Good morning, New Orleans.

The New Orleans Saints and hundreds of volunteers packed meals at Caesars Superdome on Friday morning to support families in need statewide.

The event echoed a tradition of unity after 9/11 (organizers said thousands of meals were prepared for Second Harvest Food Bank).

New Orleans held a ceremony today to honor civil rights icon Jerome (Big Duck) Smith for his lifelong leadership and contributions, recognizing his impact on local civil rights and community progress.

The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce announced its 2026 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Dec.

9 at Hilton Riverside's Grand Ballroom. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and the event will include lunch, networking, and award presentations with nominations closing Nov. 11 and ticket sales ending Dec. 7.

Football season sparks Louisiana's outdoor cooking tradition as locals ready grills for tailgate parties featuring Gulf oysters, burgers, and ribs.

New Orleans food writer Ian McNulty explains this communal ritual (with a nod to heritage) marks a welcome return to neighborhood gatherings.

Black Bayou Energy Hub announced a $1.6 billion investment to expand its Lafayette headquarters and build natural gas infrastructure in Cameron Parish — a project expected to create 23 direct and 35 indirect jobs and support 1,000 construction positions.

Construction will begin in Q4, with operations expected by late 2028.

LSU New Orleans enrolled 5,531 students this fall after a summer marketing blitz boosted recruitment by 21% & reduced dropouts to 140.

The school missed its goal of 6,000, but officials say these changes have helped stabilize enrollment after years of decline.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, Young Audiences Charter Schools renamed its Terrytown campus Adella Gautier Campus to honor the late artist who shared folk tales with children.

The school grew from 800 to 1,225 students and will boost arts education — preserving her legacy.

Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy began in 1927 with 15 students and now educates over 600 students at a campus that includes the Qatar Pharmacy Pavilion built with hurricane relief funds—all contributing to its status as a leading program for African American pharmacists.

The CDC issued a health alert on Thursday, Sept.

10 due to a 17% rise in rabies exposures nationwide, including cases in Louisiana. New Orleans residents and nearby communities are urged to avoid wildlife and seek prompt treatment if bitten (with post-exposure vaccines nearly 100% effective) (CDC emphasizes early care).

LCMC Health is hosting fall health screenings and wellness events across New Orleans this season.

In September & October, several hospitals will offer free PSA prostate screenings, $99 mammograms, and health fairs to support cancer care and research.

The Battle of the Badges blood drive was held in the WDSU parking lot (featuring competition among the police, EMS and fire department) and accepted donations until 3 p.m. on Friday, Sep.

11.

Construction on a 30-unit housing project next to the New Orleans Mission at 1122 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard is underway by Mission Properties Foundation and Gulf Coast Housing Partnership.

The community, meeting Multifamily Gold standards, will offer 25 efficiencies plus five one-bedroom apartments — completion is set for late summer.

Detroit Lions look to rebound after a late season slump as they host the New Orleans Saints Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT on FOX.

The game comes after both teams made key offseason adjustments, with coach Campbell emphasizing improvements & new talent to overcome last season's setbacks.