Good morning, New Orleans.

CBNO launched its Front Porch Lab initiative to mark its 60th anniversary by funding four working groups with $10K each for neighborhood projects over 17 months; recruitment is open with an informational Zoom session today from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. (Details are in the official release.)

A federal law cut SNAP benefits after July 2025, leaving over 888,000 Louisiana residents—including 1 in 5 children—facing food insecurity as aid declines.

By October 1, the state will spend $42.3 million to run the program while lawmakers appropriated $4.6 million to boost local produce.

New Orleans native Rob Fox Rich (a fine arts student) provided free family portraits today at Haus of Fox and Rob to capture lasting moments for local families.

Residents in New Orleans are urging the Recreational District to improve safety, maintenance and leadership at parks and pools.

The commission announced plans to share emails (a new move to boost public communication) following its recent meeting.

State Farm is mailing eligible Louisiana policyholders a dividend check of about $138 per vehicle if they held a policy before the end of last year (a total payout of $136 million), with customers with an email on file receiving payment selection instructions by early September.

White Linen and Lagniappe night returns on Aug.

8 in Olde Towne Slidell when Brandee Santini transforms Green Oaks Apothecary's parking lot into an artisan marketplace hosting 10 artists on site and 20 booths along Robert and Carey streets while a jazz ensemble from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra performs.

New Orleans charter schools are expanding innovative programs and facilities as NOMMA renewed its charter through 2034 with more than 1,000 students (and Lake Forest recently opened Phase I of its Outdoor Recreation Complex) as outlined in the 2026 Education Guide.

Students at St. John Public Schools are joining a dual enrollment program with River Parishes Community College to earn an associate degree in process technology while still in high school, as rising AI interest drives more to choose resilient trade careers (boosted by a 20% trade school enrollment increase post-COVID-19).

Starting in September, the city will launch a discount parking program for Frenchmen Street musicians, providing registered venues with codes for nearby lots (60-70% off) to ease parking hassles.

The pilot may expand to the French Quarter as officials negotiate with local lot owners.

New signups for the Opportunity Pass free transit program will not be accepted after Aug.

14 due to high demand, though current participants can still activate their passes until the program ends in December.

Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans was named the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana and the metro area in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals rankings, marking its 15th consecutive year on the list.

Its children’s hospital is the top pediatric facility in the state, and several specialties earned high-performing ratings (including obstetrics-gynecology, pulmonary surgery, and orthopedics).

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug.

8 at noon at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio (making him the first Saint with first-ballot induction) and marking his Super Bowl XLIV win milestone.

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.