As Essence Fest eyes new state funding, unpaid convention and vendor costs raise questions about transparency, priorities, ...

New Orleans is gearing up for another round of political wrangling over state funding for big-ticket events, while one of its ...

The Convention Center is owed more than $400,000 and another vendor is owed more than $1 million seven months after Essence Fest. The late payments have raised concerns from state lawmakers.

Since its inception, the annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture has continued to be a staple of sisterhood and community. As the festival celebrated its 31st year of highlighting the beauty and brilliance ...