Good morning, New Orleans.

Boudreaux’s Jewelers (family-owned) will invest $4 million to expand its flagship location in Mandeville by doubling its space and adding one of the state's largest on-site jewelry studios; construction starts in January 2026 and finishes in October 2026, creating two high-wage jobs.

Historic New Orleans Collection renamed the former K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen as the *Chef Paul Prudhomme Building* on Dec.

3 in a private dedication ceremony in the French Quarter. The building cost $6.4 million to renovate for new exhibition and media production spaces and now honors Chef Paul Prudhomme’s legacy.

The 8th annual Black Film Festival will run Dec.

6 to 14 (showcasing rising African American talent) featuring world premieres, Wendell Pierce’s new work Tank and the Bangas, panels and free events across New Orleans.

Local experts warn that a new border patrol operation near schools may heighten community trauma, with charter schools already reporting more absences as families worry over children’s safety; they call for enforcement policies that keep patrols away from schools (to protect local stability).

On Wednesday, the Jefferson Parish School Board hired three attorneys to review claims against FEMA after Hurricane Ida left over $400 million in damages — the legal team will meet with board members this month to decide which reimbursement claims to pursue.

Judge Meredith Grabill delayed the $230 million bankruptcy settlement decision for survivors, noting a ruling may come as early as next Monday.

Attorneys said funds will be ready by Dec. 31 with nearly 150 parishes and charities contributing (testimony came from church leaders, survivors and insurers).

LCMC Health is deploying Nabla's ambient AI across eight hospitals+urgent care centers to reduce clinician charting time and workload.

The system will cut documentation by up to 50% after patient visits, supporting improved care and wellness in the region.

New Bywater boutique hotel Milky Way Motel is under construction on St. Claude Ave at a former auto yard; the 17-room property offers a retrofuturistic design and a repurposed shipping container pool (featuring a 32 sqft viewing window) and will open to guests early fall.

Tomorrow night, several south Louisiana high school football teams will compete in Division I non-select, Division III non-select, and Division II non-select playoff semifinals in north Louisiana in hopes of reaching the Superdome next week.

Key matchups include Zachary versus Ruston, St. James versus Sterlington, and Plaquemine versus North DeSoto.

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.

One Night Only: A Christmas Carol Staged Reading

6-10:30 p.m. — The Josephine — Ticket sales support programming — Enjoy a festive staged reading of a lively retelling of Dickens’ classic with heart and humor.

Tank and The Bangas Live Performance

8-10:30 p.m. — Tipitina's — Check for ticket prices — Experience the vibrant sound of Tank & the Bangas blending soul, rock, hip-hop, and funk.

December Holiday Book Party

8 PM – 12 AM — D'zara 1804 — Drinks on the house — Celebrate a year of reading in a dazzling winter wonderland atmosphere.

Nutcracker Ballet Performance

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting Nutcracker ballet performed by the New Orleans Ballet Theatre.

Stanton Moore Trio Live Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket prices vary — Experience the infectious rhythms of Stanton Moore, a New Orleans native and renowned drummer.