Good morning, New Orleans.

Hunters for the Hungry hosts its annual Clean Out Your Freezer Day on Aug.

23 at Rouses Supermarket (St. Tammany Parish) from 1 to 4 p.m., urging hunters and fishers to donate frozen game and seafood for food bank distribution. New Orleans contributions go through Second Harvest Food Bank.

Today the Amtrak Mardi Gras celebrates its first birthday with nearly 150,000 passengers riding the route from New Orleans & Mobile, which far exceeded early projections.

Southern Rail Commission officials say strong demand may lead to more stops in the future.

The Idea Village has been named one of TIME's America’s Best Incubators and Accelerators 2026 after evaluation including alumni feedback and track records — a nod to its role in supporting more than 23,700 local entrepreneurs.

The owner of Boomtown Casino announced it will shut down the riverboat operations and move them onshore as Hollywood Casino New Orleans.

The $195 million relocation plan will retain about 400 jobs and create construction roles, with local officials noting the move supports parish revenue.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted a permit for Port NOLA's Louisiana International Terminal 18 miles downriver to let ships load up to 24,000 containers; construction is set to begin and finish in five years & officials say the project will make the region a key logistics hub.

Good Shepherd School in New Orleans named three experienced instructional coaches for the 2026–2027 school year + they will partner with teachers to boost classroom instruction and guide professional development for better student learning.

Three local high schools were ranked among the nation’s top 100 public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

Benjamin Franklin High School (top statewide) ranked 53rd, and Jefferson Parish’s Haynes Academy and Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy placed 66th and 95th, showing strong academic performance.

Meta’s Louisiana data center project is sparking concern as regulators review Entergy’s plan to add seven new gas plants to power the facility in Richland Parish.

Community members voiced transparency concerns while the LPSC prepares a final decision on Dec. 16 (the tech company declined to discuss its plans).

The city has announced a $30 million power plan designed to connect battery systems across neighborhoods from homes + community facilities to provide backup power after Hurricane Ida.

The project is set to enhance the electric grid and support local resilience.

After a joint practice with the Cowboys on Tuesday, the Saints run a light session today before holding a practice with the Rams tomorrow at Woodland Hills and will finish California camp with a preseason game on Saturday at Sofi Stadium — escaping Metairie's heat.