Good morning, New Orleans.

Dat Dog’s original Freret flagship is closed for renovations and will reopen by the end of summer, preserving its historic gas station structure while joining a growing dining corridor (new investments such as Trader Joe’s boost local appeal).

The Kitchen Guys acquired Hawk, Inc to expand its service offerings in Louisiana, Alabama & Mississippi; the merger combines Hawk’s local customer service strengths with The Kitchen Guys’ design-build expertise to enhance foodservice support across the southeast.

Renaissance Publishing earned multiple awards at the Press Club’s 68th Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards today; its MyNewOrleans.com and Biz New Orleans platforms were recognized for digital journalism, business reporting, and design.

The accolades underline the company’s commitment to quality local storytelling (a proud moment for its team).

George (Nick) Connor Jr. built St. Augustine High’s sports tradition by coaching football, basketball, baseball, and track while teaching science, civics, and industrial arts when the school opened in 1951.

He later served as athletic director for 43 years and as a state legislator, with a local street renamed in his honor.

LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry is receiving a $100 million renovation (mostly funded by the state legislature) to update treatment areas and simulation labs for its 450 students, modernizing a facility built over 50 years ago.

Louisiana lawmakers approved an industry-backed law that restricts how community air monitors track toxic chemicals near industrial sites like St. Rose + the Irish Channel, leaving residents with limited data on air quality.

Researchers say many communities now lack sufficient monitoring to know what they breathe.

An investigation from Floodlight found that Louisiana’s air-monitoring network is too distant from industrial sites, leaving nearby residents exposed to harmful emissions.

State regulators have cut environmental justice measures and spending while EPA urged new monitors in areas such as Irish Channel to better protect public health.

Forecasters in New Orleans say Tropical Depression Two is set to become Tropical Storm Bertha today.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect along the Alabama Gulf coast as heavy rain is expected later this week in southeast Louisiana.

A tropical depression in the Gulf is forecast to become Tropical Storm Bertha later today, prompting a tropical storm and storm surge watch along the coast from the Mississippi/Alabama border to Jefferson/Plaquemines parish.

Dry air and wind shear may keep stronger rain and winds south of the storm's center.

Louisiana Department of Health warns residents of record heat today and urges indoor cooling & hydration if outside.

Secretary Bruce Greenstein advises immediate medical help if symptoms like dizziness or rapid heartbeat occur, following recent heat-related deaths.

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.