Good morning, New Orleans.

Local couple Lindsey and Joel Snodgrass opened The Patterson last month in Algiers, turning a 1931 government complex into a wedding and events venue with lush gardens and renovated spaces (SBA loan plus tax credits helped fund the $4M project).

The venue offers indoor and outdoor settings near Saint Claire.

Sam Meyer, a New Orleans hatmaker turning 102, has sold hats for 80 years at Meyer the Hatter — a family business on St. Charles Avenue founded in 1894 — and the National WWII Museum will honor him this Thursday with cake and sodas.

New Orleans & Company will host a free hospitality and tourism job fair on Aug.

13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Joy Theater, connecting residents with employers like Brennan’s and Hilton New Orleans Riverside as they explore career and training opportunities.

Tropical Storm Arthur caused over $112 million in agriculture losses on June 18-19, damaging more than 190,000 acres of crops, with Avoyelles Parish facing the worst impacts.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will seek federal disaster aid, including a USDA declaration and congressional funding when Congress returns from recess.

Louisiana is close to finalizing a deal with SpaceX to build a spaceport at Pecan Island near Lafayette — the project is expected to be the state’s largest economic development investment and support expanding Starship launches, with an official announcement expected later in August.

Louisiana’s homeowners insurance market is stabilizing as premium increases remain flat in 2026 after years of steep rises, the Department of Insurance reports.

New insurers plus government reforms have expanded coverage choices for local homeowners.

New Orleans Public Schools will offer 1,280 state-funded pre-K seats this fall as schools face budget cuts and underfunding that may cut pre-K programs — fewer seats could leave some eligible children without early education.

Xavier University of Louisiana earned a No. 4 ranking among private HBCUs in Forbes' inaugural tally released Aug.

2 — its acclaimed medical programs and new partnership with Ochsner Health to build a College of Medicine are propelling further growth downtown.

Louisiana and federal officials are finalizing a plan for Raccoon Island that will restore 410 acres (up from 162) of beach, dune and marsh while adding living reefs to boost bird habitat and protect roughly 200,000 coastal homes.

The design phase is nearly complete.

Louisiana law now bans extra charges for using debit cards, granting customers new legal protections and authorizing the attorney general to enforce fines of up to $500 per violation + a hotline and online system lets consumers report illegal surcharges.

The law took effect Saturday.

A permit for a full interior renovation at 400 N.

Rampart St. will change the French Quarter building into medical offices on the ground floor and administrative offices on the second floor. The project—taking advantage of flexible VCC-2 zoning—is expected to bring stable daytime activity, boosting nearby property values.

This weekend, following competition at Caesars Superdome, X Games donated a professional ramp to Parasite Skatepark (beneath I-610 near Paris Avenue) to boost opportunities for young skaters.

The Saints concluded their fifth training camp day Monday in Metairie with a 1-hour 40-minute public session – DT Bryan Bresee underwent season-ending knee surgery while kicker Charlie Smyth hit 5 of 6 field goals.

Eighty-four top amateur golfers competed on the South Course at Bayou Oaks at City Park this weekend in the 2026 Mackel Metro Championship; Nick Kelsey of Covington won the Open Division by one stroke while Bart Dornier of Metairie won the Senior Division by one shot using key plays on the final holes.

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.