Good morning, New Orleans.

Early registration is open for the Community Games, where teams will compete in sports, skills challenges, and service events leading up to the festival at City Park on Nov.

13, and the competitions will extend into the weekend. Companies and organizations are encouraged to sign up now + start earning points.

PJ’s Coffee is set to open a new Maple Street location at 7700 Maple St in Uptown this fall after renovations at the former Starbucks site, reconnecting with its community roots + promising fresh local flavor.

The Port of South Louisiana Airport is expanding with a $7.5 million investment (its largest yet) that includes an 8,400 sqft hangar and a new terminal design to boost capacity after record Super Bowl activity.

Construction will finish by 2028 as the airport prioritizes safety and customer service.

Clover announced Arnel Cosey, Ph.D., as its new CEO, marking her as the first African American leader in the agency’s 130-year history.

She served as Strategy and Impact Officer and on the board, and she takes over from Dr. Keith Liederman to boost support for local children and families.

McClain's Pizzeria will reopen at 5404 Louisiana 22 near Bigener Road in Mandeville by June after fire damaged its kitchen in October.

Meanwhile, Cayman Sinclair bought the old property and plans to open his new restaurant Apertif Terrace with a rooftop cocktail bar in the fall.

Members from UNO’s Jazz Studies program and the broader community will perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival from April 23 to May 3 — their acts spread across several stages.

Hogs for the Cause returns this weekend at UNO Lakefront Arena, where 90 teams build creative cook-off booths + host live music to raise funds for pediatric cancer support.

The event runs today and tomorrow, offering local food fans a festive weekend of inventive barbecue.

New Orleans was named the fourth top food city in Food & Wine's Global Tastemakers awards, with Emeril's ranking among the Top 10 U.S. Restaurants and Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar & Lounge recognized as one of the country's leading hotel bars.

The five Lower Mississippi deep-draft ports are nearing completion on a Unified Marketing Strategy developed from a joint cargo analysis study, aiming to boost regional efficiency and attract cargo investments.

Officials plan to release the strategy publicly soon — a move expected to strengthen the region’s competitiveness in global shipping.

STEM Fest returns to New Orleans this weekend with over 60 hands-on STEM activities including engineering challenges, science experiments, and interactive tech demonstrations (designed for participants of all ages) to spark local learning.

Jefferson Parish leaders honored Cynthia Thompson, affectionately known as Mama T, on Wednesday, Apr.

8 at a council meeting. The longtime educator celebrated 50 years in the classroom & maintained perfect attendance for 15 years while teaching 48 years at Bonnabel High.

Mayor Moreno signed an executive order yesterday to form a task force that will find solutions for lead removal in parks, with the city submitting a $5 million funding request for fiscal year 2027.

Tests in some parks have shown lead levels that exceed the federal hazard threshold.

HDLC denied a demolition proposal for Ted’s Frostop (a 71-year-old local landmark) after 2,000 residents opposed replacing it with a 39-unit student housing complex at a Wednesday meeting.

Developers may appeal the decision to City Council within 10 days (RCR Ventures leads the project).

Leonid & Friends Live in Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience the musical magic of Leonid and Friends' renditions of Chicago's legendary hits.

Anna Laura Quinn Live Performance

4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy a happy hour concert with Anna Laura Quinn.

Pump Action Co-Headline Tour

9 p.m. — Gasa Gasa — $15 — Experience the high-energy funk rock of Pump Action and The Retrograde with soaring guitar solos and engaging grooves.

The Ven Aqui Show Featuring Kai De Lua

8-12 p.m. — Gasa Gasa — Tickets $7 — Enjoy a vibrant night of music with Kai De Lua in a fantastic local venue.

French Quarter Festival 2026

11 AM - 8 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — $449+ — Experience the vibrant culture of New Orleans with exclusive VIP amenities at the French Quarter Festival.

Justin Hayward: The Story In Your Eyes Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience the iconic music of Justin Hayward live in New Orleans.

Grayson Brockamp's Wildlife Duo Concert

4:30-6 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy a lively happy hour concert featuring local talent in a vibrant setting.

Bored Teachers Comedy Tour: Is It Friday Yet?!

3-6 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience hilarious teacher-comedy that resonates with anyone involved in education.

ASI Show fASIlitate 2026 New Orleans

Apr 20-23 — The Windsor Court — Registration required — A premier hosted-buyer event fostering meaningful connections in the promotional products industry.

John 'Papa' Gros Solo Performance

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved, $5 Student — Experience the vibrant sound of New Orleans through the music of John 'Papa' Gros.