New
in New Orleans
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local quiz challenge tests knowledge about Chef Odie Mae Peters, who spent 22 years perfecting recipes at Mother’s Restaurant on Poydras Street as readers are invited to email the answer regarding her signature dish for a shout-out in next Tuesday’s quiz post (full details in the announcement). Verite News
- ➤ VIA LINK will honor the 2026 Marguerite Redwine Award recipients at a June 4 luncheon (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) at Audubon Tea Room. The awards recognize community leaders for service and innovation, with Keith H. Liederman, Operation Restoration, and Holly Wherry set to receive honors. Biz New Orleans
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local businesswoman Monica Olano, owner of Cali Sober Market in Metairie, said recent state law changes hurt local bars, restaurants, and consumers by limiting hemp-based products. Although HB539 was introduced to address the issues, it was pulled earlier this month, leaving the alternative beverage industry uncertain. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ New Orleans attorney Morris Bart launched Louisiana hot sauce now available at all 74 Rouses Markets across the Gulf South. Each $3.99 bottle donates 100% of profits to local food charity (Second Harvest Food Bank) to fight food insecurity. WWL-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mandeville native Miles Berry returns to Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall on May 23 for his spring season homecoming, with Covington High Brass Band opening after recent competition wins (marking a promising future for local jazz). NOLA.com
- ➤ The National WWII Museum will host a Memorial Day commemoration on May 25 at 11 a.m. at its U.S. Freedom Pavilion to honor military personnel with ceremonial tributes, musical performances + a Missing Man Table. Gold Star Family member Terry Savage will deliver remarks during the event. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Major Hollywood studios are pulling back at Cannes as local film leader Jason Waggenspack of Film Louisiana says AI is lowering film production costs. The shift is expected to open new opportunities for local filmmakers + boost the local creative scene. Biz New Orleans
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hut 8 Corp announced a $16 million investment to upgrade West Feliciana Parish's water system for River Bend data center campus; the improvements, including a new well and eight miles of water main, will be completed in the second half of 2026 and then transferred to the parish. Biz New Orleans
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Work began on May 19 on a levee lift project in Westwego to raise an existing earthen levee by 3 feet — part of efforts to strengthen the West Bank’s 80-mile flood protection system. The $1.583 million project, funded by West Bank voters, is expected to take about seven months. WDSU
- ➤ A boil water advisory is in effect for parts of New Orleans East due to a damaged hydrant on Stonewood St & Partridge Ln that caused water pressure to drop below 20 psi. SWBNO crews are working to isolate the break. WDSU
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ NOCHI provided budget-friendly cooking tips yesterday when WDSU Anchor Elizabeth Kuebel visited the kitchen to capture Chef Blair Tiller’s demonstration of a chicken orzo dish designed to feed a family of four using affordable ingredients (such as chicken thighs and spinach). Tiller also shared ground beef alternatives. WDSU
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans Pelicans hired former Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley as head coach on a five-year deal; the 47-year-old led the Magic to three straight playoff appearances but was fired on May 4 after an early exit & he now takes charge of a team that finished 26-56. WRNO
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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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Carnival City - A New Orleans Vaudeville Variety Show
8-10 p.m. — The Howlin' Wolf — Tickets from $24.94 — Experience mind-boggling comedy mentalism with The Joker in a night of laughter and amazement.
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The Dø Concert at Tipitina's
5:15-8:15 p.m. — Tipitina's — Ticket required — Experience an evening of folk music with The Dø in vibrant New Orleans.
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Yung Bleu Concert
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of melodic hip-hop with rising star Yung Bleu.
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Daisy Grenade & Vienna Vienna Concert
2 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Check site for ticket prices — Enjoy an exciting concert with Daisy Grenade and Vienna Vienna at a lively venue.
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Blue Monday: 80s New Wave Live
8:00 – 11:30 PM — Southport Hall — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of 80s New Wave at Blue Monday.
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IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference 2026
— June 7-12 — Hyatt Regency New Orleans — Registration required — Attend a world-class conference featuring breakthroughs in PV science, engineering, and networking opportunities.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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