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Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

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Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 22nd of February.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • On Friday, Feb. 20, hundreds gathered on West Bank at the first Lenten fish fries where St. John Paul II Church (which prepared nearly 300 meals) and the Westwego Volunteer Fire Department fried fish and shrimp to raise funds for local causes.  WDSU
  • Members of Laissez Boys of New Orleans collected thousands of beads after Mardi Gras to help protect trees & recycle usable beads for the community.  WWL-TV

BUSINESS NEWS

  • The Winn-Dixie on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie is closing permanently as ALDI plans to convert the site before year-end. Discounts are available as inventory clears (and employees get first pick for new positions) as part of Southeastern Grocers’ exit from Louisiana.  WWL-TV

CULTURE NEWS

  • The New Orleans Jazz Club kicked off its 2026 season yesterday from 2 to 6 p.m. at Mo's Chalet in Metairie — inviting musicians of all skill levels to play classic New Orleans tunes.  WDSU
  • Vietnamese-Americans in New Orleans East host Tet Fest to celebrate Lunar New Year this weekend. Today at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church, the free festival runs until 10 p.m. and offers food, games + cultural traditions honoring the Year of the Fire Horse.  Fox 8
  • University of New Orleans Press published an interview featuring Chelsey Shannon discussing her work on editing Brenda Quant’s essay collection, From the Back of a Bus Named Desire. The discussion — guided by veteran editor Susan Larson — highlights New Orleans’ long literary tradition.  WWNO
  • City officials announced a Strategic Master Plan to revitalize Armstrong Park and Municipal Auditorium with $1M in pending funds. The planning process — scheduled to run for 9 to 12 months — will create a cultural hub that honors New Orleans history and drives future economic growth.  Biz New Orleans
  • WWL Legend Frank Davis explains (in a throwback style) that Lent in New Orleans means an abundance of seafood, underscoring a vibrant local tradition.  WWL-TV
  • The Downtown Development District reported over 2 million visits during peak Carnival season, marking record-breaking Mardi Gras tourism. Officials say the figures highlight a robust return of visitors to New Orleans since the pandemic, fueling local celebration & economic recovery.  WWL-TV

ECONOMY NEWS

  • After cold weather and labor delays slowed the start, crawfish vendors now expect supply to improve and prices to drop to normal by Easter, as warming temperatures boost harvests in Louisiana.  NOLA.com

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Construction is underway on an $84.5M roadway at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (cutting shuttle travel time by half and reducing traffic on Veterans Memorial Boulevard) with the first phase opening by the end of 2026 and full completion expected in 2027.  WWL-TV

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Saks Fifth Avenue will close its Canal Place store by the end of April, opening nearly 75,000 sqft for a new tenant on Canal Street. City leaders & mall officials are moving quickly to secure high-end retail replacement.  NOLA.com

SPORTS NEWS

  • Jordan Poole scored 23 points (with five 3-pointers) to help the Pelicans top the 76ers 126-111 on Saturday night. Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey added key points as New Orleans built a strong late lead in a tight game.  Fox 8

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Tue, 2/24/26

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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.

    Wed, 2/25/26

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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.

    Thu, 2/26/26

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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.

    Fri, 2/27/26

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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.

    Sat, 2/28/26

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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.

    Sun, 3/1/26

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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.

    Fri, 3/6/26

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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.

    Sat, 3/7/26

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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.

    Sun, 3/8/26

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  • P.L.A.N. Appraiser & Umpire Certification Course

    8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Convention Center — Ticket required — Gain essential skills in property loss appraisal and umpire certification over five insightful days.

    Mon, 3/9/26

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REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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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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