New
in New Orleans
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ CASA Jefferson is recruiting volunteers to serve as advocates for the twenty children awaiting safe, permanent homes in Jefferson Parish. Volunteer training will begin Monday, May 4 + interested supporters can register to help protect foster children's well-being. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ New Orleans Main Library could reopen Friday after a weeks-long closure due to a water issue (officials say final repairs are nearly complete). WWL-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Galatoire's named Nicole Theriot as Director of Culinary Operations, making her the first woman to lead the kitchen in over 120 years. Born in Terrebonne Parish and trained at Nicholls State and Compère Lapin, she will uphold the restaurant’s traditions across its three venues+strengthen its culinary legacy. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A rare Banksy mural from New Orleans, painted after Hurricane Katrina on a Jackson Avenue building, sold for $750,000 at an auction in the Netherlands before reaching its uncertain future. The restored artwork is now on display at the Presbytère (further plans for its return are not confirmed). WWL-TV
- ➤ Four New Orleans nominees are in the James Beard Awards Finalists round; the group includes chefs from Link Restaurant Group (Pêche Seafood Grill, Herbsaint, and Cochon), Emeril’s, Acamaya, and Dakar NOLA. The nominees were announced on Mar. 31, and winners will be celebrated in Chicago on June 15. Fox 8
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices soared past $4 per gallon on Tuesday as international conflicts pushed crude oil costs higher, which may soon raise pump prices for New Orleans drivers (AAA reported a national average of $4.02). Fox 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Nunez Community College will host a free public watch party today at 5 p.m. at the STCCC Building for NASA’s Artemis II launch, celebrating Michoud engineers who aided design & assembly of the rocket's core stage. Fox 8
- ➤ At Audubon Gentilly, seventh graders recently completed smart city designs that address local challenges like energy use and resource shortages. The hands-on project used STEM lessons and involved family collaboration to create sustainable innovative models. WWL-TV
- ➤ Louisiana attorney Gordon McKernan has launched the sixth annual Gordon’s Grads giveaway that will award 15 free laptops to high school seniors graduating in 2026. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay or 90-second video, and winners will be announced May 4. WDSU
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Seafood samples (shrimp, blue crabs, and oysters) tested after the LOOP spill showed no oil contamination from the heavy, sulfur-rich crude released into the Gulf. Officials updated an online portal on March 30 with detailed test data. New Orleans City Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Based on survey results, the city will soon develop a heat action plan to help residents counteract rising heat risks. Consultants have recommended measures (such as adding cooling centers) and officials will review survey responses until May before presenting a draft plan to the City Council by June 1. NOLA.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ochsner Health is expanding its Eat Fit program across local dining and retail spaces to provide nutritious items at up to 50% off. The initiative will work with Tulane and Xavier to study its impact on healthier choices over the next three years — a boost for community health. Biz New Orleans
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Bard at the Batture: Spring Awakening
5:30-8 p.m. — The Batture — $20-$40 — Experience Shakespeare's timeless tales of love and renewal by the riverfront as the sun sets.
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McNeese State Cowboys vs. New Orleans Privateers Baseball
2-5 p.m. — Privateer Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting Southland Conference baseball showdown in the heart of New Orleans.
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New Orleans Pelicans vs. Orlando Magic
6:00 – 8:15 p.m. — Smoothie King — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy matchup between the Pelicans and Magic at home.
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ZZ Top Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate classic rock with ZZ Top's electrifying performance in New Orleans.
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The Wards: All Strings Attached
6:30-8 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — Ticket details TBA — Enjoy a multigenerational live jazz and funk experience led by a family of violinists.
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Roadway7 Live at The Howlin' Wolf
7-11 p.m. — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticketed event — Enjoy an eclectic mix of rock and folk-rock from emerging New Orleans bands Roadway7, The Cicadas, and Collections.
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Ciara Elise Album Release Show
9:30 p.m. — Gasa Gasa — $8 — Celebrate the release of Ciara Elise's new album with an energizing performance.
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Hondo Rodeo Fest featuring Jason Aldean and Lynyrd Skynyrd
2:30-8 p.m. — Caesars Superdome — Friday Pass Only — Celebrate Western culture with music and rodeo excitement.
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Leonid & Friends Live in Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience the musical magic of Leonid and Friends' renditions of Chicago's legendary hits.
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Anna Laura Quinn Live Performance
4:30-8:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy a happy hour concert with Anna Laura Quinn.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The longer you wait to do something, the more likely you are to find a reason not to do it.
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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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