhood input.

The Pelicans lost 122-116 to the Nuggets on Tuesday as Denver turned a four-point lead into a comeback win with Jamal Murray scoring 35 and Peyton Watson adding 31 points.

The team will host the Nets at 7 p.m. today at Smoothie King Center.

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.