Good morning, New Orleans.

Emeril Group will close 34 Restaurant & Bar at 714 Baronne St. on Jan.

31 due to rising operating costs, with employees already offered positions at other Emeril Group locations; a future reopening or relocation is under consideration.

Today at Woldenberg Park, Associated Terminals christened two new Liebherr cranes on custom barges to boost Mississippi River cargo efficiency with a 90-ton lifting capacity and load-management systems.

The ceremony honored company leaders Dawn Lopez & Bill Sullivan as the modernization effort moves forward.

On Jan. 5, Fidelity Bank sold its mortgage arm, NOLA Lending Group, to First Federal Bank of Lake City, Florida, to focus on community banking and business lending; after converting from a mutual in Oct.

2024 and opening a Lafayette office, it is reevaluating its long-term growth strategy & efficiency.

King Cake Drive-Thru returns this Mardi Gras season with its Chef Series featuring three chefs reinterpreting the king cake.

Camille Staub debuts a savory version on Jan. 24 at Porgy’s, Sophina Mao on Jan. 31 at Mister Mao, and Arkesha Smith Baquet on Feb. 14 (cakes available while supplies last).

Filmmakers celebrated as local horror thriller Sinners garnered 16 historic Oscar nominations announced yesterday—parts were filmed in Donaldsonville, St. Bernard, and Braithwaite—and filmmaker Chris Welker said the recognition highlights Louisiana talent.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon brought the America 250: History Rocks!

Tour to New Orleans, visiting Sophie B. Wright High School and the National WWII Museum—events through which Gov. Jeff Landry highlighted Louisiana's strides in education.

A University of California study found the Mississippi River Delta is sinking at three centimeters per year due to low sediment flow (with rising seas nearly doubling the impact), and local officials are now weighing smaller diversion projects using BP settlement funds to guide coastal restoration efforts.

St. Bernard Parish issued a boil water advisory for parts of Violet due to emergency repair work; the advisory covers riverside areas (East St. Bernard Hwy from Tusa Dr to Highland St, Molero Lane, Bridgehead St, and Beachhead Lane) and urges residents to boil water until further notice.

Earthjustice filed a motion on Jan.

14 on behalf of AAE (Alliance for Affordable Energy) and UCS calling on the Louisiana Public Service Commission to review Meta’s revised financial deal with Blue Owl Capital on the Richland Parish data center, a shift that may raise ratepayer risks.

New Orleans officials are preparing for Mardi Gras parades with enhanced safety measures as Mayor Moreno and police plan to use National Guard support to secure street closures and traffic control near the French Quarter — local krewes, including Choctaw, are ready to celebrate despite setbacks.

Construction began on the former Naval Support Activity East Bank site in Bywater, launching a $197 million mixed-use redevelopment that will add affordable housing, retail, innovation, and community spaces.

Project partners led by Brian Gibbs Development aim to reconnect the riverfront property to surrounding neighborhoods — sparking local growth.

After a seven-year push to revive a South Rampart block, developer GBX (Cleveland-based) is offloading three jazz-era landmarks, including the Little Gem Saloon and a reconstructed Karnofsky building.

A nonprofit plans to list the Eagle Saloon building for sale in the next month or two.

Northshore sophomore Grace Keene earned the Gatorade Louisiana Girls Cross Country Player of the Year honor on Jan.

21 after setting a Division I state record and winning six races last fall. She will run in indoor track on Feb. 21, aiming to break the 1600-meter record.

Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was named a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award today.

He took over as starter midseason and finished with 2,384 passing yards + 10 touchdowns, and he is a finalist for the NFL Offensive Rookie award.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans

7-9 p.m. — Smoothie King — Tickets required — Thrilling NBA matchup as Pelicans clash with Kings in a packed arena.