Good morning, New Orleans.

Audubon Nature Institute has begun the design process for the new Goldring Woldenberg Park phase at the former Esplanade Street wharf — after gathering public feedback Thursday at the Audubon Aquarium’s River Terrace.

The design team aims to open the 2.5-acre park in the first half of 2029.

Crescent Canna, based on Magazine Street, earned a No. 407 ranking on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list today (the highest among local companies and the third highest in state) while its THC beverages are sold in over 8,500 retail locations nationwide amid pending federal hemp regulations.

Downtown FabWorks earned a #1,187 ranking on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list by posting 296% revenue growth from 2022 to 2025.

The New Orleans fabrication company, which handles projects for venues like Caesars Superdome and Audubon Aquarium, continues expanding its local and national portfolio.

Aritzia’s first Gulf Coast store opened at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie on Thursday, Aug.

13. The boutique offers exclusive women's apparel and celebrates its launch with gift perks and an outdoor Center Court installation available until Aug. 25.

Quoc and Amanda Nguyen will serve as king and queen of the Krewe of Oshun parade on Friday, Jan.

29, 2027. They are the first Asian American duo to lead a Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans.

New Orleans restaurants and hotels are celebrating August with varied dining events: Arnaud’s offers French Riviera-themed drinks until Sept.

13, NOPSI Hotel hosts weekend jazz brunches with live music, Dolfy’s holds a collaborative dinner on Aug. 25, and COOLinary specials run through Aug. 31.

Melvin Lastie was a pioneering musician who played his horn while smoking a cigarette and later co-founded All For One Records to empower local Black artists.

He performed with legends like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin and ran local venues, leaving a lasting mark on New Orleans' jazz history.

Lawmakers are meeting at the state capitol to revise the school funding formula after Gov. Jeff Landry required local districts to cover bonuses for teachers ($2,000) and support staff ($1,000).

A task force will review spending reforms between now and January (aiming to ease budget pressures).

A WalletHub study found Louisiana ranked first for at-risk youth on Aug.

14, with 16.6% of young adults disconnected from school or work — rates linked to high poverty and teen birth statistics.

UHC Nursing achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate for its 2026 graduating class and saw enrollment rise by 33% since last year — a sign of strong academic performance meeting local healthcare needs.

New Orleans Musicians Clinic offers physical and mental health care for local musicians by helping them secure insurance, Medicaid, and doctor visits while providing financial support for surgeries (located at 3201 Canal St).

The Mary Fund acquired the 704-unit Parc Fontaine Apartments in Algiers on Aug.

13 and will begin inspections and safety fixes in coming months before starting broader interior and system upgrades to preserve affordable housing (mold, potholes).

A new single-level home at 6221 Annunciation St. near Audubon Park sold for $2,243,000 on Aug.

7, topping home sales in Greater New Orleans for the week of Aug. 2-8. Developed by Tina Brown, the home offers 2,905 sqft of space & an unfinished carriage house on an adjacent lot.