New
in New Orleans
Friday, September 19th, 2025
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Trappers captured and euthanized a coyote in Lakeview on Thursday morning after residents saw it in Fleur de Lis Park and grew worried about children and pets. Wildlife expert Marcus Azzarello advised neighbors to watch over their kids and pets—telling them to stay alert and make noise if they see another coyote soon. WDSU
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Solar Alternatives, a New Orleans company with 17 years of experience installing rooftop solar panels, now reports that 75% of its customers add battery backups after Hurricane Ida revealed grid weaknesses, with installations jumping 64% in 2024 and local residents like Z Smith benefiting from pilot programs (including a $600 incentive check) to save on power outages. Local proposals are moving forward to network these smart batteries into a virtual power plant to ease grid demands and support future growth. NOLA.com
- ➤ Grand Isle Jewels has secured a major distribution deal with Inland Foods and will begin construction on a new oyster processing facility on October 1—funded by grants from the Jefferson Parish Council and Louisiana Sea Grant, while also doubling leases at Oyster Farm Two. This move will boost the local seafood industry and help restore Grand Isle as a key exporter. New Orleans City Business
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Idea Village announced that METRONOME Demo Day will take place at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on Oct. 3 from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. to showcase early stage founders in music and culture tech who have developed ventures through a 10 week accelerator program; the event is free but requires registration. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ New Orleans & Company announced the fifth annual NOLAxNOLA concert series will run from September 25 to October 5 across 50 local venues, featuring over 300 performances to support local artists and the city’s music economy. The series will also host free panels called NOLAxNOLA Talks on October 2 to 3 at the New Orleans Jazz Museum with music industry insights and New Orleans Music Month initiatives. New Orleans City Business
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana's Grand Isle jewel oysters have become popular in restaurants as OysterNight showcased both farmed and wild varieties, and the island will double its oyster farming area from 13 to 27 acres by the end of the year—farmers say the new space will support more production and help restore coastal reefs by recycling shells. NOLA.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ LSU welcomed its largest freshman class ever with nearly 8,200 new students—over 5,000 of whom are Louisiana residents and an average GPA of 3.85, including 450 valedictorians. Interim president Matt Lee said the school is starting major projects such as a new research building, additional student housing, and a library next year. Louisiana Radio Network
- ➤ Nunez Community College Practical Nursing Director Brittney Zaffuto was chosen from 20 national nurse educators to join the NCLEX item development panel at NCSBN headquarters in Chicago and spent four days writing exam questions—her role is set to improve local nursing education and help ensure fair testing for future nurses. Biz New Orleans
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rising temperatures from climate change have forced air conditioners in the Lower 9th Ward to work harder—driving utility bills up by at least 60% since 2019 and straining seniors on fixed incomes like Charles Johnson, who now line up early for food assistance. WWNO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ BGR warned that New Orleans will face a projected $102.5 million budget gap in 2025 as lower revenues and overspending on personnel drive costs higher. The report urged the mayor and City Council to craft a five-year financial plan and adopt a policy to manage the city’s rainy day fund — measures aimed at ensuring fiscal stability. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Six New Orleans City Council seats will be on the Oct. 11 primary ballot as candidates report strong fundraising, with incumbents in some races raising large sums (including state Rep. Matthew Willard with over $221,000 on hand) while contests without incumbents see big cash leads. Polls show that in some districts the races are closer than the fundraising gaps suggest, pointing to a competitive contest ahead. NOLA.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The state health department confirmed a Louisiana resident died from Vibrio vulnificus—making this the fifth death from flesh-eating bacteria this year. Officials noted that 26 cases led to hospitalization, with infections linked to open wounds and undercooked seafood. WWNO
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Since 2020, New Orleans spent over $100M to build and subsidize housing, but a 3.3% population decline and high rents have left the market struggling. Some subsidized units cost up to $1,500 a month and a 2025 report ranked the market 99th out of 100 nationwide—raising concerns about affordability. New Orleans City Business
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After two close home losses, the Saints now face road games in Seattle and Buffalo and risk an 0-4 start if they do not secure a win. Coach Kellen Moore—who grew up in Washington—wants the team to learn from the tight contests as they cope with injury concerns including defensive tackle Vernon Broughton likely needing surgery. WDSU
- ➤ New Orleans’s chance to host the 2031 Super Bowl is at risk because the Saints and state officials have not signed a new lease for the Superdome. A Saints executive said the NFL may still consider a bid if a lease deal is reached soon (deal expected in days) and without it the next opportunity may not come until the late 2030s (2038 likely). WWL-TV
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Mindi Abair Concert
7-9 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Entry Fee TBD — Experience the soulful melodies of Mindi Abair in an intimate setting.
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Destin Conrad - Love On Digital Tour
7-8:30 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Tickets range from $37 to $162 — Enjoy an electrifying evening with rising star Destin Conrad live on stage.
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Walter Trout Band Live Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market — Ticketed event — Experience the blues mastery of Walter Trout in a vibrant local setting.
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Raphael Saadiq Live
8:00-9:30 PM — Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts — Tickets vary — Experience Grammy-winning artist Raphael Saadiq in a night of soulful music.
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Shinyribs Performance
9 PM – 12 AM — Chickie Wah Wah — Tables for four available — Enjoy a lively night with Shinyribs in a vibrant local atmosphere.
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Heart N Hands Love Your Heart Gala
The Heart N Hands Love Your Heart Gala takes place Saturday, September 27 at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. This unforgettable evening will bring together community partners, supporters, and advocates for a night filled with purpose and passion. Guests will enjoy a VIP Patron Party, live entertainment, auctions, and a celebration of heart health that truly makes a difference.
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Giacomo Turra Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Chickie Wah Wah — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the groove-heavy rhythms of Italian guitarist Giacomo Turra in a night of funk and fun.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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~ Mark Twain
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