New
in New Orleans
Sunday, May 4th, 2025
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 4th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ May marks 25 years since McKenzie’s Pastry Shoppes closed after decades as a beloved bakery chain founded in 1924 on Canal Street—its 49 locations and 400 employees left lasting sweet memories in New Orleans. Some original recipes live on through Tastee Donuts, preserving the legacy for future generations. WBOK
- ➤ At Jazz Fest's Gospel Tent, Ryan Milligan and Taylor Turkmen got married in a lively ceremony—festival-goers enjoyed the soulful music and festive atmosphere. WWL-TV
- ➤ New Orleans Catholics hold mixed views on the next pope as cardinals will begin the conclave Tuesday at the Vatican—some parishioners support a leader who continues Pope Francis’ focus on mercy while others favor a traditional approach. The debate comes as the local church faces declining attendance and ongoing parish consolidations following recent closures—raising questions about the future direction of faith in the community. NOLA.com
- ➤ Yesterday, the Contemporary Arts Center at 900 Camp St launched 'Refreshing America: Artists of America from Other Lands' featuring work from over 80 immigrant artists who bring global views to New Orleans— the free reception ran from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the exhibit will remain on view until Aug. 2. WDSU
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Morris Jeff was a pioneer who built recreation and education programs for Black children during segregation, starting as a playground supervisor in 1947 and later serving over 35 years at the New Orleans Recreation Department. His legacy lives on in local institutions (a community school, a park, and a renamed auditorium) that bear his name. WBOK
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Weather Service confirmed that a brief tornado touched down on the southeast side of Belle Terre playground in Marrero and tracked northeast—flipping a shed near the starting point and causing minor roof damage to homes on Adam and Victorian Drives. WDSU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Orleans Parish voters approved Sheriff Susan Hutson’s renewal of a decade-old millage by just two votes from over 25,400 counted ballots, keeping a tax that funds about 20% of the jail’s budget—one of the closest margins in local history. NOLA.com
- ➤ Orleans Parish held its municipal general election on May 3 and released full results showing vote counts in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, St. James, Plaquemines & Terrebonne. The breakdown details how votes were distributed by district. WDSU
- ➤ The Justice Department ended a decades-old school desegregation order in Plaquemines Parish after officials found the district had integrated long ago and now plan to review similar agreements in other Southern districts. Louisiana leaders say the move reduces paperwork for schools while civil rights advocates warn it may lead to renewed segregation (a concern echoed by experts). WDSU
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Gunner Capps is a 19-month-old boy who battled cystic fibrosis from birth, spending 75 days in the NICU after emergency surgery for a bowel blockage. His family is raising awareness and will join the New Orleans CF walk on May 10—hoping for advances in treatment—while he manages daily therapies and pills. WDSU
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Ed Volker & Dave Malone Concert
8 PM – 12 AM — Chickie Wah Wah — Tickets available — Celebrate Jazzfest's end with Ed Volker and Dave Malone accompanied by special guests.
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Wessell Anderson Jazz Concert
6:30-8 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved, $5 Students — Experience an evening of lively jazz with acclaimed musician Wessell Anderson on GiveNOLA Day.
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October London Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Saenger Theatre — Tickets starting at $81 — Experience an electrifying evening with October London in New Orleans.
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Spring Music Festival
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Zony Mash Beer Project — Free entry for under 18 — Celebrate the talent of young musicians with diverse performances across genres.
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Mother's Day Brunch
10 a.m. — The Pelican Club — Starting at $76 — Treat Mom to a memorable 3-course brunch with diverse options for everyone.
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Doug Jones Author Talk and Book Signing
6-8 p.m. — Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore — Ticket required — Debut author Doug Jones discusses his gripping novel on displacement and identity set against the backdrop of the 1996 Olympics.
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Smino Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Joy Theater — Tickets from $40 — Catch Smino live in an electrifying night of hip-hop at Joy Theater.
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NOCCA Spring Jazz Ensemble Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Tickets required — Experience a showcase of New Orleans' talented young musicians led by renowned pianist Michael Pellera.
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George Porter Jr Concert
8-10 p.m. — Tipitina's — Tickets starting at $27 — Enjoy a night of vibrant music from a legendary New Orleans musician.
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BLERDFEST! 2025
11 AM – 6 PM — McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School — Cost not specified — Immerse yourself in a celebration of fandoms at the Gulf Coast's First & Only Black Nerd Festival.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
All progress depends on the unreasonable person.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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