Good morning, New Orleans.

ByMBO launched SPARK: Light Up St. Claude on Jan.

10 to celebrate and amplify community voices along St. Claude Avenue. Local business owners, artists, and residents now work together to plan safety, walkability, and economic improvements for the corridor.

From March 9-14, New Orleans Entrepreneur Week will take over the city as entrepreneurs share ideas at the Summit at Loyola University on March 12-13.

The event will include sectors like hospitality, food & health tech, entertainment & culture as local business drives community growth.

Local banks are using AI to automate routine tasks and improve customer service while keeping human oversight.

Gulf Coast Bank and OnPath Credit Union are implementing targeted AI tools to boost efficiency and meet strict regulatory guidelines.

Algiers Mardi Gras Festival returns this weekend at 9 a.m. (in Federal City), featuring a parade, live music and a kids’ area; the free event is open to everyone.

The 29th New Orleans French Film Festival runs March 19–24 at Prytania Theatre and other local venues, with select films streaming online until March 29.

Switzerland is the guest country and REEL Futures Day at Loyola will help students learn about filmmaking careers.

Spring brings a host of festivities to New Orleans starting March 5 with Loyola Jazz Festival at Nunemaker Auditorium, followed by Mardi Gras Indians Super Sunday on March 15 and French Quarter Fest beginning April 16 across the city—offering music, film, food, and community celebrations for all ages.

Prices at local seafood shops are dropping as live crawfish gain demand during Lent.

Stores like Captain Jonathan’s Seafood in Westwego offer live crawfish for $3.99 a pound (down from previous highs) and experts expect affordable prices to continue in the coming weeks.

Dillard University opened its Innovation Collective in August to offer a four-story, 251-bed residence hall that integrates living, learning and community service in Gentilly.

The project was developed in collaboration with Trapolin-Peer Architects, Landis Construction, and CDW Services to support student success.

The Sewerage and Water Board lifted a boil water advisory on Friday after tests confirmed tap water was safe following repairs that reduced water pressure Tuesday.

Residents in Uptown (Marlyville-Fontainebleau, Broadmoor, Hoffman Triangle and B.W. Cooper) can now safely use their water.

Ralph Whalen, founder of local healthcare IT firm BENZAIT, said AI can improve medical diagnoses, streamline operations and expand care to underserved areas (such as rural hospitals) by reducing paperwork and errors.

He warned that delaying adoption risks preventable harm and inequities in patient care.

University Medical Center now offers SAINT (a new tool using fMRI scans to guide depression treatment) while Manning Family Children's Hospital uses virtual-reality software to plan complex heart procedures, aiming to provide safer, targeted care for patients.

Four Seasons Private Residences in New Orleans has released 25 reserve homes, including options (starting at $750,000 with penthouses over $4.95 million), and model unit tours are available along the Mississippi River.

Two homes have already sold for nearly $5 million.

Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots (the city’s historic track) in Mid-City is investing in major renovations for the upcoming racing season, including a new paddock and improved fan areas.

The 150-acre venue supports year-round operations through racing and casino gaming to remain competitive and serve the community.

Monster Jam is coming to the Caesars Superdome today where trucks will perform gravity-defying stunts on a dirt track — tickets remain available.

The Grammy Winning Hot 8 Brass Band

10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticket prices vary — Experience the infectious energy of a Grammy-winning brass band in the heart of New Orleans.

Fair Grounds Live Racing

12:45 – 2:45 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Experience exciting live horse racing in a vibrant atmosphere with buffet dining options.

Morgan Jay Live Performance

7 PM — Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music and comedy with Morgan Jay, a rising star from Los Angeles.

Sticky Fingers Concert

7-10 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Cashless venue — Experience live music in the heart of New Orleans at a renowned venue.

P.L.A.N. Appraiser & Umpire Certification Course

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Convention Center — Ticket required — Gain essential skills in property loss appraisal and umpire certification over five insightful days.

Stanton Moore Trio Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of vibrant drumming and jazz from New Orleans native Stanton Moore and his trio.

Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — $35+ — Experience a vibrant jazz party with renowned trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and his band, showcasing the joy of New Orleans music.

Napoleon Dynamite Live!

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the cult classic film come to life in an interactive live performance.

B2K and Bow Wow Concert

3:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Smoothie King — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying evening with B2K and Bow Wow performing live.

Big Easy Blues Fest

7:00-8:30 p.m. — UNO Lakefront Arena — Mobile ticket delivery — Enjoy live performances from top blues artists in a vibrant New Orleans atmosphere.