New
in New Orleans
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Jefferson Parish officials secured nearly $9 million to build a 12,000 sqft New Orleans Food and Beverage Incubator in Westwego. Construction will begin this fall to boost food entrepreneurs from southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. NOLA.com
- ➤ Spotlight St. Bernard will host a business expo and job fair on Wednesday, Apr. 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the Val Riess Complex in Chalmette (1101 Magistrate St.) to help local companies connect with job seekers and showcase services. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ LadyBEAST has opened BEAST Studios in Arabi to offer circus arts training for beginners and professionals. This spring, the studio will launch a six-week training series, specialty workshops with guest artists, and a youth program just minutes from downtown. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ WDSU is set to broadcast the Hondo Rodeo Fest from the Caesars Superdome from April 10 to 12. The rodeo airs each night at 6 p.m. on the Very Local app or MeTV, Channel 6.2, featuring top rodeo competition + music. WDSU
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Development District released its 2026 State of Downtown report, noting 39.6 million visits in 2025, a 7% population increase, and an 8% rise in median income. Officials said the data signals strong economic growth and job recovery in a district generating 30% of Orleans Parish sales tax revenue. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ New Orleans tourism is set to grow in 2026 as the Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park opens in April & British Airways increases flights to London. A busy lineup including Hondo Rodeo Fest, Zurich Classic & LIV Golf will boost visitor numbers & local economic activity. New Orleans City Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Senator Royce Duplessis has filed two bills to let public funds cover private water line replacements after new data shows many properties may still be served by lead pipes. More than $150 million in federal funding remains underused as state law limits spending on private property. WDSU
- ➤ Louisiana lawmakers are advancing bills—HB1088 and HB1179 offer tax rebates and exemptions for aerospace projects that must promise $1B investment and 200 jobs—to replicate prior data center incentives that lured major investments. The package aims to boost large aerospace development statewide. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ A federal judge allowed mifepristone to be prescribed by mail for now after rejecting a Louisiana request to block the practice. The ruling keeps the current process in place as legal reviews continue. WWL-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Governor Landry signed an executive order on Thursday, April 9th establishing the Office of Rural Health Transformation within the Louisiana Department of Health to expand rural health care access, backed by $208 million in federal funding. The order also creates a Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council to guide improvements. Biz New Orleans
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jeremiah Fears set a Pelicans rookie record with 40 points as the team snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 156-137 win over the Jazz, who suffered their tenth straight loss. WWL-TV
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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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The Ven Aqui Show Featuring Kai De Lua
8-12 p.m. — Gasa Gasa — Tickets $7 — Enjoy a vibrant night of music with Kai De Lua in a fantastic local venue.
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French Quarter Festival 2026
11 AM - 8 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — $449+ — Experience the vibrant culture of New Orleans with exclusive VIP amenities at the French Quarter Festival.
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Justin Hayward: The Story In Your Eyes Tour
8-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience the iconic music of Justin Hayward live in New Orleans.
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Grayson Brockamp's Wildlife Duo Concert
4:30-6 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy a lively happy hour concert featuring local talent in a vibrant setting.
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Bored Teachers Comedy Tour: Is It Friday Yet?!
3-6 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience hilarious teacher-comedy that resonates with anyone involved in education.
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ASI Show fASIlitate 2026 New Orleans
Apr 20-23 — The Windsor Court — Registration required — A premier hosted-buyer event fostering meaningful connections in the promotional products industry.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The smaller the change, the easier it is to stick to.
~ James Clear
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