Good morning, New Orleans.

Local organizations hosted free holiday toy drives on Dec.

5 and Dec. 6 while more events will be held on Dec. 10 and Dec. 13 at venues like Delgado Community College, Pontchartrain Center and Xavier University to distribute free toys for children.

The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation is hosting its annual Azúcar Ball fundraiser later this week at a local venue to support cultural programs and celebrate Hispanic heritage.

Community members are invited to join an evening of live music, food, and community activities.

Fox 8 news staff won multiple Emmy awards at the 2025 Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards.

Rob Krieger and photographer Jake Rosenberg earned recognition (for their piece 'Supplying a High: Ballooning Concern') while Lee Zurik, Dannah Sauer and Jon Turnipseed received awards for investigative reporting.

During a November book launch at The Nieux, Loyola University management professor Michelle Johnston (author and executive coach) said her new book The Seismic Shift in You promotes quarterly off-sites and in-person meetings to build trust and boost productivity in hybrid workplaces.

New Orleans City Council passed a resolution urging the school district to preserve legacy school names as more schools face closure, citing the upcoming shutdown of Sarah T.

Reed High School next year. Council members propose forming a Legacy Schools Working Group (including alumni and local educators) to safeguard these historic names.

Protesters chanted outside Orleans Federal Court Saturday night to reject federal immigration enforcement as the fourth day of Operation Catahoula Crunch ended, and Mayor-elect Helena Moreno urged locals to unite (avoiding outside influences) in a call for community togetherness.

LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker remains in Baton Rouge as head coach Lane Kiffin confirmed Friday night via social media — Baker was once considered the frontrunner for Tulane’s head coach role.

Tulane overcame North Texas 34-21 in the American Conference championship game on Friday night, a win that likely secures a College Football Playoff bid.

Outgoing coach Jon Sumrall, who accepted a Florida coaching offer last Sunday, said he will manage both roles a bit longer and praised his team's resilience.

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.

Leslie Odom, Jr. - The Christmas Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Tickets available — Experience a magical evening of holiday music with award-winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr.

The Soul Rebels Brass Band

11 PM – 2 AM — Le Bon Temps Roule — Cost Info Not Available — Experience the vibrant blend of hip-hop, soul, and jazz from one of New Orleans' most dynamic brass bands.