New
in New Orleans
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, drew 475,000 fans and featured artists from Louisiana and beyond before concluding on May 3; the 2027 event will run from Apr. 22 to May 2. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Blucid Floral in the Lower 9th Ward is hosting its first Bouquet Fest tomorrow at 9 a.m. at 5113 St. Claude Ave, featuring interactive bouquet building, live music + food, and a refreshed space to celebrate Mother's Day weekend. WWL-TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana Public Broadcasting has released a new episode of Louisiana Spotlight titled 'Empty Boats, Foreign Shrimp' that examines challenges local shrimpers face from rising imports and tighter regulations. The program is now available to stream. Louisiana Radio Network
- ➤ American Sugar Refining broke ground on a $785M modernization project at the Domino Sugar Chalmette Refinery in St. Bernard Parish, set to upgrade refining equipment and add 15 new jobs (while keeping 500 current positions) with the first phase expected to operate in 2028. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Gas prices in Louisiana rose above $4 per gallon, reaching $4.02 Thursday morning as the summer travel season approaches. Smaller parishes saw steeper increases compared to Orleans (at $3.97) and Baton Rouge (at $3.94), marking a significant rise since March. NOLA.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Loyola University New Orleans will host commencement ceremonies on May 9 at the Smoothie King Center. Rev. Thomas P. Greene, S.J. will deliver the address for both undergraduate and law students. Biz New Orleans
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Tulane University study warns that rising sea levels are gradually eroding New Orleans’ coast and could let gulf waters reach the city – Dr. Törnqvist advises residents to plan relocation and restart the sediment diversion project to delay the risk. Louisiana Radio Network
- ➤ Today is WDSU's Weather Impact Day as scattered showers and isolated storms bring highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. Rain will intensify Friday with flash flood risks & heavy downpours, and Saturday will see the heaviest rain with brief breaks & Mother's Day may have scattered showers. WDSU
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pastor Everett explained that local faith leaders will boost voter turnout for the May 16 election in Orleans Parish by using buses and bikes to carry voters to the polls. WWL-TV
- ➤ A New Orleans-based online auction site, CivicSource, faces a criminal investigation by the St. Tammany Parish DA after mounting consumer complaints over refund delays and missing funds (one buyer in the 9th Ward awaits an $850 refund). Fox 8
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill on Friday, May 8th to set up a psychedelic-assisted therapy program that lets hospitals, universities and research centers run clinical trials for mental health and substance use disorders (the measure now heads to the governor and will take effect Aug. 1 if signed). Fox 8
- ➤ New Orleans-based Care Associates expands its home-based dementia care model to support families facing Alzheimer’s disease. The integrated service now offers in-home primary care, care coordination (including advance care planning and respite care) as demand grows statewide. Biz New Orleans
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Real estate attorney Paul Simoneaux joined Baker Donelson as of counsel in its New Orleans office, bringing over 30 years of legal and financial experience in commercial projects. The firm plans to relocate its office to One Canal Place this fall (continuing its local expansion). Biz New Orleans
- ➤ On Tuesday, developer Darren Aschaffenburg filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on the Metairie Towers ownership entity, halting the sheriff’s auction scheduled for Wednesday. The filing aims to preserve a $100M redevelopment plan while court documents show assets + liabilities between $10M and $50M. WWL-TV
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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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Anareta's Send-Off Party
9:00 p.m. — Siberia — $12.47 — Enjoy a double set by Anareta and a special opening by The Bomb Pulse for Sarah's send-off party.
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ARANKAI Concert featuring buffalo_farm
2 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying trap metal concert with buffalo_farm at this iconic venue.
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