New
in New Orleans
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ French Quarter Festival kicks off today as a parade rolls toward Jackson Square, setting the stage for local music, art and food. Community members are invited to enjoy a day of cultural celebration. WWL-TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana regulators fast-tracked Entergy’s plan to build seven new power plants to support Meta’s expansive AI data center in Richland Parish; final approval is set for December and Meta will cover all costs—keeping expenses off ratepayers. This move boosts the region's power capacity. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ Textron Systems announced a $5.8 million investment to expand manufacturing and engineering operations at three sites in St. Tammany and Orleans parishes, creating 133 direct jobs and retaining 761 positions while boosting local defense production; work will begin at the Gause Boulevard facility in mid-2026 (operations continue during construction). Biz New Orleans
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Natrx uses big data to guide coastal restoration by analyzing wave, wind and water samples so experts can decide where to install Cajun Coral artificial reefs. The new NatrxOS software boosts biodiversity and protects Louisiana shorelines. New Orleans City Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new report shows that New Orleans EMS failed to meet national response standards 71% of the time—raising concerns about local emergency service efficiency. City leaders plan to review the data and work toward improved response times soon. Fox 8
- ➤ The House Natural Resources Committee approved a resolution to remove deer feeding bans in areas with chronic wasting disease (primarily in Tensas and nearby parishes) to support hunting rights and wildlife management; the measure now heads to full House debate. Louisiana Radio Network
- ➤ Rep. Julia Letlow filed the Buy American Seafood Act (which would require federal agencies to purchase U.S. seafood for school meals and military supplies) yesterday to help save Louisiana’s shrinking shrimp industry. Industry leaders say the measure could stabilize prices and jobs. New Orleans City Business
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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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Grahame Lesh & Friends Concert
6:29-9:00 p.m. — Joy Theater — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening with Grahame Lesh & Friends and special guest performances from Midnight North and The Terrapin Family Band.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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