New
in New Orleans
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Crews from the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board are draining a canal near Bryan Vasquez's home on Beaucaire Street as police and search teams using bloodhounds, a cadaver dog, and investigative leads work to find the missing 12-year-old nonverbal boy who disappeared on Aug. 14 (Vasquez). WDSU
- ➤ A 16-year-old, Jaylen Smith, was shot multiple times on Highway 642 in Paulina on Aug. 6 and later died at a hospital; the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office arrested a 16-year-old suspect who faces a first-degree murder charge—call 225-562-2200 if you have information. WDSU
- ➤ Local authorities continue searching for 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez after he was reported missing in New Orleans — his 11-year-old sister said they love him and need more help to bring him home. WWL-TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Port NOLA reported a 2% year-over-year rise in container volumes and a 9% increase from late 2024 as it moved 263,961 TEUs in the first half of 2025. New feeder services and ongoing infrastructure investments—like the Louisiana International Terminal—will boost future trade. Biz New Orleans
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Coastal communities are restoring marshes and dunes to guard against rising seas and storm surges—Louisiana projects include sand pumping at the Chandeleur Islands and dredging sediment into Maurepas Swamp to rebuild land lost over time. These efforts come as climate change and past storms increase risks for the Gulf Coast. New Orleans City Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has asked the court to pause her lawsuit against neighbor Anne Breaud after a federal indictment complicated her case over a photo taken while she dined with former police bodyguard Jeffery Vappie on a restaurant balcony. She lost her appeal for a stay away order and was ordered to pay attorneys' fees+ which adds pressure on her constitutional rights. WWL-TV
- ➤ Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill sent a letter to New Orleans calling for refunds of school zone tickets issued from August 2024 through May. She said the city did not set up the required agreement with NOLA Public Schools before activating speed cameras—warning that legal action would follow if cameras are activated without proper compliance. WRNO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans confirmed a second neuroinvasive West Nile virus case while a third is under investigation, prompting mosquito spraying measures to protect residents. Tuesday night, the city sprayed trucks in several neighborhoods—today it will spray larvicide by helicopter between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. NOLA.com
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20th Annual MaseFest Birthday Bash
4-8 p.m. — The Broadside Pavilion — Free entry — Celebrate Mason's 20th with live music from BANDOG and delicious food from Nikkei Izakaya kitchen.
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August Book Party
7-9 p.m. — The Verdict Lounge & Restaurant — Free entry — Discuss this month's Book of the Month, 'The Grace Year', over drinks in a lively atmosphere.
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Louisiana District PCC Day Carnival Celebration
11 AM – 2 PM — Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome by IHG — Free entry — Celebrate Louisiana District PCC Day with games, food, and lively entertainment at the carnival.
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Irma Thomas Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets vary — Experience the soulful sounds of the 'Soul Queen of New Orleans' in a captivating live performance.
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The Fixx Concert
8-10 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sound of one of the most influential bands from the MTV era.
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Duo Dynamics Improv Comedy Workshop
3-5 p.m. — Big Couch New Orleans — Workshop fee applies — Explore the power dynamics and stakes in improv to enhance authenticity and create hilarious scenes.
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Figgy Baby Concert
9 PM – 1 AM — No Dice — Ticket required — Experience the unique blend of traditional rap and modern sounds with Figgy Baby and friends.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you resist, persists.
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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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