New
in New Orleans
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Lower 9th Ward faces major changes as the Army Corps of Engineers plans to widen the Industrial Canal and Sunrise Foods prepares to convert a historic wharf for grain storage—measures that may temporarily displace 65 families and alter local environmental safety over the next 13 to 20 years. The Lens
- ➤ The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Line, averaging 400 passengers per trip + serving the Gulf South since last August, will board its 100,000th rider on Tuesday, April 21. A celebration will begin at 7 a.m. at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal with certificates + gifts before the 7:15 a.m. departure. WWL-TV
- ➤ Numerous events are underway across New Orleans from today through next week, including music and food festivals, art shows, job fairs, and wellness seminars. Residents can enjoy local concerts, community cleanups, and cultural gatherings at venues from the French Quarter to suburban neighborhoods (event details are available online). NOLA.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans CityBusiness releases the Maritime and Energy Impact 2026 publication, which examines Southeast Louisiana’s maritime and energy sectors including global trade, port operations, shipbuilding and evolving energy strategy. It highlights record-setting cruise growth at Port NOLA plus major infrastructure upgrades across the Gulf Coast. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ Textron Systems is investing $5.8M to expand defense manufacturing in St. Tammany and Orleans, creating 133 direct jobs and indirect roles through phased work until 2027. The project includes a shipyard upgrade at 19401 Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East (22 jobs) with initial work beginning in 2026. New Orleans City Business
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ French Quarter Fest 2026 is slated for a four-day run in the French Quarter, featuring over 300 musical acts on 21 stages and 70 food vendors offering more than 200 dishes. Local musicians and longtime vendors, such as Vaucresson Creole Cafe & Deli, are preparing for this busy event. Fox 8
- ➤ Willie Mae’s Scotch House will appear at the French Quarter Festival for the first time — its debut adds fresh flavor to the iconic celebration in New Orleans. The preview highlights the restaurant’s new role at this beloved local event. WWL-TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ GNO Inc. and Bank of America released the 2025 Greater New Orleans Jobs Report, which shows that healthcare remains the largest employer while the energy sector leads in wages. The report offers updated wage benchmarks and skill demand data to guide workforce training and economic planning across the region. New Orleans City Business
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana lawmakers advanced bills Tuesday to study the TOPS program’s return on investment and to consider requiring repayment from students who drop out or fail — efforts aimed at aligning education funding with workforce needs. New Orleans City Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Jeff Landry's Office of Victims Advocacy and the Fourteens Foundation held a press conference on Wednesday at 1 p.m. to announce final recommendations for a permanent memorial in New Orleans honoring the 14 lives lost during the Jan. 1 terror attack in the French Quarter. WDSU
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ ARNO (a local non-profit shelter) highlights Baby Girl as its pet of the week. The dog, two years old and weighing 40 pounds, is known for her sweetness and charm as she awaits adoption. NOLA.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tulane beat Southeastern 8-4 in a midweek baseball game. The Green Wave jumped to a 5-0 lead in the first inning before Southeastern cut the gap with a solo home run, but Tulane held on for the win. Fox 8
- ➤ LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed rival to the PGA Tour, will host a tournament at Bayou Oaks at City Park from June 25 to 28. Local sources say planning remains on track despite global reports of executive meetings and potential changes. WDSU
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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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John 'Papa' Gros Solo Performance
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved, $5 Student — Experience the vibrant sound of New Orleans through the music of John 'Papa' Gros.
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Jill Butler's Joyride
5-6 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful happy hour concert featuring Jill Butler's Joyride.
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Candlelight Concert - Neo-Soul Favorites
6-7 p.m. — Hotel Peter and Paul — Tickets required — Experience a magical evening with the sounds of neo-soul in a stunning atmosphere.
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King Tuff Live with Morgan Nagler
7:30-9 p.m. — Gasa Gasa — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy a night of nostalgic tunes as King Tuff performs with Morgan Nagler.
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The Iguanas Live Performance
4:30-6:00 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free entry — Enjoy a happy hour concert featuring The Iguanas in a vibrant New Orleans venue.
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Mike Dillon's New Orleans Percussion Consortium
10 PM – 1 AM — Gasa Gasa — Ticket prices not specified — Experience a unique blend of psychedelic rock, jazz, punk, and funk with percussion innovator Mike Dillon and his all-star lineup.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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