Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 5th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ WDSU today announced Scot Pilié as its new chief meteorologist and he will lead the First Warning Weather team with broadcasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. The New Orleans native joined as a freelancer in late 2025 (bringing years of hurricane coverage experience). WDSU
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Two University of New Orleans teams competed in the Pelican Cup hosted by the University of Louisiana Monroe, where 44 teams participated with 12 reaching finals. Graduate team Entelechy debuted with Camo Chameleon to boost social-emotional skills while SensorySync placed third and won a $10,000 prize. University of New Orleans
- ➤ New Orleans entrepreneurs can submit retail-ready product pitches through 5 p.m. May 8 for the Pitch Smart: Retail Ready competition at the Convention Center—an event that will feature a Shark Tank-style pitch on June 11 and showcase the winning product in Dutch’s Corner. WDSU
- ➤ Spirit Airlines abruptly ceased operations today at Louis Armstrong International Airport, leaving thousands of travelers seeking rebooking as United, Delta, JetBlue & Southwest offer temporary rescue fares. The shutdown has also affected 17,000 Spirit employees based at the airport. WRNO
- ➤ Progress is underway for Louisiana's first Buc-ee's in Ruston as walls have gone up for a 70,000 sqft store with 100+ fuel pumps; the project is expected to open in 2027. WDSU
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jazz Fest drew over 475,000 people in New Orleans this year, building on its humble start of 350 attendees. Organizers announced next year’s dates as April 22nd—May 2nd. WWL-TV
- ➤ The 2026 Jazz Fest ended Sunday with around 400,000 attendees enjoying food and music in New Orleans — fans already made lineup suggestions — and organizers say 90 percent of the performers were local while applications for next year open on June 1. WRNO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ During Jazz Fest's second weekend, hotel occupancy in New Orleans increased significantly as many visitors arrived to enjoy the festival. Local hotels reported a marked rise in bookings — highlighting the festival's economic boost for the community. Fox 8
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local nonprofit KID smART will host Best Fest (its annual end-of-year exhibition) to offer art education to students in Orleans and Jefferson parishes. WWL-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Orleans Parish School Board will vote today at 10 a.m.+ The board's decision on a settlement to end an $11 million annual fee dispute with the city will be shared at a joint news conference scheduled for 2:30 p.m. NOLA.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ LCMC Health’s East Jefferson, Touro, and West Jefferson hospitals were honored nationally for maternity care; West Jefferson earned 'High Performing' status from U.S. News and World Report (using key metrics) and the others made Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals list, underscoring their safe and compassionate care. Biz New Orleans
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WYES Juleps & Generosity
7-11 p.m. — Paulette And Frank Stewart Innovation Center For Educational Media — Refunds available — Celebrate the spirit of generosity at WYES while enjoying mint juleps and festive atmosphere.
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The Molly Ringwalds Live
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Southport Hall — $15 adv — Experience the world's greatest 80's tribute band from Sheffield, England.
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New Orleans Ballet Theatre Presents Cinderella
2-5 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Check event page for pricing — Experience the magic of Cinderella with the New Orleans Ballet Theatre this Mother's Day weekend.
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Charmaine Neville Band Live Performance
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticketed entry — Experience the soul of New Orleans through Charmaine Neville's vibrant R&B and Jazz performance.
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The Black Angels Concert
7:00–8:30 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — $42–$209 — Experience the psychedelic rock vibes of The Black Angels in a lively New Orleans setting.
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Gabrielle Cavassa 'DIAVOLA' Album Release
7:30-10:30 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Tickets start at $29.40 — Celebrate the launch of a new album by a local artist in the vibrant music scene of New Orleans.
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Andre Bohren Performance
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved, $5 Student Tickets — Experience an evening of diverse musical talent from lifelong musician Andre Bohren.
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Fund 17's Living Like Water| Immersive Experience Community Day
The Living Like Water Immersive Experience Community Day is a one-day gathering connecting New Orleans entrepreneurs, environmental leaders, land stewards, and workforce partners around climate resilience, public health, and emerging economic opportunities. Through a panel conversation, hands-on demonstration, and networking experience, the event is designed to bring direct access to the people, industries, and ideas shaping the future of the Gulf South.
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Britney Chauntae Live Performance
4:30-6 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Free performance — Experience the powerful vocals of Britney Chauntae in an enchanting happy hour concert.
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Christian Fellowship Picnic at Longue Vue
1-3 p.m. — Longue Vue House and Gardens — $20 for Non-Members + $15 garden entry — Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of blooms, picnic, and meaningful discussions with fellow Christians.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout New in New Orleans
Welcome to the New in New Orleans, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the New Orleans, Louisiana community. If you like the New in New Orleans, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in New Orleans.
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