Good morning, New Orleans.

After Zony Mash closed this spring, Jennifer Samuels secured a new home for King Cake Hub in Mid-City at 3300 Gravier Street—this 6,000-square-foot space will host king cakes starting on January 6 through Lundi Gras.

The venue has interior design by local artist Julianne Lagniappe and offers 60 parking spaces with extra off-street spots.

A Tulane report shows that New Orleans startups are using artificial intelligence to boost work efficiency — 77% expect AI to change their business while many stay cautious with spending on offices and salaries.

The survey of over 120 startups found that fast-growing companies plan to hire more and that the report will expand statewide next year.

New Orleans law firm Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels LLC announced it was named one of the 2025 Best Places to Work for Women by Best Companies Group in partnership with BridgeTower Media, highlighting its strong support for diversity and an inclusive work environment.

The firm, now celebrating 25 years, offers a maternity leave policy lasting 16 weeks and flexible work arrangements that balance professional and personal needs.

FBI arrested Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups in connection with a federal sports betting investigation; Rozier was in uniform during Wednesday’s Orlando game but did not play—authorities have not yet disclosed the charges.

The 36th Annual New Orleans Film Festival runs through Oct.

27 with over 130 films shown at local venues to boost the city’s film industry—officials say the event and new film tax incentive laws are set to revive Hollywood South. Industry leaders hope the festival draws major productions and cultivates local talent during this weeklong event.

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is hosting its annual WE25 conference at the New Orleans Ernest N.

Morial Convention Center from Oct 23 to 25; this world’s largest event for women and allies in engineering and technology is currently underway.

New Orleans City Council will vote Thursday on changes to the parade schedule for the Thursday-before-Mardi Gras parades set for 2026.

The plan shifts the lineup—Knights of Chaos now at 4:30 p.m., Knights of Babylon unchanged, and Muses starting 30 minutes earlier—to let Muses riders start on time after past delays.

A new study found that Louisiana's child poverty rate jumped from 11% to 19% between 2022 and 24—impacting nearly 200,000 children.

Gov. Jeff Landry and experts warned that ending SNAP benefits in November and rising inflation could worsen the situation.

At the BGR Annual Luncheon on Oct 21 at the Hilton Riverside, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Rick Atkinson addressed over a thousand civic leaders — including Mayor–elect Helena Moreno — on the endurance and challenges of American democracy.

He linked America’s Revolutionary heritage to today’s need for unity and effective governance.

The Jefferson Parish Water Department and Louisiana Department of Health issued a boil water advisory for the Cheniere side of Grand Isle—from the bridge to the Jefferson—Lafourche Parish line—after a faulty storage tank valve malfunctioned; residents and businesses must boil water for at least one minute for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or preparing food until tests confirm safety.

An owner plans to demolish the blighted Lindy Boggs Hospital in Mid-City within months & will clear the site for future redevelopment.

Authors in the Haunted City - NOLA

6 PM - 12 AM — Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor — Ticket prices vary — Immerse in the spooky ambiance with authors and a masquerade ball in the Big Easy.

World Ballet: Cinderella

6-7:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets required — Witness the enchanting tale of Cinderella brought to life by the World Ballet Company.

Boston Celtics vs. New Orleans Pelicans

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Smoothie King Center — Tickets starting at $12 — Catch the action as the Celtics take on the Pelicans in an exciting NBA matchup.

Alexandra Kay Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Tickets from $42 — Catch live music from rising star Alexandra Kay at this local venue.

Pete Sawyer & The Left Hand Monkey Wrench Gang

10:00-11:30 PM — Toulouse Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Experience a high-energy tribute to the Grateful Dead from a rising California band.

Lisa Fischer Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Ticket info available — Experience the powerful voice of Grammy-winning artist Lisa Fischer accompanied by Grand Baton.

Anne Rice Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience high-energy performances and crowd interaction at an unforgettable concert.

Sue Foley Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Check venue for pricing — Experience the soulful sounds of an acclaimed blues musician transforming your night into a classic Texas roadhouse vibe.

z-PAX Connect at the LNHA Convention & Trade Show

November 3-5 — Hyatt Regency New Orleans — Registration required — Experience a lineup of educational sessions focused on improving quality care in nursing homes with an '80s theme.

Jason Marsalis Performance

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved Seating — Experience the dynamic rhythms of Jason Marsalis in an evening of jazz fusion.