Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana SPCA named five new board members (bringing experience in business, law, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership) to guide strategic growth and boost financial oversight for caring for over 73,000 animals annually. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Award-winning reporter Joseph Cranney has joined the Deep South Today Investigative Reporting Center at Verite News today+ his work will appear in Verite News and The New York Times as he covers key local issues. Verite News
- ➤ Jefferson Parish Libraries are hosting a slate of events at East Bank Regional Library on W. Napoleon Ave in Metairie, featuring a Joan of Arc history talk and a pet wedding on March 21, along with literary discussions, genealogy classes, and an ACT practice test day for high school students. NOLA.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Saronic Technologies is opening a 15,000 sqft office in the 53-story Place St. Charles building at 201 St. Charles Ave, where 75 employees will work with hardware engineers & naval architects on the 180-foot Marauder vessel. The firm plans to hire over 350 Louisiana workers this year. NOLA.com
- ➤ Elaine Williams, Chief Commercial Officer at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, was named an Innovator (for Smart Women in Meetings by Smart Meetings magazine) in recognition of her leadership. Her work strengthens the center’s role as a top event host in New Orleans. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ LCMC Health will raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour starting April 5 for about 400 support staff at its local hospitals and clinics. The wage hike aims to improve recruitment and cut turnover in key operational roles. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ St. Joseph's Day altars honoring a Sicilian tradition are available for viewing across the area, offering baked breads, pastries, fresh produce, and blessings. Events run March 18 and March 19 at locations like Archbishop Chapelle High School (Metairie) and Divine Mercy Parish (Kenner). WDSU
- ➤ City Park will host the 77th Big Bass Fishing Rodeo on March 28 at 6:30 a.m. with catch-and-release contests, a school fishing competition, & a free family Fishtival running from 9 a.m. & through noon at the Popp Bandstand near Café Du Monde. NOLA.com
- ➤ Teyana Taylor is set to serve as chief curator for Essence Festival, scheduled for July 3–5 at Caesars Superdome and other venues in New Orleans. She and her creative collective — The Aunties — will design programming and surprise moments throughout the event. Fox 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ KIPP New Orleans Schools announced that Frederick Douglass High will close next fall as students merge with John F. Kennedy High in Gentilly; it will remain open until year's end. A community meeting is today at 3820 St Claude Ave (4 to 6 p.m.) to address parent questions. Verite News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana officials plan to shift $6.5M to expand the mental health crisis response by building a statewide hub that links to the 988 Helpline. The hub, designed to reduce emergency visits and boost care access, is expected to be in place by year-end. New Orleans City Business
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans city leaders and tourism officials welcomed Team Milk’s Every Woman’s Marathon at a March 17 press conference — the USATF-certified 26.2-mile race is set for Feb. 28 and is expected to generate 15 million dollars in economic impact by drawing thousands of runners and supporters. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ The Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Clippers 124-109 on Wednesday night — Saddiq Bey scored 25 points and Trey Murphy added 23 in a comeback win at home. Fox 8
- ➤ The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team shut out No.8-ranked Oklahoma, 3-0, Tuesday at Pat Kenelly Diamond in Hammond. Five pitchers combined to hold the Sooners to four hits and preserve the win, and the team will begin a four-game road trip Friday from the ballpark. WDSU
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Continental Drifters Concert
8-10:30 p.m. — The Broadside — Ticket prices TBA — Enjoy classic hits and harmonious vibes from a celebrated Vermilion lineup returning to New Orleans.
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Alejandro Canales & Geovane Paiva Santos Concert
4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Cost varies — Experience the smooth sounds of seasoned saxophonist Alejandro Canales and Geovane Paiva Santos during a vibrant concert.
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Phil Degruy & Sasha Elliahna Durta Concert
4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy a vibrant happy hour concert featuring the unique musical blend of Phil Degruy and Sasha Elliahna Durta.
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Charmaine Neville Band Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket required — Experience the captivating sound of Charmaine Neville's rich voice in the vibrant New Orleans jazz scene.
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The Great Gatsby
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the glamour and heartbreak of a Broadway spectacle based on a classic tale.
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Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Tickets required — Enjoy a vibrant jazz party with Delfeayo Marsalis and his esteemed orchestra.
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The Lumineers Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Smoothie King Center — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting melodies and heartfelt lyrics of The Lumineers in a captivating live performance.
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Flow Tribe Live
9 PM – Midnight — Chickie Wah Wah — Tickets start at $86 — Experience the unforgettable sounds of Flow Tribe in an iconic New Orleans venue.
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ARD Research Symposium 2026
March 28-31 — Hyatt Regency New Orleans — Participation fees may apply — Explore innovations in food, health, and agriculture at this collaborative symposium.
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Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Performance
4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check website for entry fees — Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz infused with Tom Hook's extensive industry experience.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It's not about the goal. It's about growing to become the person that can accomplish the goal.
~ Tony Robbins
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