Good morning, New Orleans.

The Shop SOMA opened on June 3 at 798 S.

Rampart Street, offering 5,400 sqft for coworking plus 11 private offices, 12 dedicated desks, and event spaces. Demand is high with over two-thirds of private offices already leased, and the space plans networking events with South Market tenants.

Working Hands NOLA produces handcrafted kitchen and household items from reclaimed wood at its workshop on South Broad Street.

Co-owned by Julia McLanahan and Garen Walker, the company is expanding into small remodeling projects like planters and decks to offer local residents a touch of New Orleans history and craft.

The Greater New Orleans office market is showing renewed momentum as Corporate Realty’s 2025 report highlights the construction of the first major office building in nearly four decades, increased investment in existing properties, and high-profile lease renewals.

Businesses across the region are preparing for a strong finish with new openings, infrastructure projects and initiatives in Jefferson Parish, sparking growing optimism — catalyzing community progress.

The Biz New Orleans feature this month highlights local entrepreneurs and the nomination season for the New Orleans 500.

Gulf South Angels (GSA) surpassed $35 million in total investments, with $4.1 million directed to 14 companies during the first half of 2026.

The network expanded its reach by integrating MEDA Angels and achieved liquidity through events such as the SpaceX IPO.

The 32nd Annual Essence Festival will run from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, featuring top musical acts like Cardi B, Kehlani, and Patti LaBelle as well as cultural events including BeautyCon and the Essence Film Festival.

Three-day tickets are sold out (individual day tickets remain available).

Avondale Global Gateway (once the Avondale Shipyard) is transforming a historic site into a busy logistics hub along the Mississippi with 600 workers and new rail, warehouse, and dock capacity.

The hub partners with Suzano to bring wood pulp imports to Jefferson Parish, creating new job opportunities.

Jefferson Parish Schools maintained a B rating for two consecutive years and is expanding Career and Technical Education programs to help 45,000 students gain skills in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and IT.

The system works with local partners + industry leaders to build a strong workforce for future community growth.

LSU New Orleans, formerly UNO, reverts to its original name today, honoring its founding in 1958.

Interim chancellor Jeanette Weiland says the change marks a new chapter as the university reaffirms its commitment to research and affordable education.

A midyear finance review advises local residents to check investments, tax planning, budgeting, debt, educational and retirement savings, estate plans, asset titles, charitable giving and insurance to stay financially strong before year-end.

Experts recommend meeting with advisors (this review covers 10 areas) to tailor strategies to individual needs.

This fall, the Debra H. and Robert J.

Patrick Neuroscience Institute will open at Ochsner Jefferson Highway campus to provide advanced treatment for neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. The 132,000 sqft, $120 million facility will use cutting edge technology and create about 100 new local jobs in brain science.

The Urban League of Louisiana and Ochsner Health will host the Big Health Event at Hall J in the Morial Convention Center on Aug.

15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will offer free health screenings, cooking demonstrations, fitness moves plus vital early diagnosis support.

The New Orleans Saints begin training camp this month as GM Mickey Loomis and coach Kellen Moore add free agents and draft picks (including top wide receiver Jordyn Tyson) to boost speed and depth for the upcoming season.

Fans await a faster, more efficient team on the field.

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.