Good morning, New Orleans.

Nominations for In the Lead: Best Family-Owned Businesses are open until October 10 for local companies that are family-owned and based in greater New Orleans — they must show growth, innovation, employee morale and community engagement to be considered.

Brand Intervention will launch on Oct.

1 at Loft523 in New Orleans and present a live brand showdown where one local business gets strategic branding advice from four local firms—attendees will see a behind-the-scenes view of how communications strategies are built.

Lorenzo Marrero — a seasoned oyster shucker at Péche Seafood Grill — has been named a 2025 Hospitality Hero by Food & Wine Magazine.

With over 20 years of experience, he shucks more than 300 oysters daily while sharing flavor insights with guests and keeping New Orleans' spirit vibrant.

New Orleans & Company, with local partners, announced the fifth annual NOLAxNOLA concert series set for September 25 to October 5, featuring over 300 musical performances at more than 50 local venues and two days of free music talks at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on October 2 and 3.

Louisiana shrimp groups back the Cassidy—Whitehouse amendment that updates federal rules to require shipping data from air, rail and truck cargo to protect local boats from unfair foreign competition.

They say the change will close a decades-old gap and call for stronger testing and labor checks on imported shrimp so domestic fleets can compete more fairly.

Starting in 2028, Louisiana high schoolers will take one big math exam and one big English exam instead of two separate tests—state education officials say this will cut down on testing time without changing graduation rules.

The new tests will be given in 10th grade as officials plan to review the change next month.

BE NOLA will host its 5th Annual Black is Brilliant Summit from October 2—5 at The Barnett — JDV by Hyatt and Xavier University, where Black educators, community leaders and artists will gather for interactive sessions, cultural events and city tours that highlight Black educational leadership and legacy. The summit will feature film screenings, panel discussions and a closing celebratory second line that honors New Orleans’ rich educational heritage.

State officials are testing seafood from the Tangipahoa River and Lake Pontchartrain for toxins after last month's explosion and fire at Smitty's Supply facility, collecting samples for heavy metals and hydrocarbons + control samples from Bayou Lacombe.

Cleanup efforts continue as results are expected in about two weeks.

Residents in southeast Louisiana are reporting more alligator encounters in neighborhoods and waterways as new development on the Northshore pushes the reptiles into areas like Bayou St. John and St. Tammany Parish—officials have noted a rise in calls for help.

Wildlife teams said they are deploying crews to safely relocate the animals—urging residents to leave them undisturbed.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell withdrew her request for federal court permission to take a family vacation to Iceland, a decision made ahead of her trial on federal corruption charges scheduled for next year—despite no formal objections from pretrial services and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Meagan Williams, a 36-year-old engineer raised in Lafitte and Treme, is New Orleans' new Urban Water Affairs Administrator and leads major green projects—projects that include a $26 million Lincoln Beach renovation, a $40 million Mirabeau Water Garden, and a $141 million Gentilly Resilience District plan. Her work builds on lessons from past floods, such as the widespread 2017 storm, to create long-term solutions for city drainage and flood control.

Planned Parenthood will close its New Orleans clinic at the end of this month, reducing access to services like STI testing and cancer screenings—health care providers and advocates warn that Medicaid users and vulnerable populations may struggle to find timely reproductive care.

Local clinics such as CrescentCare are preparing to meet the increased demand.

Spencer Rattler has started nine games for the Saints without a win as he completed 28 of 39 passes for 218 yards and threw one interception in a 44—13 loss at Seattle.

Coach Kellen Moore said the team must do better as they prepare to face Buffalo next Sunday.

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.

7th Annual Women's Health Conference

7 AM - 2 PM — Sheraton New Orleans Hotel — Registration open — Immerse yourself in transformative women's health education amid the vibrant culture of New Orleans.

Giacomo Turra Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Chickie Wah Wah — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the groove-heavy rhythms of Italian guitarist Giacomo Turra in a night of funk and fun.

Rock'n'Partee

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Rock 'N' Bowl — $100 Early Bird, $125 after Sep 15th — Enjoy an evening of bowling, live entertainment, and an exciting silent auction for a great cause.

Yung Joc Live Performance

9 PM – 1 AM — Republic NOLA — Check local listings — Celebrate with Yung Joc, a Grammy-nominated rapper known for his unique style and catchy hits.

Daphne Parker Powell: Parker's Mood

7-11 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Cost info not provided — Experience the fusion of classic southern roots sounds reimagined through a contemporary lens.

New Orleans Saints VIP Tailgate - Giants at Saints

9:00-10:30 a.m. — Caesars Superdome — Tailgate festivities before the game — Celebrate football with fellow fans at this special VIP experience.