Good morning, New Orleans.

David Schlakman, NOWCS board president, has joined Harvard Alumni Association’s board to represent alumni clubs across the Southeast; his new appointment comes as NOWCS expands its safe housing programs for families + strengthens community services.

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans names Samuel Peery as executive chef and Jeremy Gulledge as general manager of Restaurant R’evolution, its signature Cajun & Creole venue that will continue to build on its renowned culinary legacy.

American Maritime Partnership and American Waterways Operators say the federal temporary Jones Act waiver is delaying investment, disrupting contracts and creating uncertainty in a major industrial sector.

The waiver — issued amid conflict with Iran — allows certain foreign-built and foreign-crewed vessels.

Food writer Ian McNulty recently spotlighted Jefferson Parish po-boy shops that serve unique takes on classic fare + highlighting Parenton’s chicken fried steak on Thursdays, a simple oyster po-boy, and a spicy sausage po-boy at Radosta’s to preserve old New Orleans flavor.

New Orleans Magazine launched Reel Magnolias, a weekly podcast on Louisiana cinema hosted by Jeremy Marshall, Lucia Bellanger Koski, and Eden Chubb.

The first episode reviews Interview With the Vampire, and future shows will explore films from Hollywood classics + local favorites.

Argent LNG signed a deal with Ukraine’s Naftogaz to explore shipping 25 million metric tons of LNG a year from its planned Port Fourchon terminal in Lafourche Parish.

The project also has agreements with Turkey and Bangladesh and will begin construction in 2026 with production set to start by 2030.

LSU Health New Orleans began a $100 million renovation of its School of Dentistry today to update classrooms, clinical spaces, and infrastructure at the local campus, aiming to boost dental education, research and patient care statewide.

Today, heat in New Orleans is rising as temperatures hit 94°F and will reach 95°F-96°F over the weekend, with heat indices above 100 due to high humidity.

A heat advisory is expected and residents should use precautions (stay hydrated and seek shade during peak hours).

A winning $2 million Powerball ticket sold at South Lake Foods (Violet) on Wednesday prompted lottery officials to advise the buyer to sign the ticket and call Baton Rouge headquarters for pickup before it expires Jan.

11.

After 14 tornadoes struck the area (following Tropical Storm Arthur), Louisiana advocates and local officials called for a statewide emergency siren system to fix gaps in tornado alerts.

They plan to meet with Homeland Security and City Council to review funding and expand safety education as severe weather risks grow.

New Orleans Police Department held a news conference at 1 p.m. on Jul.

16 to urge safe riding after recording four e-bike deaths in the first half of the year.

LSU Health New Orleans has received a five-year, $3.1 million NIH grant to study pancreatic cancer at the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center, and the project will examine Protein S + its contribution to tumor growth and blood clots to help find new treatments for patients.

Tickets are on sale now for the MoonPay X Games League Championship, set for July 24-26 at Caesars Superdome.

The event features 18 skateboarding, BMX & Moto X competitions, a new team-based format, and 3,000 complimentary tickets will support local nonprofits.

Alvin Kamara is reportedly restructuring his contract to secure his tenth season with the Saints + he will join training camp in two weeks as the club also adds running back Travis Etienne to the roster.

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.

Hot 8 Brass Band Performance

Aug 9-10 — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique fusion of funk and brass from this Grammy-winning ensemble.