Good morning, New Orleans.

Magnolia Community Services named Laurie Oertling as Board President and added Robert Lapeyre plus Lacey Weaver as new board members in Jefferson.

They bring extensive expertise in finance, planning and marketing to expand services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

AFP-GNO announced the honorees of the 2026 National Philanthropy Day Awards—recognizing local leaders in fundraising and service—and will host a breakfast celebration on Dec.

1 at The Cannery with doors opening at 7:30 a.m.

A Covington jeweler has launched a free diamond scavenger hunt that hides natural and lab-grown gems in parks and local businesses across the metro starting this month and running weekly through next year (a 3-carat diamond was hidden in Abita Springs last week).

The campaign is drawing many local visitors and boosting his shop's profile.

Queen Sofía of Spain attended a wreath laying ceremony Sunday at the statue of Bernardo de Gálvez with Mayor Helena Moreno and received a Key to the City Saturday, marking a moment of official recognition in New Orleans.

A new community arts center called The Black Schoolhouse is set to open at 1660 N.

Roman St. in the 7th Ward on Oct. 10 (the apprenticeship program deadline is Oct. 7), offering youth arts programming and community organizing opportunities.

HUUB and the Urban League will host the third annual EconDevCamp on Oct.

25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Urban League offices, where business and community leaders will choose topics for discussions on local economic growth while a light lunch is provided.

Belle Chasse Elementary reopened for classes after a fire forced a weeklong closure.

Officials said air quality testing & reviews by the health department and fire marshal allowed students to return while the 100 hall remains closed for repairs for three to four weeks.

Families & alumni gathered at L.B.

Landry High School in Algiers after Algiers Charter ended its contract, sparking fears of closure. NOLA Public Schools will decide the school's future on Dec. 9 as supporters call to preserve the nearly 90-year-old institution.

This week, Kristi Trail (Pontchartrain Conservancy's executive director) discussed her morning coffee routine and work to protect the local environment on Mug Shot Monday.

New Orleans has launched a federally funded e-bike rebate program that requires applicants to complete an online safety course and attend in-person training if selected.

In the first phase, 100 rebates are randomly awarded (50 income-qualified residents may receive $1,200 and 50 others $600) through local bicycle retailers.

Dr. Tape, the St. Tammany Parish coroner, said 60 impulsive suicides are expected this year and advised residents to use gun locks and the 988 hotline during crises.

He added that routine self-care (like taking a walk or having a hot cup of tea) may help ease mental distress.

A renovation permit was issued for 3157 Tchoupitoulas St, which will be converted to a restaurant, performance space, three bars and a small office (contractor Voelkel McWilliams Construction) as construction begins under a phased release on Sept.

8 while City Planning Commission approvals remain pending.

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks broke his leg during the Tigers’ 35-6 win over Texas A&M and may miss the season while coach Lane Kiffin noted several key players are out due to injuries—forcing Linebacker Davhon Keys to step in amid roster depth concerns.