New
in New Orleans
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Norman C. Francis, Xavier University’s president for 47 years, is remembered as a community leader who hosted Freedom Riders and led recovery after Katrina, leaving a historic impact on local education + civil rights. NOLA.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Vivace, a local aerospace contractor, is building the main structure for Starlab, a $3 billion commercial space station for research and tourism. The company plans to finish the cone section by June at its Michoud facility (a key boost for high-tech jobs). NOLA.com
- ➤ Gulf South Angels will host a free webinar called The Legal Brief on Feb. 25 from noon to 1:00 p.m. CST. The session, presented with AdamsIP, will help startups understand and monetize intellectual property (IP) assets. Biz New Orleans
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Since November, the Coast Guard has conducted immigration raids near Hopedale on Louisiana docks (resulting in the drowning of worker Walter Cerrato), leaving local seafood industry workers fearful of further enforcement actions. New Orleans City Business
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At noon on Wednesday, Archbishop James Checchio held his first mass at the historic St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter and gave ashes to hundreds, including Pelicans owner Gayle Benson. He switched chairs with his predecessor, marking a new era for New Orleans Catholics. WDSU
- ➤ Tourism sites in New Orleans emphasize Mardi Gras and famous food while visitors must search hard for Black history details. Local experts say guided tours and added markers in places like Congo Square can better honor how enslaved communities shaped the city's music & cuisine. Verite News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans & Company celebrated a successful Mardi Gras with 90% hotel occupancy as its Fat Tuesday broadcast from St. Charles Avenue headquarters reached 30 markets and hosted international journalists, while the RecycleDat program expanded recycling along parade routes to support a sustainable celebration. WDSU
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Verite News found lead in tap water in 6 of 10 homes on Congress Street in the Upper Ninth Ward, a risk for daily tap water users. The Sewerage and Water Board said it may take years to replace tens of thousands of lead pipes — leaving many at risk. Verite News
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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.
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Loom Music Night
9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. — Siberia — $12.47 — Experience an eclectic night of music with Laura Fisher, Theresa Romero, and Avian TV.
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The Grammy Winning Hot 8 Brass Band
10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticket prices vary — Experience the infectious energy of a Grammy-winning brass band in the heart of New Orleans.
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Fair Grounds Live Racing
12:45 – 2:45 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Experience exciting live horse racing in a vibrant atmosphere with buffet dining options.
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Morgan Jay Live Performance
7 PM — Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of music and comedy with Morgan Jay, a rising star from Los Angeles.
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Sticky Fingers Concert
7-10 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Cashless venue — Experience live music in the heart of New Orleans at a renowned venue.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout New in New Orleans
Welcome to the New in New Orleans, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the New Orleans, Louisiana community. If you like the New in New Orleans, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in New Orleans.
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