Good morning, New Orleans.

New Orleans-based Gulf Coast Bank reported that its annual summer fundraiser raised $127,400 for 149 nonprofits in August through 985 auction items.

The bank’s contributions now total over $1.8 million since 2008.

The Shapiro Family Foundation awarded more than $85K in grants to local nonprofits addressing hunger, education and healthcare during its Sept.

29 reception at Clover New Orleans’ Patrick F. Taylor Campus. Five groups received $10K Nourish + Flourish Grants and two got $10K Community Impact Awards.

Dollar General will expand its same-day delivery service through Instacart to nearly 20,000 outlets this fall, offering food, snacks and household essentials at in-store prices while recent closures left its New Orleans operation with one location (4774 Paris Ave).

MCBANK has promoted Harrison Frampton to New Orleans market president today.

He will drive the bank’s expansion from his executive offices at the Pan American Life Building on Poydras to branches in Lakeview, Metairie, and Covington, with an Uptown center set to open in 2027.

Paste opened its first retail store in the French Quarter at 721 Royal St as artist Jason Laurits expands his art and apparel brand.

The store sells graphic shirts+ art prints and local designs, while his debut film 'Loves Company' will premiere Oct. 24 at the New Orleans Film Festival.

The Downtown Development District has unveiled an interactive map that shows 116 works of public art — from sculptures to murals — across downtown to help residents, workers and visitors explore local artists’ stories.

Exus Renewables North America acquired development rights for four solar projects in Louisiana and Wisconsin, including the Bayou Teche and Bayou Chicot Solar facilities (expected to power nearly 390,000 homes) amid growing demand for renewable energy and new battery storage plans.

No hurricanes formed in the Atlantic basin in September, marking only the third occurrence since 1966 and following a hurricane-free August.

Experts said strong El Niño conditions helped keep the 2026 season unusually quiet.

New Orleans launched an e-bike rebate program that offers 50 income-qualified residents $1,200 vouchers and 50 regular applicants $600 vouchers from local retailers.

Applications run until Oct. 9 with future rounds every six months until 2029, and recipients must complete cycling safety education.

Port NOLA CEO Beth Branch was elected to the American Association of Port Authorities board as the port advanced development at the Louisiana International Terminal, and officials said ongoing projects along the lower Mississippi River will soon begin.

Regulators at the Louisiana Public Service Commission will hold a three-day evidentiary hearing Oct.

7 as they review Entergy’s plan to add seven natural gas units, battery storage projects and over 250 miles of transmission lines to support Meta’s expanding Richland Parish campus.

Entergy paused trimming trees around power lines in Jefferson Parish after residents complained that crews cut the canopy too deeply (the company will work with council and local groups to revise its guidelines).

Officials plan to update the franchise agreement to better protect neighborhood trees.

Jefferson Parish students will hold a town hall candidate forum Saturday to challenge school board candidates ahead of the November election.

The event will be held at the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees headquarters (IATSE 478) at 511 N Hennessey St.