Good morning, New Orleans.

Beloved king cake decorator Clifton Faust died this week at age 55 after a six-year battle with skin cancer at Bywater Bakery.

His services are set for Monday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church & a repass will follow.

JECohen, a local wealth management firm, was named one of Financial Planning’s 2025 Best RIAs to Work For and marked its 10-year anniversary by merging with Insight Total Stewardship (which expanded its national presence) and partnering with Credit Human Federal Credit Union.

Henry Louis Rey held evening séances in his New Orleans home from 1858 to 1877 to seek spiritual guidance for equal rights during a time of social change.

The bookbinder and state representative recorded visits from departed figures (including Washington and Lincoln) as he led the Cercle Harmonique.

Tulane University announces the 2026 New Orleans Book Festival featuring over 100 bestselling authors in a free, four-day celebration from March 12 to 15 + a dedicated Family Day on March 15 with kid-friendly programming on its uptown campus.

Since July 1, Crescent River Pilots required two pilots on cargo ships over 950 ft or 140 ft wide traveling from Point Celeste to the harbor to boost safety amid rising risks.

Some shippers worry the change may raise costs as the port prepares for a new Violet terminal.

St. Bernard students from Andrew Jackson, N.P.

Trist, and Chalmette High Schools were named to the 2025 LMEA District Honor Band after competitive auditions. They performed at Tulane University’s Dixon Concert Hall and visited Preservation Hall for a master class.

New Orleans-area schools saw a spike in absences on Dec.

3 when immigration enforcement prompted fears among parents and kept students at home. Administrators are debating excusing absences and offering virtual learning while educators provide rides and assignments to support community families.

Audubon Aquarium Rescue in New Orleans treated 35 endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles stranded in New England after a cold spell last month; some turtles had buoyancy issues (requiring special care) and will be kept until spring for a safe Gulf release.

Lawmakers approved $2 million in state funds for the new Hondo Rodeo Fest at the Superdome from April 10-12.

The event will feature a rodeo competition with a $1 million purse, live country acts + a street festival at Champions Square.

New project Warbler Hotel will open late 2026 at 1923 St. Charles Avenue, replacing the former Trolley Stop Café site with 58 guest rooms + two dining spaces and a rooftop poolside lounge.

Developed by Verdad Real Estate Development, it aims to serve as a modern hospitality option.

Culture bearers in Musicians’ Village now face rising rents as new landlord Sam Madi will triple current rates starting Jan.

1, 2026, after Habitat for Humanity sold some units + many residents now say they must leave their long-time homes.

College Football Playoffs tickets for Tulane vs. Ole Miss in Oxford on Dec.

20 cost between $378 and $606, with suites priced at $5,695 and field seats at $2,248—fans should plan ahead to support the Green Wave.

Riverside Rebels (13-1) defeated Ascension Catholic Bulldogs 31-21 in the LHSAA Division IV Select state championship game at the Superdome.

Chris Becknel led with a passing and receiving touchdown while Jayden Obiewke and Brock Bourgeois made key plays in the win.

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.

Hotel Burgundy Concert Featuring My Beloved

8-11 p.m. — No Dice — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique sounds of My Beloved with their hit song 'None Prevailed'.

Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Smoothie King Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling NBA matchup as the Pacers battle the Pelicans.

Caroling in Jackson Square

7-8 p.m. — Jackson Square — Free entry — Experience a festive New Orleans tradition with holiday caroling under the stars.

Charmaine Neville Band Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Check for cover charge — Enjoy the rich voice and warm personality of a beloved New Orleans entertainer.

Kermit Ruffins Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Chickie Wah Wah — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of Kermit Ruffins, a tribute to New Orleans' jazz heritage.

The Soul Rebels Brass Band

11 PM - 2 AM — Le Bon Temps Roule — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the vibrant sound of one of New Orleans' most contemporary brass bands blending various musical genres.