Good morning, New Orleans.

The New Orleans Recreation Department is celebrating the opening of a splash pad at Cut-Off Recreation Center just ahead of the last week of summer break.

The department also announced a search for a new CEO, with applications open through Aug. 10.

The Downtown Development District is accepting applications for a grant matching program to help fill vacant storefronts downtown and support small businesses; Kandy’s Restaurant recently reopened after renovating a former hookah lounge (applications close Oct.).

New Orleans native Lil Wayne will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of the Class of 2027 — ceremony details remain unscheduled.

Despite Tropical Storm Bertha, the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo opened on Friday and continues today at the Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion, marking nearly 100 years of fishing tradition with a $10,000 prize for the tournament winner.

A report from Leaders for a Better Louisiana shows that the state gained just under 4,000 residents in the past year, with about 3,000 born here.

More than 14,000 Americans left while experts say job automation is reducing new employment opportunities.

BESE approved new stipend guidelines that let school districts offset state funding cuts by using any local teacher raise.

This update, made before the 2026-27 school year, gives schools more flexibility in managing pay.

Five instructors and leaders at the New Orleans Career Center earned regional and statewide awards for their work preparing students for high-demand careers in healthcare, construction and technical fields.

Their recognition shows a strong push for workforce training to meet local employers’ needs + promote industry skills.

Effective July 1, Louisiana students can use federal Workforce Pell grants for 8- to 15-week job training programs in high-demand fields like carpentry and plumbing — approved programs must meet strict credential and job placement rates.

Louisiana’s sugarcane crops are threatened by an invasive pasture mealybug found in 14 parishes; farmers will soon use a federal Section 18 exemption to spray insecticides Sivanto Prime + Admire Pro to manage the pest.

CommCare Corporation has completed a new $30 million nonprofit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Metairie.

The John A. Stassi II Community Care Center will officially open Tuesday, July 28.

A smart home at 17 Australis Court in Kenner sold on July 13 for $1.725 million, topping Greater New Orleans luxury sales for the week + Uptown’s 623 Nashville Ave and Covington’s 1432 Carrisa Drive followed with sales of $1.4 million and $1,312,500 respectively.

Barbie unveiled a doll inspired by Angel Reese, the former LSU star known as Bayou Barbie, on its social media pages today.

The doll displays her number 5 jersey and headband and comes ahead of a Reebok collaboration set for Aug. 3.

The MoonPay X Games League championship event is underway today at the Superdome (a three-day competition) featuring teams from New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and São Paulo, with local athletes including Baton Rouge’s Hayden Mouton and Opelousas native Wyatt Fontenot set to compete until Sunday.

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.