New
in New Orleans
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Prayer flags will soon be flown on Bourbon Street to honor the victims and survivors of the New Year's Day attack—local organizers said the display will be lit on December 1 at 5 p.m. and remain until Jan 18. NOLA.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Masonry Products Sales Inc. acquired Brick and Block Products LLC to combine two top masonry suppliers in New Orleans — the purchase adds a Jefferson branch at the former Brick and Block site, will close the Mandeville location by year-end, and boosts staff from 32 to 48 while keeping all employees. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ Venture Global asked federal regulators to approve an expansion that would double the Plaquemines LNG facility's capacity to 58M metric tons per year by adding 32 modular liquefaction trains (raising output by 30M metric tons) in a three-phase project near New Orleans. FERC and DOE must grant permits before construction can begin. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ Messina’s Catering & Events is now managing all food and beverage services at the Fair Grounds Race Course Clubhouse. The company will offer daily dining, private suites, and special events—revamped Sunday Brunch at the Track starting Dec. 7 and all-inclusive holiday packages on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ Red River Bank was ranked number 51 on the 2025 Best Banks to Work For list after American Banker and Best Companies Group evaluated employee surveys and workplace benefits — president Blake Chatelain said the ranking affirms the bank’s people-first approach. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Canal Place announced extended shopping hours starting Nov.28 and a special lineup of holiday events beginning Nov.25 that bring live music and family-friendly activities with Santa appearances. The program features the Holiday Lighting of Canal Street with Santa flipping the switch at 5:45 p.m., Selfies with Santa on Dec.6, Movies with Santa from Nov.29 to Dec.20, and Santa’s Brunch on Dec.13 and Dec.20 — discounted parking is available for attendees. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Tulane University announced that the 2026 New Orleans Book Festival will be held from March 12 to 15, 2026 on its uptown campus—featuring top authors like Ken Burns, Deepak Chopra, Jeff Koons, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Roxane Gay and Salman Rushdie—while the free event will also include Family Day on March 15, 2026 with activities for children. New Orleans City Business
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, school board officials said that the Leah Chase School faced a $500,000 deficit and could see losses up to $3.5 million without improved enrollment—officials discussed possible measures including layoffs and program cuts to keep the school open. The district has 343 students against a 400-student target, and the situation may force more drastic actions soon. Verite News
- ➤ Xavier University received a $38 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott on Tuesday—it is the largest private donation in the school’s history—and the money has no strings attached as the university approaches its 100th year. WRNO
- ➤ LSU restarted its Corps of Cadets program for the first time since 1968 and its first cadets were sworn in on Tiger Stadium field before over 100,000 fans. Board of Supervisors member Rico Alvendia said the program now offers military training and a minor in national defense leadership and cybersecurity — giving both civilian and military track students valuable experience. Louisiana Radio Network
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ HANO received a $1 million grant to install storm-resistant roofs on 465 affordable rental units in New Orleans — the FORTIFIED roofs exceed code requirements and aim to lower storm damage and maintenance costs. The agency, which serves more than 22,000 low-income households, plans to seek further funding for additional upgrades. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ Jefferson Parish homeowners expected a 35% flood insurance rate reduction after a September announcement but have instead seen increases around $200 due to annual adjustments under the Risk Rating 2.0 plan—officials explained that the discount applies only to new policyholders while existing ones will face rising costs. WDSU
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Estimates show that if Congress lets COVID-era subsidy credits end, a 45-year-old earning $32,000 in Louisiana will see premiums jump from $691 to $2,159—forcing many families and older couples to pay thousands more. Lawmakers remain divided on whether to extend these credits that helped over 280,000 locals access coverage. NOLA.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The New Orleans Saints released veteran receiver Brandin Cooks—who had 19 receptions for 165 yards in 10 games—and the move will let him sign with a playoff contender. It also will give younger receivers Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton more playing time. WDSU
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Battle of the Badges Boxing 2025
7-10:30 p.m. — Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center — Tickets available — Cheer on first responders in an exciting boxing competition for charity.
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Back to the Bowery - The Legend of CBGBs
8-9:30 p.m. — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating musical journey through original tracks and beloved covers.
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Broadside Tailgate Picnic with Soul Brass Band
12-3:30 p.m. — The Broadside — Free entry — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Soul Brass Band in a festive tailgate atmosphere.
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Zebra's 50th Anniversary Tour
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available at ticketmaster.com — Celebrate New Orleans' own Zebra with an unforgettable performance.
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The Soul Rebels Brass Band Performance
11 PM-2 AM — Le Bon Temps Roule — Check for pricing — Experience the dynamic blend of hip-hop, soul, and jazz from one of New Orleans' top brass bands.
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PJ Morton Live Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience PJ Morton's Annual Black Friday Show in a captivating New Orleans venue.
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ACE Massage Cupping Workshop
Saturday-Sunday — New Orleans, LA — Pricing not specified — Enhance your massage skills with hands-on ACE Massage Cupping techniques led by Annie Garic.
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Hot 8 Brass Band Concert
10:30 PM – 12:00 AM — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic fusion of funk, hip hop, and brass from the Grammy-winning Hot 8 Brass Band.
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James Jordan & The Situation Concert
6:30-8 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — $15 General Admission, $45 Reserved Seating — Experience soulful tunes with New Orleans vocalist James Jordan and his band The Situation.
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Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour
8-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets at Ticketmaster.com — Enjoy a night of laughter with Nurse Blake's comedic take on life in the medical field.
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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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