New
in New Orleans
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On March 15, city officials revealed new designs for the Hung Dao Heritage Garden project in Lower Algiers to turn a blighted area into a Vietnamese cultural hub with playgrounds, gardens, and drainage features (planned to manage stormwater during heavy rains) as they seek additional funding. Verite News
- ➤ The Big Easy Fair is in its final weekend in New Orleans East, where families enjoy rides, games and carnival treats at the former Lake Forest Plaza site — organizers offer free admission on Thursday and discounted ride wristbands via social media to boost local spirit. WWL-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bon Bon Vivant will perform at Wednesday at the Square next week + the event offers local music fans a lively preview of upcoming live shows. WWL-TV
- ➤ UNO students and faculty joined tribal leaders in Terrebonne Parish on March 14 to document the oral history of the Pointe au Chien Tribe. Anthropology student Jody Billiot led youth in practical projects and ended the visit with a gift exchange — featuring ceramic bowls crafted using traditional techniques. University of New Orleans
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Over 3,000 public high school freshmen and 50 businesses met at the Career Expo on March 18 at Lakefront Arena at UNO as YouthForce NOLA and Junior Achievement showcased hands-on displays in digital media, health sciences, crafts and business services with sponsors like Hancock Whitney Bank + FUEL lending support. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine joined a new initiative with HHS & the Department of Education to require at least 40 hours of nutrition education for medical students starting fall; the move aims to equip future doctors with skills to manage diet-related chronic diseases. Biz New Orleans
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans is asking residents for input on its first citywide Heat Action Plan. The survey is open until May 1 and a virtual public meeting is scheduled for March 30 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. (organized by city offices) to share initial findings. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Louisiana Innovation announced the launch of the Water Innovation Studio at The Water Institute in Baton Rouge today to support water management solutions. Its Headwaters program (with The Idea Village) and Confluence will help researchers and engineers test prototypes and pilot projects. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Louisiana lawmakers are proposing bills to expand training programs, lower scholarship eligibility and add a new Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program to meet growing demand for skilled trades in construction and industry — a move aimed at boosting blue-collar pipelines across community colleges and training centers statewide. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ The Sewerage and Water Board said crews are working on 454 malfunctioning hydrants across the city, though some repair orders date back to last January. A Gentilly church still has water running from a nearby hydrant — leaving residents worried about fire safety. WDSU
- ➤ A Louisiana bill that gives local communities a vote on adding or removing fluoride from drinking water has advanced to the full Senate. The revised measure avoids a statewide ban by requiring a 15% petition threshold and faces criticism from dental experts (state health groups) over potential health risks. New Orleans City Business
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the Pelicans beat the Clippers 105-99 at home. Trey Murphy III led with 27 points, and teammates Saddiq Bey (20) and Zion Williamson (15) helped extend their seven-game home winning streak. Fox 8
- ➤ Louisiana football stars Booger McFarland and Roman Harper have been named to the Senior Bowl 2026 Hall of Fame class. They join famed athletes including Harry Agganis and Jason Campbell in this honor. WRNO
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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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Charmaine Neville Band Live Show
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant blend of R&B, Jazz, and world rhythms from Charmaine Neville, the torchbearer of New Orleans musical legacy.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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