Good morning, New Orleans.

Indoor playrooms are evolving to meet families’ needs with safe play areas and in-house coffeeshops.

Chee Chee’s in St. George hosted about 10,000 children last summer, and Toddler Town Imagination Station will open in Harahan soon—providing welcoming, family-friendly spaces.

Exxon and Chevron reported record quarterly profits as rising oil prices boosted their Louisiana operations — a sign of strong market performance amid ongoing global supply challenges.

The figures highlight the companies’ deep local ties and resilient business strategies.

Louisiana businesses and nonprofits announced multiple leadership moves today across various sectors - promotions include Cheria Scaffidi as LSU New Orleans Foundation CEO and Emily Ross joining Adams and Reese as counsel in New Orleans; fresh appointments were also made in banking, transportation and public affairs.

More than 100 restaurants (and bars with specialty offers) launched Coolinary on Aug.

1, offering two-course lunches at $28 or three-course dinners at $58 until Aug. 31. Local eateries hope the event boosts sales during slower months.

St. Augustine Church in Treme held a Jazz Mass on Sunday, Aug.

2, for Louis Armstrong’s 125th birthday (its first indoor service in nearly five years) and a second line moved into the French Quarter and Jazz Museum to close Satchmo Summerfest, a vibrant local festival.

New Orleans Museum of Art will host its Salon Supper Club on Thursday, Oct.

15 featuring Michelin-starred chef Sue Zemanick from Zasu. The dinner, presented by First Horizon Bank, will highlight a menu inspired by the Second Nature exhibition at the museum.

New Orleans Bride Magazine will host its semiannual Luxury Bridal Show at the InterContinental New Orleans on Aug.

19 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will meet wedding vendors (caterers, photographers, dress stores) and enjoy free champagne, food samples, and giveaways as they plan their big day.

Jazz clarinetist William 'Willie' Humphrey Jr. preserved traditional New Orleans jazz through over 90 years of performance, working with brass bands & co-leading Preservation Hall Jazz Band with his brother Percy.

His work helped define the local brass band tradition and inspired many musicians.

Scientists found a baby alligator gar while studying Loch Leven floodplain restoration in Wilkinson County, showing that reconnecting the Mississippi River with its natural floods may lower flood risks for areas downstream (including New Orleans) as the project’s indicators were confirmed last Thursday (July 30).

Jefferson Parish officials are seeking private donors to fund a $70 million Hope Haven redevelopment on the West Bank; the plan will upgrade the 15-acre former orphanage (bought for $3.8 million) by adding a natatorium with an Olympic-sized pool and a fitness center.

Indoor playrooms in Louisiana are offering families safe spaces for children to play as parents enjoy a break; NOLA Kidsground at Citrus Boulevard is one local venue drawing residents.

Business owners plan more family-friendly features (serving thousands yearly) as demand grows.

In the first half of 2026, home sales in south Louisiana increased as improved homeowners insurance lets buyers get policies at nearer pre-hurricane levels & more carriers file for decreases.

Local agents say larger insurers are returning to coastal areas, widening options for new buyers.

LSU boosted its 2026 recruiting class when talented left-handed pitcher Logan Schmidt committed to join the team on Aug.

1. The 6-foot-4 player from Aliso Viejo chose LSU after talks with the Cleveland Guardians fell through, adding a key arm as the Tigers aim to rebound.

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.