New
in New Orleans
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Barcelo Gardens in the Upper 9th Ward offers free garden classes and a fresh market to help ease food deserts. Started in 2019, the community initiative now operates at 3340 Piety St and organizes the Lafreniere Park Farmers Arts Market. NOLA.com
- ➤ NASA's Artemis II has opened its launch window for a 10-day lunar fly-around mission with four astronauts, a step toward landing near the moon’s south pole. Boeing workers at Michoud Assembly Facility helped build the Artemis core stage. Fox 8
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The new startup hub at the old Navy Base near the Industrial Canal will house Newlab’s climate-tech companies focusing on carbon capture and hydrogen production. It is set to open early next year — though local experts have raised concerns about its environmental benefits. WWNO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ticket prices for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival are rising ahead of the event at Fair Grounds Race Course, as tier two sales add $10 to single-day admission with a further increase set for late April (Louisiana residents also get discounted tickets by using a matching in‑state ZIP code). WWL-TV
- ➤ In late January, Blue Cypress Books in Carrollton celebrated the retirement of beloved Kitty Meow (who served 17 years) with a festive party that drew hundreds with brandy milk punch and special merchandise, highlighting the strong community bond built through unique bookstore events. NOLA.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rex Organization’s Pro Bono Publico Foundation awarded Lift All Boats a ($100,000 grant) to boost education leadership in local schools. The nonprofit will use the funds as the first installment of a three-year, ($400,000 strategic grant) to build stronger leadership pipelines. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ University of New Orleans will modify academic programs starting July 1 as it transitions to the LSU system, with changes affecting arts, international studies, and education while current students can finish their degrees. The effort aims to align courses with regional job needs. NOLA.com
- ➤ Tulane University has announced Sterling K. Brown (star of 'This Is Us') will deliver the keynote address at its 2026 Unified Commencement at Caesars Superdome on Saturday, May 16. Tulane President Michael A. Fitts said the actor’s inspiring career and community work will motivate graduates. WDSU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ NASA is launching its first spaceship to the moon today, and New Orleans’ Michoud Assembly facility built propellant tanks for the Artemis II mission (carrying 733 gallons of fuel). The facility retooled after the Space Shuttle retirement to support lunar flight with the Orion crew module carrying four astronauts. Louisiana Radio Network
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Buck moth caterpillars with painful stings are emerging this spring as heavy rains boost oak canopies—experts warn increased numbers could affect lawns and public spaces. They advise timely, organic insecticide spraying to reduce risks and protect families. NOLA.com
- ➤ Mid-City Veterinary Hospital celebrates 15 years serving local pets with services like grooming, boarding and in-house lab work. Founded by Dr. Audrey Hess in a repurposed former Tyler’s Oyster Bar on Orleans Avenue, the hospital remains a trusted care resource for nearby pet owners. Biz New Orleans
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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.
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Pump Action Co-Headline Tour
9 p.m. — Gasa Gasa — $15 — Experience the high-energy funk rock of Pump Action and The Retrograde with soaring guitar solos and engaging grooves.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Reading changes your mind, applying changes your life.
~ James Clear
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