New
in New Orleans
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans churches and community centers now use solar panels and batteries to power the Community Lighthouse network during outages (funded by city, federal grants and donations); the project has 14 lighthouses and will expand to 86 so every neighbor is within 15 minutes. The Lens
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jefferson Performing Arts presents I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change at Lafon Performing Arts Center’s Black Box theatre in Luling on Jan. 24 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. as part of the Community Series; tickets ($35) are on sale online. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Nine of Louisiana’s 11 James Beard Semifinalists are from New Orleans, including Link Restaurant Group nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur + local chefs and new restaurants earning top culinary nods. Finalists will be revealed on March 31 and winners celebrated on June 15. Fox 8
- ➤ Joseph 'Joe Sheep' Lambert became known as the Sandwich King for his French bread sandwiches (packed with hot sausage, boudin, shrimp, catfish and pork chops) served at his Dumaine St shop (later B and J Restaurant) where local musicians often enjoyed generous credit and busy streetcars lined up. Verite News
- ➤ Blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr. will perform live at Maple Leaf Bar on March 6-7. The club announced a presale starting today at 10 a.m. with general tickets available the next day, and doors opening at 8 p.m. for shows beginning at 9 p.m. Fox 8
- ➤ NOLA Cherry Bombs danced on WWL Morning Show and announced they will perform at the King Arthur, Iris, and Muses parades this season, adding a lively touch to our local festivities. WWL-TV
- ➤ Riverwalk Outlets is hosting its 40th Annual Lundi Gras celebration today with a contest offering VIP passes + a one-night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in New Orleans. The event will feature live music, food vendors, fireworks on the Mississippi, and visits by Rex, Zulu + Mayor Helena Moreno. WWL-TV
- ➤ City officials moved up Carnival parade times on Feb.6: Oshun at 5 p.m. & Cleo at 6 p.m., Saturday’s Pygmalion following Bacchus’s route, & Thursday’s Knights of Chaos, Babylon & Muses starting at 4:30, 5:30 & 6 p.m. while the city secures $3.7 million for coverage. WDSU
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Port NOLA closed 2025 with 1,067,407 cruise passenger movements, marking the ninth consecutive year to break 1M and set the stage for future growth with Royal Caribbean returning + Carnival Cruise Line planning larger vessels. The milestone underscores New Orleans’ rising role as a top cruise destination. Biz New Orleans
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans lawyers said new 2026 employment law changes tightened unemployment work-search rules and adjusted tip credit practices for restaurants. Employers eased procedures (including updated tax and benefits protocols) while reviewing DEI and immigration policies to address future risks. New Orleans City Business
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Officials broke ground Wednesday at the former Navy base on Poland Avenue in Bywater. The 22-acre site will be redeveloped in three phases into a mixed-use campus offering affordable housing, retail space and a tech startup hub – Newlab New Orleans will house up to 35 tech companies. The Lens
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The New Orleans Saints signed safety Julian Blackman to a one-year extension Monday. He missed the final 16 games after tearing his labrum and spent six seasons with the Colts, recording 300 tackles + 10 interceptions. Fox 8
- ➤ The New Orleans Saints announced that season ticket prices for 2026 will remain unchanged from 2025, and the team will host nine regular season games at Caesar’s Superdome (pending NFL scheduling announcements) as it aims to extend its 20-year sellout streak while celebrating its 60th season. WDSU
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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.
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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.
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DUG: Folk Duo Performance
7-10 p.m. — The Broadside — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique blend of American and Irish folk with DUG's captivating storytelling and humorous lyrics.
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Marlon Jordan Quartet Performance
5-9 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Enjoy happy hour with the Marlon Jordan Quartet, a dynamic musical experience rooted in New Orleans jazz.
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Brahms Symphony No. 1
12-2 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — $15 — Experience a live orchestra rehearsal and gain insights from the musicians and conductor about the performance.
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Cajun Music Celebration with Bruce Daigrepont
5:15-7:15 p.m. — Tipitina's — Tickets starting at $21.83 — Experience the rich cultural heritage of Cajun music with Bruce Daigrepont and his band.
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Rebirth Brass Band Performance
9 PM – 12 AM — The Rabbit Hole — Cost not listed — Experience the vibrant energy of New Orleans' brass band revival with the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band.
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Mardi Gras 2026 Balcony and Viewing Stand Tickets
6 PM – 3 PM, Feb 6-17 — Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant Mardi Gras parades from the comfort of a prime balcony spot.
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Blue House Music Presents CHA WA!
2-5 p.m. — The Broadside — $15 for adults, free for kids — Experience a lively Carnival season show with the Grammy-nominated Mardi Gras Indian group Cha Wa.
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Post-Barkus Celebration with Tephra Sound
5-8 p.m. — No Dice — $19.83 — Celebrate Barkus with pup-friendly improvisations from Tephra Sound featuring Helen Gillet, Brian Haas, and Nikki Glaspie.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The best time to negotiate something is when you don't need it.
~ Michael Benoit
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