Good morning, New Orleans.

New Orleans youth programs such as the Youth Empowerment Project offer free mentoring, sports, homework help and workforce training for children ages 7 to 15.

The initiative (which began in 2004 as a reentry program) now faces funding shortfalls while expanding its community care services.

On Sept. 19 at Hyatt Regency, two emerging entrepreneurs received a total of $20K from New Orleans’ first Curate Conference—a three-day event on personal and professional development.

Alicia Williams of Selah got $15K and Aisha Abbasova of ABBASAID won $5K in the pitch competitions.

New Orleans-founded Sazerac launched a takeover bid for Germany’s Berentzen by offering €5.55 per share.

The offer (supported by Berentzen’s supervisory and executive boards) is expected to close in the fourth quarter, after which the company will be delisted.

Construction for The Lash Lounge in Metairie was completed by Mayer Building Company at 3264 Severn Ave. between May and September, and the 1,350-sqft beauty studio features eight wall-mounted lash stations, five client tables, and retail areas for franchise partners Jamie Larson and Jeremie Ertle.

Mid-City restaurant Smoke & Honey is closing after service on Sunday after three years in business.

The restaurant, known for its Greek and Jewish cuisine, is hosting a lamb party on the 26th and 27th to give patrons one last chance to dine there.

New Orleans Jazz Museum will open an exhibit on Oct.

29 at 400 Esplanade Ave that celebrates Donna’s Bar and Grill (1993-2010), a hub for local jazz and brass bands. The photos highlight the venue’s lively role in shaping New Orleans music.

Andrew Stephens plans to open The Orange Violet in March 2027 at 3157 Tchoupitoulas St. The renovated firehouse will serve as a 200-seat comedy club+pool area, pizza bar+three additional bars while final City Council approval is pending.

The statewide average for regular gas is $4 today, and diesel has topped $6, with AAA saying prices may stay high until the war in Iran ends + conflicts between Russia and Ukraine limit supply.

New Orleans Career Center expanded its team & leadership by hiring nine new staff and promoting two members to boost programs & support record enrollment of over 700 trainees for the upcoming 2026–27 school year.

On Friday, Sept. 18, nearly 10,000 fingerling redfish were released at Fort Pike to pilot Louisiana's first redfish stocking program aimed at boosting dwindling populations; the effort is funded by corporate donors + a Jefferson Parish grant and will use genetic testing to track success.

New Orleans officials plan to redesign North Claiborne Avenue into a walkable green space with a new outdoor performance area, marketplace and nonprofit cafe.

The city council approved a $500,000 federal planning grant for design work through December while state and federal transport officials must still sign off.

New Orleans Police Department advised residents that a U.S. military training exercise began Sept.

21 and will continue through Sept. 26, featuring low-flying helicopters and controlled explosions in the metro area.

On Sunday, the Saints rallied in the final minutes to defeat the Ravens 24-17 with two late drives led by Tyler Shough.

The team advanced with a fourth-down scoring sneak and secured the win after Baltimore's last drive ended with an interception.