Good morning, New Orleans.

Eight NASA Stennis Space Center employees, including local controls engineer Huy Nguyen, received the prestigious Silver Snoopy Award on Aug.

11 for outstanding contributions to flight safety and mission success — a nod to both NASA’s Artemis program and commercial operations.

The World Trade Center of New Orleans announced that Captain Michael Miller will receive the 2026 C.

Alvin Bertel Award on Nov. 13 at the Higgins Hotel, honoring his 30 years guiding vessels along the Mississippi River Ship Channel.

Developer Jayson Seidman plans to transform the former SnoWizard site at 4001 Magazine St. into an all-day café and restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining, pending City Council approval after a City Planning Commission nod; he targets a late 2027 opening.

Twenty-six Greater New Orleans companies joined the 2026 Inc. 5000, accounting for nearly half of state entries, with Crescent Canna debuting as the region's top firm at No. 407.

The companies span construction, tech & legal sectors as they report strong revenue growth.

Tommy Hilfiger will open a 5,600 sqft factory outlet at Elmwood Shopping Center in Jefferson Parish this November.

It is the second New Orleans area location and will join a mix of discount retailers at the center (which draws 9.3M visits yearly).

Pat O’Brien’s will honor Charlie Bateman’s 50-year milestone with an open celebration on Saturday, Aug.

22, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. He started as a teen bartender and has become a vital leader in local hospitality.

Energy companies submitted nearly $83 million in bids for 59 Gulf seafloor blocks during the BBG3 lease sale held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on Wednesday — the revenue will help fund coastal restoration and hurricane protection efforts.

On Aug. 11, energy executives, policymakers and industry leaders gathered in New Orleans at the Gulf Coast Energy Forum to discuss offshore oil and gas development, setting the stage for an upcoming $82.7M lease sale that may affect federal regulation and capital spending.

A survey by LSU and the Public Affairs Research Council finds Louisianians talk about politics more than the national average; most said they spoke with someone holding different views and feel free speech is important (even for those they disagree with).

Entergy has begun a $270M grid-hardening project along Veterans Boulevard in Jefferson Parish to replace 500 utility poles and boost storm resilience.

Crews are working now and customers should expect planned outages and traffic delays until work wraps up in October (weather permitting).

The Mary Fund has bought Parc Fontaine Apartments (704-unit complex) in Algiers and announced a multiyear plan to inspect each unit and fix mold, potholes, trip hazards and overgrown vegetation.

The nonprofit will also upgrade living systems and partner with local groups to support residents.