Good morning, New Orleans.

French Quarter businesses say ongoing construction has cost millions (adding pressure as some face closure), with local owners warning about the strain on their operations.

Essence Festival of Culture took place at the Ernest N.

Morial Convention Center and Superdome from July 3-4. Attendees enjoyed concerts, panels and local food while celebrating Black culture and discussing heritage and progress — a blend of music, business and community that left a lasting impact.

Louisiana added nearly 33,000 workers over the past year as it topped national workforce growth rankings, according to new data from Louisiana Works (using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

New Orleans entrepreneur Angelica Harris received a $10,000 grant today during ESSENCE Festival of Culture as part of the New Voices NOLA POWER PITCH competition; she said the funds will boost Top Tutors for Us's technology platform and marketing to expand college access.

Pontchartrain Conservancy is hosting its third Underwater Robotics and Remotely Operated Vehicle Expo at the New Canal Lighthouse from July 14 to 18.

The expo offers hands-on STEM activities, career exploration and a look at maritime science that connects students to local workforce opportunities.

unCommon Construction held its Spring 2026 Promotion Ceremony in New Orleans to honor apprentice Leif-Samuel Dawson and Construction Manager John Lindsay.

Dawson earned the inaugural Mayer Building Company Apprentice Nailed It! Award for leadership and craftsmanship, while Lindsay received a $500 award for mentorship (recognizing a commitment to workforce development).

Jefferson Parish Schools does not have a clear plan to fix bus shortages after nearly 2,000 no bus dispatches left students without rides last year; the district will host a driver recruitment event Saturday, July 11 at East Jefferson High Gym and hopes to hire more drivers by August 1.

Mayor Helena Moreno announced a plan to market New Orleans East development sites (including NASA Michoud and a planned port in St. Bernard Parish) to attract investors in aerospace and manufacturing, while Greater New Orleans Inc. builds a site inventory and Moreno with Entergy apply for $20 million federal grant.

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.

Tim Laughlin Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check venue for entry fee — Experience master clarinetist Tim Laughlin as he brings New Orleans jazz alive with original compositions and fresh takes.

2026 X Games in New Orleans - Friday

4:00-8:30 PM — Caesars Superdome — Check event page for details — Experience three days of elite action sports at the MoonPay X Games Championship.

Alfred Banks Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — One Eyed Jacks — $17.15 GA — Experience a night of captivating music from Alfred Banks in the heart of New Orleans.