New
in New Orleans
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local organizations will offer free Thanksgiving meals, turkeys, and food boxes so families in need can celebrate the holiday. Events include distributions on Nov. 22 at Bethel AME Church and a drive-thru dinner at Alice Harte Charter School, a fellowship dinner on Nov. 23 at Greater St. Stephen Ministries, and a giveaway on Nov. 25 by Inspire NOLA — all on a first-come, first-served basis. WWL-TV
- ➤ Covenant House is hosting its Annual Sleep Out where community leaders and advocates will sleep outdoors to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness in New Orleans — the event supports local efforts to help young people in need. WWL-TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Waymo plans to launch its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in New Orleans next month after successful tests in February and May—vehicles will first run with human specialists in downtown neighborhoods before expanding citywide. NOLA.com
- ➤ Gulf South Angels held their annual conference in New Orleans from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15 where investors and entrepreneurs discussed network growth, portfolio milestones, and early-stage investment trends—recording $3.5 million in 12 deals during the first half of the year. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ BMF, a New Orleans—based public relations firm, warned local businesses that a federal immigration sweep may soon disrupt operations as 250 agents are set to begin targeting about 5,000 people in several parishes in early December. They advised companies to review compliance and crisis plans to help protect jobs, employee morale, and their reputation. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Chris and Bonnie Borges will open Charmant, a new European-inspired bistro at 514 City Park Ave in Mid-City, tomorrow. The restaurant will serve a menu that blends European dishes with New Orleans flavors and offers a curated wine and cocktail program—featuring both indoor seating and an outdoor patio. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ Chopsticks Buffet in Gretna was fined by the U.S. Department of Labor for keeping $81,681 in credit card tips meant for its 12 servers. The restaurant repaid the withheld tips to its workers (management said they were unaware that keeping such tips violates federal law). NOLA.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ First and Last Stop Bar, a historic Black bar in the 7th Ward, faced an abrupt eviction on November 1 when new owner Daniel Sellers posted a 10-day notice—leaving longtime proprietor Carol Cushenberry and her neighbors mourning the loss of a beloved community landmark amid claims of racial insults and property damage. The dispute highlights the growing challenges faced by longstanding Black establishments in New Orleans as rising property pressures threaten cultural legacies. The Lens
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans schools earned their highest state score ever as the district’s overall performance climbed nearly two points—from a C to a B—while one district-run school received a D amid enrollment and budget problems. The new state grading system coming next year will emphasize test scores + may lower many high school grades, with some schools expected to see significant drops. NOLA.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The EPA proposed rules that would remove federal protections for millions of acres of wetlands including 59% of Louisiana’s inland swamps. Environmental advocates warned the change could lead to more development and flooding — and the public will have 45 days to comment once the rules are published. New Orleans City Business
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dwayne Johnson Jr., a St. Augustine High School gymnast from New Orleans, has won over 200 medals and claimed his first all-around title against gymnasts from Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Honored by City Council leaders, he will represent his school at national competitions and continue his gymnastics career at the University of Illinois in 2025 & his success inspires others to try the sport. WDSU
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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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Minnesota Timberwolves vs New Orleans Pelicans
7-8:30 p.m. — Smoothie King — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting clash on the court as the Pelicans take on the Timberwolves.
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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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