Good morning, New Orleans.

St. Bernard Parish Government will install a public pet microchip scanning station at the Aycock Barn, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help reunite lost pets with their families.

Residents finding a lost pet can simply use the scanner to check for a microchip.

BankPlus celebrated the grand reopening of its Veterans Blvd. branch in Metairie on July 8 after a fire destroyed the building — the new branch features modern amenities and enhanced customer spaces.

BankPlus executives and parish officials marked the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

New Orleans launches Districts After Dark, a five-week summer series that will boost neighborhood restaurants, bars & entertainment venues between Independence Day and Labor Day.

Council members and local influencers will visit businesses in five districts while residents vote online for a featured venue.

Magazine Street Restaurant Week returns from July 10 to 19 offering fixed menus from $20 to $50 to boost sales during the slow season; local restaurants expect the expanded two-weekend event to invite diners to try new dishes.

Jambalaya Girl New Orleans Food Products was recognized as a 2026 America’s Retail Champion by the National Retail Federation, making it the only Louisiana retailer honored.

The award will be celebrated at the NRF Retail Advocates Summit on July 15 in Washington, D.C.

Waymo is testing driverless cars in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans with a safety driver in each car; it will start fully autonomous trials later this year (in line with current regulations).

On July 10, local reporter Susan Larson interviewed author Stephanie Soileau about her novel Should the Waters Take us.

Larson (former New Orleans Times-Picayune book editor) explained how Soileau's work reflects the city's vibrant literary culture.

Campus dining leaders will gather in New Orleans from July 15 to 18 for the 2026 NACUFS conference.

The four-day event will offer educational sessions, professional development, networking and a culinary competition (focused on workforce, operational and technology trends).

Registration is open for Tulane’s Future of Energy Forum, held Monday, Sept.

28 through Wednesday, Sept. 30 on Tulane’s uptown campus. The free, three-day event will feature over 40 sessions discussing energy trends, technological advancements, and market shifts.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed 23 cyclosporiasis cases (just above the five-year average) and one hospitalization linked to contaminated produce and water.

Officials say more cases may appear in the coming days and recommend washing fresh produce for safety.

Saints rookie Jordyn Tyson earned strong praise from QB Tyler Shough, who said Tyson plays like an elite hooper.

Tyson took part only in a ramp-up at minicamp and is set to join full training camp on July 29.

The Superdome will host College Football Playoff games at the Sugar Bowl with a CFP semifinal on Jan.

15, 2027 plus New Year's Day quarterfinals in 2029 and 2031 and additional semifinals on Jan. 10 in 2030 and 2031.

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.

Stanton Moore Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — $TBD — Experience the exceptional drumming and vibrant personality of Grammy-winning musician Stanton Moore.

FLYLEAF with Lacey Sturm Concert

1 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying concert by Flyleaf featuring Lacey Sturm in a vibrant music venue.