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🌱 Patch AM: How 24/7 SELA construction could change life in New Orleans East

Be sure to catch Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles on the New Orleans Patch calendar

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Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, New Orleans? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • How 24/7 SELA construction could change life in New Orleans East
  • What changes are coming to Parc Fontaine apartments in Algiers?
  • How a puzzling Uptown death became a closed homicide case

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: An afternoon t-storm; humid, with a high of 96 and low of 79 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 95, low: 79.
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 79 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Flood protection project begins in New Orleans East (wdsu.com) — Round-the-clock construction has begun on a major SELA flood protection project along Florida Avenue in New Orleans East, with crews relocating key sewer and water lines beneath railroad tracks. Work will run 24/7 through next summer and continue in phases until 2029, with officials promising noise, dust, and lighting controls while stressing the project's importance for reducing flooding citywide.
   

2. New owner of Parc Fontaine apartments vows changes to improve tenants' lives (fox8live.com) — Tenants at Parc Fontaine apartments in Algiers may finally see long-awaited improvements after a Connecticut nonprofit, The Mary Fund, bought the complex and pledged major repairs and better services. Leaders plan unit-by-unit inspections, structural and roof work, security upgrades, and new community spaces over the next three to five years, with support from city officials.
   

3. Man suspected of Freret Street killing fatally shot himself, police say (wwltv.com) — New Orleans police say a man suspected in a woman's fatal shooting inside an Uptown home died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as officers closed in on him. The case, which began as an unclassified death near Freret and Milan, was later ruled a domestic-related homicide and is now closed, according to NOPD.
   

4. New Orleans firefighters' union, city clash over out-of-class pay (fox8live.com) — New Orleans firefighters say the city has stopped fully paying them for working out-of-class assignments, prompting a union lawsuit and tense negotiations that recently broke down. Union leaders warn that unqualified firefighters are being pushed into higher-responsibility roles, which has already led to temporary station closures, while the city attorney insists any solution must balance safety, fairness, and fiscal responsibility.
   

5. New deepwater port project moves to next phase in Louisiana (wgno.com) — A massive new container terminal backed by the Port of New Orleans just cleared a key federal permit, moving the deepwater project on the Lower Mississippi into its construction phase. Officials say the Louisiana International Terminal will handle ships too large for upriver bridges, generate thousands of jobs, and bring significant new tax revenue, including millions annually for nearby St. Bernard Parish.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Archie was LOST on August 8, 2026 in New Orleans, LA 70130 near Jackson Ave between Camp and Magazine Streets Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest… (Nextdoor Hardin Park 7th Ward)
  • A huge chunk of this oak tree on the public right of way in the 1900 block of S.
    Carrollton Ave. broke off and fell onto the stree and sidewalk around 6:30 am Friday. Parks and Parkways director Michael Karam said it was termite… (Nextdoor Central Carrollton)
  • Bluegreen Vacations - Bluegreen Corporation posted a job opening for Part Time Night Auditor in New Orleans. Apply here.
  • DMS posted a job opening for Janitor in New Orleans. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near New Orleans here.

Ok New Orleans! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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