New
in New Orleans
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans is cleaning up after Mardi Gras ended on Tuesday when city officials marched down Bourbon Street. Local hotels reported 90-percent occupancy and nearly seven tons of waste was recycled, including 70,000 aluminum cans + other recyclables. WRNO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Board of Directors at Metairie Bank and Trust Co. has elected Lindsay J. Calub as a new board member. Calub, managing partner of Duplantier, Hrapmann, Hogan & Maher, CPAs, brings 43 years of experience in auditing, taxation and civic leadership to boost the bank's service in Greater New Orleans. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grammy Award-winning PJ Morton will headline the French Quarter Festival from April 16 to 19, marking his first performance at the event since 2014 & affirming his deep local ties as the festival features Louisiana acts like Bobby Rush and Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars. WDSU
- ➤ New Orleans is hosting the 10th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend (featuring authors, workshops, comedy, and a jazz brunch) from Feb. 19 to 21, offering a mix of events for all to enjoy. WWL-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Former Xavier University president Norman C. Francis died early Wednesday (Feb. 18) at age 94. Alumni remembered his nearly 50-year leadership at the historically Black and Catholic university and the way he rebuilt the school following Hurricane Katrina. Verite News
- ➤ Nearly 350 local students will showcase projects at Tulane University's 70th annual GNO Science and Engineering Fair starting Monday, Feb. 23, spotlighting local innovation. WWL-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Smitty’s Supply Inc.’s plant that exploded last year resumed treated stormwater discharges into the Tangipahoa River on Monday after final testing confirmed water met strict standards. The emergency permit allows 1 million gallons per day for two months, though Northshore Riverwatch (local environmental group) urges stronger protections. NOLA.com
- ➤ LSU scientist Bhuvnesh Bharti developed a castor-oil foam that filters up to 85% of microplastics from water with repeated cycles. The study published in the Royal Society of Chemistry remains in early stages and further research is needed to address cost and mixed contaminants. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ RecycleDAT! has diverted nearly 14,000 pounds of recyclables from landfills in the first two Carnival weekends, boosting Mardi Gras sustainability. The local coalition led by Grounds Krewe, New Orleans & Company, Glass Half Full, Osprey Initiative and the city’s Office of Sustainability plans to expand recycling hubs and reward programs. Biz New Orleans
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ LASPCA will operate with $1.3 million in city funding for 2026 after a 38% cut from last year, reducing services to handling only animal emergencies and cutting adoption center hours (the agency hopes this change is temporary). Fox 8
- ➤ Mayor Helena Moreno announced a master plan to restore Municipal Auditorium and Armstrong Park as the city closed a $750,000 funding gap through bond funds + awaits clarification on $40 million in federal disaster grant money. Community members look forward to seeing local heritage honored in the revamped space. WWL-TV
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans' rental market has shifted in favor of tenants as vacancy rates topped 10%, following years of tight inventory and rising costs — the Realtor.com January Rental Report shows similar trends nationwide. Biz New Orleans
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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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