Good morning, New Orleans.

Meghan Donelon, Commercial Banking Group Manager at First Horizon Bank, has been appointed as Executive Committee Board Chair of United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

She brings nearly 20 years of local banking and community leadership experience and will guide the board's volunteer efforts to advance the organization’s mission.

French Quarter businesses reached a partial settlement (moderating SWBNO disruptions) as issues spread beyond designated work zones.

The agreement may ease operating challenges while repairs continue on local properties.

Two iconic restaurants remain thriving in 2026 after opening in 1990.

Chef Emeril Lagasse opened Emeril's on Tchoupitoulas St without investors during a challenging time, and Susan Spicer opened Bayona at 430 Dauphine St (both remain celebrated culinary landmarks).

Louisiana Economic Development officials point to $150 billion in new industrial projects as a plan to boost both jobs and the population.

Experts say investments in schools, transit and parks are needed plus targeted improvements for communities to thrive in the Pelican State.

Louisiana school systems will reduce spending this school year after a $168 million funding cut for teacher stipends, causing some districts to cancel raises and pause projects to make up a roughly 5% budget gap.

State guidance will be issued by July 25.

Local educators are partnering with the seafood industry to teach students about Gulf catch and promote local food traditions.

The new school program aims to connect youth with regional seafood practices — fueling interest in future local growth.

A tropical depression formed in the Gulf of Mexico and may strengthen into a tropical storm by midweek.

Forecasters say New Orleans is not expected to see significant impacts yet, although coastal areas could experience gusty winds and heavy rain.

A tropical depression in the Gulf is expected to become Tropical Storm Bertha later tonight or Monday + a tropical storm watch covers the Florida panhandle while rainfall of 2 to 4 inches with pockets up to 8 inches may cause flash flooding along parts of the Gulf Coast.

Uni Sushi & Hibachi will open mid-November in a renovated parking garage at the corner of Roosevelt Way and Common Street near the Orpheum Theater (the space has been vacant since Cleo’s left in 2018).

Lin and Sky Huang will serve sushi and hibachi with a live cooking display.

Real estate agents in New Orleans are busy this summer, reporting increased buyer calls and three deals in Metairie as the region emerges from a post-COVID slump.

Sales data across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette shows modest rises, though affordability remains a challenge for lower-priced homes.

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.

Billy Iuso Concert

8 p.m. — Tipitina's — Free entry — Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Free Fridays Concert Series with live music.