Good morning, New Orleans.

NBA champion Mitchell Robinson thanked those in St. Bernard after a parade, youth basketball camp, and community celebration on June 25 in Chalmette, and said the local support + pride will always be remembered in his heartfelt letter.

ACCENT New Orleans marked 35 years of providing destination management services across the city with celebrations that highlighted decades of trusted partnerships.

The company announced plans to invest in its growing workforce and recruit more staff in the coming months.

BK House & Gardens will participate in French Quarter Museum Night on July 2 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. offering period dance lessons and a ball to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary; additional bicentennial events and yoga sessions are planned later.

Historian Marcus Christian captured New Orleans' rich Black culture in his poetry and writings, including 'I Am New Orleans.' His work is preserved at the Marcus Christian Collection at UNO & continues to inspire local appreciation for the city’s history.

EskewDumezRipple won the 2026 Best of Practice Award from Architect's Newspaper, recognizing its excellence in architecture, interiors and urban planning + the firm credits its strong community ties and expanding national portfolio.

Archbishop James Checchio received the pallium from Pope Leo XIV on June 29 — during the annual Pallium Mass held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City — as the ceremony honored 55 Metropolitan archbishops, including four U.S. appointees.

Nunez Community College students got hands-on offshore wind training last spring at projects in Rhode Island & Massachusetts through a grant tour, and the college later updated its curriculum with four GWO-certified modules to meet industry needs.

Four Navy commands launched the Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst on June 23 at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans to link military needs with local universities, startups and businesses.

The partnership is set to drive defense tech innovation + high-tech job growth.

Jean Lafitte police and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office mourn Chief Marcel Rodriguez, who dedicated his life to serving with honor and integrity.

He began his law enforcement career with the sheriff's office before leading Jean Lafitte, and his legacy will be remembered by our community.

New Orleans native Betsy Fischer Martin was named head of Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics and will start mid-August—she spent over two decades at NBC News as executive producer on Meet the Press and brings extensive expertise.

French Quarter businesses filed a suit on Friday against the Sewerage & Water Board after construction barricades on Decatur hurt customer traffic and revenue; the suit asks a judge to order removal of blockages, restore pedestrian access, and require advance closure notice.

The City of New Orleans Parks and Parkways closed Brechtel Park on Monday, June 29 (for safety surface improvements); work is set to last 90 days until Sept.

27, and while the playground is off limits, the rest of the park stays available. Residents should follow posted signs.

New Orleans is accepting grant applications from French Quarter businesses facing reduced foot traffic from ongoing road and sidewalk closures on Decatur Street.

The program aims to provide quick financial relief while the city speeds up construction efforts and uses cameras to monitor progress.

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.

A Taste of Napa: An Evening with Treasury Wine Estates

7-9 p.m. — Hilton New Orleans Riverside — Free parking — Experience guided tastings featuring distinguished California wines paired with delicious dishes.

Colombia Nola Fest 2026

3-10 p.m. — The Broadside — Kids up 12 Free entry — Celebrate Colombia's culture with live music, dance, and delicious food.