Good morning, New Orleans.

On Thursday, City Park brought back the beloved Puff the Magic Dragon slide at Storyland.

Local philanthropists Morris and Cathy Bart led the unveiling, which featured a safe, modern ride and a dragon’s breath sampling station offering Louisiana hot sauce.

T. Baker Smith acquired BFM Corporation to expand its surveying and consulting services in Greater New Orleans; the firm now integrates BFM’s expert team and archival records at its Metairie office (strengthening long-held client ties).

In New Orleans on Monday, June 22, IBHS recognized dozens of local companies at the 11th Annual FORTIFIED Awards.

The program reached over 100,000 designated homes nationwide and is expanding rapidly across the Gulf Coast.

Tulane University signed an agreement to acquire the former Charity Hospital project for a $500 million transformation that will boost education and research by 2029.

City Council also approved zoning for Omni’s $600 million headquarters hotel near the Convention Center.

Hyundai plans to build a low-carbon steel mill in Ascension Parish by 2029 using natural gas with carbon capture & aims to switch to green hydrogen when viable; community groups near Donaldsonville seek binding commitments on local hiring and environmental safeguards.

ESSENCE Festival unveiled its 2026 daytime lineup for free events at the Ernest N.

Morial Convention Center from July 3-5, featuring sessions with Tisha Campbell & Loren Lorosa and activations in entrepreneurship, culinary, film and wellness that power the cultural celebration.

Ben Franklin High School will lease UNO's Human Performance building (a four-minute walk away) to add extra classrooms, offices, and a gymnasium.

Renovations will start this fall with the aim of using the space for the 2027-2028 school year, and the lease will boost the university’s finances.

An exhibit at the TEP Center on Thursday, June 25 told the story of Black educators in the 1930s who organized for equal pay after only white teachers had their salaries restored, leading to the creation of AFT Local 527.

The display highlights early local labor actions.

NOAA forecasts a Gulf dead zone roughly the size of New Jersey to develop this summer, covering over 7,000 square miles.

The Mississippi River/Gulf of America Hypoxia Task Force reported a 20% drop in nutrient pollution (aiming to cut the area to 1,900 square miles by 2035).

The Maison Dupuy, one of the largest hotels in the French Quarter, has a new owner from the Valentino family financing a $13 million renovation.

The hotel will be closed for six months + rebrand as a Hilton Curio to highlight its charm at the corner of Toulouse and Burgundy.

The 180-year-old former St. Theresa of Avila Church at Camp and Erato in the Lower Garden District was sold to Robert Lay’s RiseImpact Capital.

The firm plans up to $3 million in renovations and will move 10 employees to the renovated office early next year (a notable adaptive reuse project).

The New Orleans Pelicans have revealed their NBA Summer League schedule, with four games set in Las Vegas from July 9 to 15.

The team will open play against the Minnesota Timberwolves and will schedule a fifth game based on early results.

Lawrence Sieberth & Christian Winther Concert

4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check the venue for ticket info — Enjoy a captivating evening of jazz with a versatile pianist and his talented collaborator.

Charmaine Neville Band Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Charmaine Neville in the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene.

ESSENCE Festival 2026

Time TBD — Caesars Superdome — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate culture, music, and community at one of New Orleans' premier events.

Bobby V Live Concert

10 p.m.-3 a.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Tickets required — Experience an unforgettable night with Bobby V at the iconic House of Blues.

R&B Glow Paint & Sip N'awlins Fest Weekend 2026

12-4 p.m. — Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor — Admission included — Enjoy a glow-in-the-dark painting party with great drink specials in a festive atmosphere.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Tribute

6:30-7:45 p.m. — The Sazerac House — Tickets required — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a stunning venue.

Teena May - Happy Hour Concert

4:30-6 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy original alt-Country and Folk music from the talented Teena May and her band.

FLYLEAF with Lacey Sturm Concert

1 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket info available — Experience the hard-hitting sound of Flyleaf live with Lacey Sturm.

Clarence Johnson III Performance

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $5-$45 — Experience the captivating jazz virtuoso Clarence Johnson III live on stage with special ticket pricing options.

Davell Crawford Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of the 'Piano Prince of New Orleans' in an intimate jazz setting.