New
in New Orleans
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ First responders are addressing staffing concerns following Tuesday’s Metairie parade and Sunday’s safety lapses as they prepare for more Mardi Gras events, with officials (staff shortages persist) urging celebrants to follow safety guidelines for a secure festival. Fox 8
- ➤ Airbnb announced a $150,000 investment in four local nonprofits, including Son of a Saint, to support youth development, education, and housing programs and will schedule volunteer events in spring. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Clover has named Dr. Arnel W. Cosey as the new CEO effective April 1 while longtime CEO Dr. Keith Liederman retires after more than 20 years leading the nonprofit. They will co-lead through March 31 (she is the first person of color to head the organization). New Orleans City Business
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Saks Fifth Avenue will close its Canal Place store by the end of April as part of Saks Global's Chapter 11 restructuring, ending a 40-year presence. Canal Place management is already talking with potential tenants (aiming for a fresh retail mix) as the local market stays strong. New Orleans City Business
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Laron Nelson of Opulent Designs creates custom Mardi Gras costumes and ornate collars for krewes like Zulu Social Aid (and others), producing over 400 headpieces each Carnival season while finishing a pink and gold headpiece on Monday, Feb. 9 for the Grand Marshal of the Krewe of Music parade. Verite News
- ➤ Mardi Gras parades take over New Orleans this week as groups ride the West Bank, St. Charles Avenue, and French Quarter from Feb. 11 to 17 (each krewe offers unique traditions and signature throws including glittered shoes, genie lamps, and hand-decorated sunglasses). NOLA.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Percy Gillard, a NOCCA full-day student, won a 2026 YoungArts award in film/animation for his animated short film 'Keeping Wyrm' (a tale of friendship and adventure) that impressed national judges and marked him as one of the top emerging artists nationwide. NOLA.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in New Orleans East report a strong sewage odor from a canal along Dwyer Road, and the Sewerage and Water Board said it identified discharge issues near the Castle Manor pumping station in December. Crews surveyed the area last week, began water testing Saturday, and plan to inspect and clean sewer lines over the next month. WWL-TV
- ➤ Recycle Dat collected 13,983 lbs of recyclables (70,000 cans, 30,000 bottles, 6,500 glass bottles, and 16,000 throws) during the first two Carnival weekends. The program will resume on Muses Thursday and the weekend before Mardi Gras along eight Uptown sites with prizes like Pelicans tickets offered. WWL-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new analysis from the Commonwealth Fund found that Louisiana families spent 15.6% of their income on premiums & deductibles in 2024, the highest rate among 19 states, and rising costs may push some to delay care. New Orleans City Business
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans home sales increased 17% in January with 739 transactions and an average price of $361,909 while new listings rose by 2.8% to 1,739. Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany Parishes showed different trends that set an active start to 2026. New Orleans City Business
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Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala
8 p.m. — 8700 Lake Forest Blvd — Ticketed event — Celebrate in style with masks, dancing, and exquisite food and drinks.
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Cajun Holiday Fest on Paddlewheeler Creole Queen
6-9 p.m. — Paddlewheeler Creole Queen — $140 — Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic cruise featuring live jazz, gourmet dining, and champagne.
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Tom McDermott & Suzanne Ortner Concert
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check venue for cost — Experience the rich piano traditions of New Orleans with renowned musician Tom McDermott.
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Rebirth Brass Band Live Performance
9 PM – 1 AM — The Rabbit Hole — Tickets available — Experience the Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band leading the New Orleans brass band revival.
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Swing Out with Rev Roderick Paulin & The Congregation
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Cost info not provided — Experience vibrant jazz music from the son of a legendary New Orleans band leader.
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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
6-8 p.m. — Smoothie King Center — Tickets starting at $19 — Catch an exciting NBA match as the Pelicans face off against the 76ers!
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Natalie Prauser Concert
9 p.m. — Siberia — $12.47 — Experience the soulful blend of 60s folk and 70s outlaw country with Natalie Prauser's captivating storytelling.
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Roger Lewis & Baritone Bliss
4:30-6:00 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket information not provided — Legendary baritone sax player Roger Lewis brings his soulful sound to New Orleans.
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The Enigma Variations Orchestra Rehearsal
12-2 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — $15 for adults — Experience a behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra's rehearsal with insights from the musicians and conductor.
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Love Letters by A.R. Gurney
7-9:30 p.m. — Crescent City Stage Co. — Tickets available — Experience a heartfelt exploration of love through intimate letters.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The reason to win the game is so that you can be free of it.
~ Naval Ravikant
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