Good morning, New Orleans.

NORLI is hosting its 25th Anniversary Gala on Jan.

16 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at The MISI (600 Decatur St., Suite 350) to honor 25 years of leadership and community connection and to set the stage for new partnerships.

Sixty New Orleans area companies have qualified for the 23rd annual Best Places to Work program — companies met criteria by submitting workforce data and anonymous employee surveys to assess benefits, salaries and retention levels in small, medium and large company categories.

The Best Family-Owned Businesses program recognizes local companies that show growth, innovation & community impact through strong employee support and market success.

Only businesses based in Greater New Orleans qualify for the award.

Kean Miller announced that Jaye Calhoun has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Franklin C.

Latcham Award for Distinguished Service in State & Local Tax by Bloomberg Tax. The New Orleans-based partner brings decades of experience in federal, state and local taxation and academic leadership.

New Orleans CityBusiness profiles influential banking & finance professionals driving local financial health in its 2025 Power List series; the publication will spotlight port & maritime leaders in January.

Basile Barès, born in 1845, published 'Grande polka des Chasseurs à Pied de la Louisiane' as a teenager while enslaved, making him the first African American to hold copyright for his work in New Orleans — his legacy marks an important milestone in our city's musical history.

ElementUSA will build an $850M facility in St. James Parish in mid 2027 that will create 754 jobs when production begins in the third quarter 2028.

The project will extract gallium, scandium, iron and other critical minerals to strengthen U.S. supply chains.

Annalisa Kelly, JEDCO’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy, earned the Certified Economic Developer designation at the 2025 Annual Luncheon — a milestone celebrated by nearly 500 Jefferson Parish business and government leaders — reflecting her decade-long expertise in economic development.

Leah Chase’s family urges parents to stay put as concerns grow over the school’s future under NOLA Public Schools.

Board member Zervigon will meet with parents Wednesday at the school to address enrollment fears & plans amid ongoing funding challenges.

The AGU25 annual meeting is underway at the Ernest N.

Morial Convention Center from Dec. 15 to 19, drawing 20,000 scientists and educators from 120 countries to share research on climate change. Local events (a Hurricane Katrina tour and Puppy Yoga for Take Paws Rescue) add flair.

The former Naval Support Activity site in Bywater is set for a $300 million transformation into an affordable housing complex + tech incubator.

Construction on NSA East Apartments will start late January with a groundbreaking planned next month, providing 294 units and 37,000 sqft of retail space.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and kicker Charlie Smyth led the Saints to a 20-17 comeback win over the Panthers on Sunday with two late scoring drives; Smyth capped the win with a 47-yard field goal in the final seconds.

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.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns

7-8:30 p.m. — Smoothie King Center — Check for ticket prices — Catch the Pelicans take on the Suns in an exciting NBA matchup.

Tuba Skinny Concert

6-9 p.m. — DBA — Admission varies — Experience lively performances of early jazz, ragtime, and blues from a renowned New Orleans street band.