Good morning, New Orleans.

The New Orleans Ernest N.

Morial Convention Center hosts an interactive workshop called Procurement Playbook for construction and vendor service small businesses at Meeting Room 283 in Hall I on Friday, Aug. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.—registration closes Aug. 26.

Tourism professionals are gathering at the JW Marriott from Aug.

18-20 for the 2026 Louisiana Travel Summit, where industry leaders will discuss trends, workforce needs, and projects driving visitor spending. The event also includes three tours on Aug. 18 — offering a close look at local neighborhoods and attractions.

The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Foundation will host its second annual IGNITE Young Professionals Leadership Summit on Thursday, Aug.

27 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie, featuring educational sessions, a networking lunch, and a complimentary headshot. Tickets cost ($100) and include a Southwest Airlines giveaway.

Veteran PR executive Larry Lovell launched his own firm, Larry Lovell PR, Friday in New Orleans to offer media relations, crisis communications, social media and event marketing services.

He brings over 20 years of experience from high-profile regional projects to serve clients across engineering, nonprofit, cultural & financial sectors.

AAA Weekend Gas Watch shows that regular gas now averages $3.61 a gallon statewide, down seven cents from last week + up 82 cents from last year; prices in Baton Rouge and New Orleans remain near $3.57.

River Parish schools are expanding student opportunities for the 2026–27 school year as St. Charles Parish offers universal Pre-K-4 and expanded Pre-K 3 programs while St. James adds an immersive ASL elective and more paid internships.

The changes are detailed in the latest Education Guide.

Xavier University of Louisiana ranked No. 8 among HBCUs in LinkedIn’s 2026 Top Colleges rankings — moving up from ninth last year and standing as the only Louisiana school in the top 10 based on career outcomes.

LSU New Orleans rebranded on July 1 to boost research and workforce growth, while Delgado recorded its largest graduation and Tulane expanded housing and academic programs amid a $5.2 billion statewide impact — Loyola will shift most sports to NCAA Division II in 2027 with a $4 million upgrade.

Seth Knudsen, executive director of Downtown Development District, explained that the $10 million annual tax millage funds 40% cleaning, 35% security, & the remainder for economic development as part of downtown’s ongoing revitalization.

His first year has focused on building a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant downtown.

Residents in New Orleans East are concerned about overgrown lots that have not been mowed for nine months due to budget constraints and limited enforcement.

City officials said they are awaiting council approval of a $100,000 contract (with state matching funds) to hire a grass cutter by Aug. 31.

After state lawmakers reduced a $3 million approval, the Louisiana Food Policy Council has only accessed $50,000 so far, delaying reimbursements for local food purchases; Margee Green’s Farmers First program now faces tighter state rules + bureaucratic delays as it struggles to support local farmers.

Oceans Healthcare opened its Kenner West campus (at 716 Village Road) in Kenner, offering inpatient behavioral care for adults and older adults and outpatient programming.

The new facility is part of the provider's network expansion to meet growing regional behavioral health needs.

Former Saints star Drew Brees had a packed Hall of Fame pre-induction day plus his schedule included a display reveal, meetings with past inductees at Raising Cane’s, a visit to Tom Benson’s statue and a gold jacket dinner.

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.