Good morning, New Orleans.

At Tulane University's Future of Energy Forum, nearly 2,000 attendees heard energy leaders say artificial intelligence is beginning to change power grid work — while fossil fuel policies and global events challenge clean energy plans.

Shell’s U.S. president and Entergy’s CEO gave examples of new projects and delays in meeting targets.

Today, Bollinger Shipyards announced that the U.S. Coast Guard awarded the company 10 additional Sentinel-Class Fast Response Cutters under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—boosting the program to 77 vessels and extending production by about three years.

The contract will support 650 skilled shipbuilders in Lockport while strengthening the Coast Guard’s ability to complete its key missions.

Today, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges and was released on her own recognizance with travel restrictions—she must surrender her passport and limit travel to the Eastern District of Louisiana as she faces allegations of covering up a romantic relationship that bilked the city out of $70,000.

KID smART, a local nonprofit, broke ground on its new Center for Arts & Education at 2533 Columbus St on Sept.

10 to expand arts programs and create jobs—its new facility will house studios for visual arts, dance, podcasting and performing arts and will open in spring.

Loyola University New Orleans announced five new hires in its College of Music and Media and promoted a longtime staff member to Assistant Dean.

Dr. Shaniece Bickham will lead the School of Communication and Design—Dr. Jessica DeKleva will coordinate Music Therapy, Dr. Alan W. Mills will conduct Wind Bands, Jeffrey Ory will teach Public Relations, and Laura Jayne will serve as Assistant Dean.

At today's Tulane Future Energy Forum, Tulane University President Michael A.

Fitts announced the creation of the Tulane Institute of Advanced Energy Studies and a $1.5M gift to boost new energy research — a move designed to unite the university's expertise in energy across multiple fields as the initiative unfolds.

Advocates from Voice of the Experienced, also called VOTE, hosted a job fair on Sept.

4 to help job seekers with conviction histories and now back a Fair Chance Amendment to amend the city charter to stop hiring discrimination. Local leaders say voters will decide on the measure soon in hopes of giving formerly incarcerated neighbors a real second chance—establishing new legal protections.

State Sen. Royce Duplessis vowed to aggressively address unlicensed vendors on Bourbon Street and add signage to curb jaywalking along Canal at a mayoral forum on Sept.

10—he said these measures would set a strict tone downtown—aiming to improve pedestrian safety and overall city management.

New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams defended trials held with no witnesses during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday.

He said his office retrained young prosecutors and blamed judge Leon Roche—who signaled a weak view of evidence—while disputing claims of bias linked to his race, party affiliation or parish.

On Sept. 9, the Louisiana Public Health Institute was named one of ten finalists for the $50 million Gulf Futures Challenge with a project — the Gulf Resilience and Excellence Hub — that will transform community health centers to support more than 400,000 people in our region.

Finalists will receive a $300,000 grant and technical assistance, with two teams set to secure $20 million to implement their solutions.

The historic Pythian Building at 234 Loyola Ave is back on the market after two sale deals fell through, including a deal with an Atlanta buyer that collapsed over financing issues & low occupancy.

ERG CFO Ryan Cabos said the property, renovated for $46 million in 2017 and featuring 69 apartments, event space and retail, will be aggressively marketed to preserve its affordable housing components & revitalize its mixed-use potential.

The Saints and Gov. Jeff Landry's administration are close to finalizing a ten-year lease with four optional five-year extensions that will keep the team at the Superdome until at least 2035 — the deal is expected to be announced next week after over a year of negotiations.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2026 induction class with former NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Syliva Fowles, MLB All-Star Jonathan Lucroy, and basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother—while former LSU baseball player Warren Morris will get the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award.

Bemo Rouge

10:00 – 11:30 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively night of music in the heart of New Orleans.

2025 Groundwater Protection Council Annual Forum

Sep 16-18 — The Royal Sonesta New Orleans — Registration required — Collaborate on innovative groundwater protection strategies with industry experts and regulators.

Liam St John Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Chickie Wah Wah — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Liam St John after his chart-topping blues debut.

Liam St. John Live

8-9:30 p.m. — Chickie Wah Wah — Tickets start at $95 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Liam St. John in New Orleans.

Mindi Abair Concert

7-9 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Entry Fee TBD — Experience the soulful melodies of Mindi Abair in an intimate setting.

Destin Conrad - Love On Digital Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Tickets range from $37 to $162 — Enjoy an electrifying evening with rising star Destin Conrad live on stage.

Vampire Weekend Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Experience the unique sound of Vampire Weekend as they showcase their new music.

Raphael Saadiq Live

8:00-9:30 PM — Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Tickets vary — Experience Grammy-winning artist Raphael Saadiq in a night of soulful music.

John Pizzarelli Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Tickets available — Experience the acclaimed interpretations of classic and modern songs by John Pizzarelli.

Heart N Hands Love Your Heart Gala

The Heart N Hands Love Your Heart Gala takes place Saturday, September 27 at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. This unforgettable evening will bring together community partners, supporters, and advocates for a night filled with purpose and passion. Guests will enjoy a VIP Patron Party, live entertainment, auctions, and a celebration of heart health that truly makes a difference.

Heart N Hands Love Your Heart Gala

The Heart N Hands Love Your Heart Gala takes place Saturday, September 27 at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. This unforgettable evening will bring together community partners, supporters, and advocates for a night filled with purpose and passion. Guests will enjoy a VIP Patron Party, live entertainment, auctions, and a celebration of heart health that truly makes a difference.