Good morning, New Orleans.

Two Convention Center professionals were honored by IAVM at its Annual Conference in Indianapolis; Chief Commercial Officer Elaine Williams earned the Certified Venue Executive designation while National Sales Manager Caroline Link was named to IAVM's 30 Under 30 class.

New Orleans-based Rep Data has named Adam Goddard as vice president of sales for EMEA.

He will lead the company’s expansion across Europe and help agencies access its research technology and data services (after serving as Head of Growth at Walr).

Yelp rated 100 Louisiana restaurants for August and three New Orleans spots + Two Chicks Café, Piccola Gelateria, and Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco rounded out the state’s top five.

Baton Rouge’s Fork N Spoon and Lake Charles’ The Bekery also ranked high on the statewide list.

Hollywood Casino New Orleans will replace the old Boomtown Casino in Harvey as part of a nearly $200 million project.

The new 140,000 sqft land-based casino features dining and entertainment options and is expected to open in 2029 pending final approval.

Drybar Uptown, owned by former AT&T executive Stephanie A.

Parker, has become a local favorite on Magazine Street and is planning a second location in Prosper, Texas later this year (aiming to boost local job opportunities and extend its professional blowout service).

A permit for a new two-story building at 1060 Magazine Street advances the National WWII Museum's education corridor expansion, featuring a double-height lobby, exhibit hall, and collections space (donated property valued at nearly $2.6 million) as part of broader fundraising efforts.

Wilcox Academy opened its new Central City campus on Aug.

14 to serve 150 children and create 30 jobs — the development offers family coaching, health care partnerships, take-home meals, and four affordable housing units. The opening kicked off with a second line — local marching bands led the ceremony.

The Army Corps of Engineers granted a permit for a $1.8 billion terminal in St. Bernard Parish.

Construction will begin soon and aims to boost local trade (officials provided project details).

Deep South Today has received a $150,000 grant from Local News Hub to expand its coverage of women in politics across regional newsrooms.

The nonprofit will coordinate projects on redistricting and local elections in Louisiana, Mississippi and soon Arkansas (announced Tuesday, Aug. 18).

Former LSU basketball player Trendon Watford reportedly signed a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the Pelicans today.

He played for LSU from 2019 to 2021 and recently was with the 76ers.