Good morning, New Orleans.

Local community events in the New Orleans area include the Lagniappe Classic dog shows held July 31—Aug.

2 at the Pontchartrain Convention Center and Tales of the Cocktail from July 20—25 in the French Quarter. Other highlights feature Kenner laser shows, a humane shelter spaghetti dinner in Metairie on July 26, a Pickle Fest tournament in New Orleans from Aug. 6, and additional cultural, sports and volunteer activities through early August.

Local bars are preparing for the Tales of the Cocktail conference, which begins July 20 and is expected to bring 30,000 visitors to boost business during a slow summer.

The week-long event will host over 350 activities including tastings and seminars—helping local venues secure needed revenue for the upcoming busy fall.

Family members in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood have spoken out after a hit-and-run crash killed their loved one—accusing the coroner's office of mishandling the case.

A court filing from Jefferson Parish prosecutors showed texts among Colbert, White and Anderson plus at least five unnamed associates that linked a reporter's death in Kenner to a racketeering scheme crossing state lines by discussing trips to Austin, Memphis, Nashville and Fort Lauderdale — police said they have no evidence of a larger criminal network in New Orleans as the investigation continues.

Ellis Marsalis Sr. was a pioneering businessman and civil rights leader who started as a chicken farmer and became the first Black man to own an Esso gas station franchise at the corner of Claiborne and Louisiana Avenues.

He converted a chicken barn into a motel with forty rooms that hosted civil rights activists and musicians during segregation — his legacy is honored with a historical marker in Jefferson Parish.

State regulators on May 29 found nine violations at the Atalco facility near Gramercy when inspections detected toxic red mud leaks with arsenic levels 1,400% over EPA limits—along with diesel spills and caustic runoff from deteriorating levees.

The LDEQ said its ongoing investigation has not yet resulted in penalties as the company works toward compliance.

Louisiana canceled the $3B Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project that would have restored over 20 square miles of coast using Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement funds, after Governor Landry said the plan threatened local fisheries and culture.

Officials now plan a smaller-scale diversion that they said could save at least $1B and avoid further financial risk — a move conservationists criticize as a setback for coastal protection.

NASA’s Michoud Facility in New Orleans East had major layoffs, but a new contractor will rehire close to 90% of the workers to support parts for the Artemis program.

GNO Inc. VP Josh Tatum said the facility stays vital for deep space work — reinforcing federal funds and local jobs.

Oddities and Curiosities Expo

10:00 – 11:30 AM — New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center — Cost info not specified — Explore a showcase of strange vendors and artists from across the country.

Charmaine Neville Band Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticketed event — Experience high-energy live jazz infused with R&B and world rhythms from the daughter of a legendary saxophonist.

Tales of the Cocktail

12-2 p.m. — GW Fins — $125 per person — A fiesta of flavors featuring the finest tequila, seafood, and live music from Mariachi en Nueva Orleans Los Viajeros.

Uptown Jazz Orchestra Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra led by Grammy winner Delfeayo Marsalis.

Paella Night on The Balcony

6-8:30 p.m. — Tableau by Dickie Brennan & Co. — $50 per person — Savor delicious Louisiana Seafood Paella and a mini Burnt Basque Cheesecake at this festive evening event.

Paris Avenue with The Quickening

9 PM - 12 AM — Tipitina's — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant night of live music at this iconic New Orleans venue.

Creed Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Smoothie King Center — Last-minute ticket offers available — Experience the musical energy of Creed live in New Orleans.

MINI KISS Performance

9 PM – 12 AM — No Dice — $32.30 — Experience the electrifying KISS-inspired performance from the World Famous MINIKISS rock band.

ASHS 2025 Annual Conference

All day — Hyatt Regency New Orleans — In-person attendance only — Explore cutting-edge horticulture innovations and network with industry professionals.

ISE EXPO

12 PM – 12 PM — New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center — Check website for entry costs — Explore cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions in network infrastructure.