Good morning, New Orleans.

Shoppers filled Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie on Black Friday as many grabbed deals + their high turnout boosted local business.

Every Thanksgiving weekend, college fans and their families gather in New Orleans for the Bayou Classic—an event that features parades, street vendors along Loyola Avenue, and a football game today that pits Southern's 1-10 team against Grambling’s 7-4 squad.

Alumni and new fans join to honor longstanding traditions and celebrate the rich legacy of the two universities.

God Behind Bars organized a Daddy Daughter Dance at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola where more than two dozen fathers and 30 daughters celebrated in a redecorated ballroom—dads wearing fitted tuxedos gave each daughter a flower, a Bible and a handwritten letter while sponsors provided new dresses, shoes, makeup and hairstyling for the girls.

Pierre Caliste Landry was born in 1841 on a sugar cane plantation and became the first Black mayor in the United States when he was unanimously elected in Donaldsonville after starting schools and a store in the community — he also served as justice of the peace, tax collector, state senator, and helped establish New Orleans University, now Dillard University.

Dennis Shields said Friday he will leave Southern University at the end of this year after learning five weeks ago that the board wanted a new direction; no interim president was named at the New Orleans meeting and the board plans to choose one on Dec.

19, raising concerns among alumni about a leadership gap that may delay stable management until 2027 — affecting the university's future.

Local and state representatives announced the Seat Belts Look Good On You campaign to remind travelers to buckle up ahead of the Bayou Classic weekend & during the holiday season.

Officials noted that roadway fatalities among African Americans are high & urged everyone to wear a seatbelt to save lives.

Basket of Hope in Louisiana is asking for donations—adaptive toys, medical equipment and hospital beds—for 19 medically complex children cared for at A Place of Our Own in Covington.

Donors may contribute by Dec. 15 so gifts and a $1,000 fund for additional equipment can be delivered on Dec. 22.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall will decide his coaching future this Sunday, choosing between staying at Tulane or exploring options with Florida or Auburn+ his strong record of 18-7 overall and 13-2 in conference play makes the Green Wave the favorite among the group of five for a College Football Playoff spot.

Lane Kiffin is reportedly out of Florida’s head coaching chase because of communication issues during the Egg Bowl (today), so Florida has shifted its focus to Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall, with Auburn also showing interest.

Sumrall will announce his decision on Sunday as Tulane enjoys a strong 9-3 season and a bright path to the playoffs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes Live Performance

9:00-10:30 p.m. — Tipitina's — Tickets starting at $21.83 — Experience funk-infused rock with a twist from New Orleans' own Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes.

Whitney Cummings Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Joy Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Whitney Cummings and her witty storytelling.

Andrew Duhon & Kristin Diable Concert

6:30-10 p.m. — Tipitina's — Check the website for ticket info — Experience soulful tunes from New Orleans songwriters Andrew Duhon and Kristin Diable.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administration II Class

8 a.m. — RC Health Services New Orleans — $1890 — Enhance your Linux skills with comprehensive training for system administration.

Groundwater Week 2025

8 AM – 5 PM — New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center — Free proposals available for stands — Explore the latest groundwater technologies and products at this comprehensive industry event.

Beats Antique Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Joy Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the genre-defying sounds of Beats Antique as they blend world music, electronic, and art into an unforgettable night.