Good morning, New Orleans.

WDSU is partnering with United Way to run the Back-To-School Supply Drive that helps local students.

Donations will be accepted at UWSELA centers (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and online from July 15 until July 31.

The City of Kenner honored longtime Jefferson Parish resident Ollie Johnson on her 104th birthday (celebrated July 15) by presenting her with a Certificate of Recognition, with Councilwoman Dee Dunn praising her lasting impact on family and community.

J&M Industries in Ponchatoula makes custom tarps for ballparks, disaster relief and other needs, building a $40M business with 120 local workers.

The family firm will expand by breaking ground on an 11-acre site in Alabama next February (growing out of Louisiana).

Retailers are choosing Magazine Street for their first local shops as national and emerging brands show growing confidence in the area's long-term brick-and-mortar strength.

The trend reflects increased investment in the local retail scene.

Non-farm jobs in Louisiana reached 2.01 million for the first time, driven by Meta’s data center project in Richland Parish & multiple LNG and industrial projects spurred job gains in six metro areas & economic leaders note that temporary construction work could fuel hopes for new business activity.

Governor Landry announced a $40 billion expansion of a North Louisiana AI data center on Monday and said state decisions will shape New Orleans, while economic analyst Stephen Barnes noted the city remains a key driver of the state economy by contributing 20 to 25 percent and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Regional collaboration drove growth strategies at a July 9 briefing held at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie.

Business and economic development leaders from Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission, New Orleans+Company, and city officials discussed redeveloping underperforming properties to expand opportunities.

The new Love Our Waterways initiative, led by Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, will recruit volunteers and community groups to remove debris from bayous, rivers, and beaches throughout Louisiana in September, with registration now open.

Participants will also collect data to guide future cleanup efforts.

Louisiana Grassroots United is calling for a statewide emergency siren system after last month's tornado outbreak that hit parts of southeast Louisiana and Mississippi.

The group will hold a news conference with local officials to plan siren placements, activation standards, and testing (including input from an LSU environmental health professor).

Audubon Retirement Village and St. Anthony’s Community Care Center earned 2026 Silver – Achievement in Quality Awards from AHCA/NCAL for top performance; St. Anthony’s will relocate later this month to become John A.

Stassi II Community Care Center in Harahan.

LSU Vet Med advises pet owners to keep their animals inside as heavy rain is expected through the end of the week, increasing the risk of flooding and wildlife wandering into neighborhoods.

The advisory warns that displaced coyotes + bears and snakes could pose risks and advises contacting professionals for injured animals.

A judge approved a $3M settlement for tenants of The Willows Apartments in New Orleans East who suffered unsafe conditions from neglect.

Nearly 1,000 residents must submit claims by July 24 as the property prepares for a two-year gut renovation near the I-10 Service Road.

The Saints have restructured Alvin Kamara's contract to keep him in the team for the 2026 season — a move addressing offseason uncertainty amid his limited play last year and the signing of free agent Travis Etienne.

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.

New Orleans Suspects Live

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Tipitina's — Check their website for ticket prices — Experience a night of captivating music from the New Orleans Suspects at the iconic venue.

Satchmo Summer Fest

11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the legacy of Louis Armstrong with live music and food in an iconic cultural venue.

Greg Mendez Live Performance

9:00 – 10:30 PM — Siberia — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of indie-rock with Philadelphia's own Greg Mendez.