New
in New Orleans
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Starting Wednesday at 4 a.m., the Causeway will add a third tag-only lane at the toll plaza in Mandeville to ease morning traffic for nearly 75,000 commuters from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays; officials are on hand to help drivers get toll tags (for faster, cheaper crossings). NOLA.com
- ➤ Bike Easy expanded its programs in 2025 by hosting safety workshops, rides and legal clinics across Greater New Orleans — boosting capacity with a shared space with Bayou Bikes and a new Discount Bike Rack Program from Entergy. Biz New Orleans
- ➤ Project Christmas volunteers at Family Life Center at St. Luke’s Catholic Church are busy building dollhouses, mini-kitchens and bikes for nearly 1,819 local children. Their work — which includes assembling about 140 bikes and more than 40 play sets — ensures many families receive gifts on Christmas morning. NOLA.com
- ➤ The Downtown Development District & New Orleans BioInnovation Center installed programmable lighting on the NOBIC campus along Canal Street to boost safety, visibility and the BioDistrict identity; additional upgrades are scheduled for Molly Marine Plaza by mid-summer 2026. New Orleans City Business
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Barnett and Maison Métier in downtown announced new senior leadership appointments across operations, marketing, sales and food and beverage. Todd Metzger is named Complex General Manager (from Springboard Hospitality) while others bring local expertise to boost guest experiences. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ French Quarter Festivals Inc. is hosting a free New Year's Eve concert at Woldenberg Park on Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to midnight, featuring local acts Dumpstaphunk, Sweet Crude + DJ Captain Charles and a traditional fleur-de-lis drop with fireworks over the river. New Orleans City Business
- ➤ 30 by Ninety Theatre in Old Mandeville announces Studio X, a new youth performance space that will open with a production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr. Auditions take place Jan. 5 at 5:30 p.m. for performers ages seven to 17 — marking an expansion of the theater’s arts education commitment. NOLA.com
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ ElementUSA, a Texas company, will build an $850 million demonstration plant near the Atlantic Alumina plant in Gramercy to extract rare earth minerals from red mud waste. Production is expected to begin by mid-2028 (with dust-control measures in place) and could create 200 direct and 554 indirect jobs. NOLA.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana high school graduates in the Class of 2024 have reached a 75% rate of earning college credits or certifications, up 11 points from 2019. Deputy commissioner Tristan Denley said the state will work to ensure every student graduates with these credentials by 2030. Louisiana Radio Network
- ➤ Louisiana received a $15 million federal grant to expand virtual tutoring for 4,500 readers who need extra help, coordinated by the Education Department & evaluated by Johns Hopkins University. The five-year program will use Air Reading to connect students with live tutors & build on success seen in Jefferson Parish. NOLA.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Town of Jean Lafitte and LSU AgCenter are working today to restore firefly populations along the Wetland Trace boardwalk trail by planting 375 native plants (in a 1,500 sqft area) to revive firefly tourism and reduce garden pests. Louisiana Radio Network
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans officials announced that the West Power Complex is now operational after months of delays; the $280 million substation—built partly with American Rescue Plan funds—converts Entergy electricity to power older drainage pumps and should reduce boil water advisories. Fox 8
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Immigrant families in New Orleans are skipping health appointments and feeling stressed as federal immigration raids, which began Dec. 3, continue amid fears of detention & less access to care. Local advocates say communities need extra support as the operation persists. Verite News
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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.
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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'.
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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.
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Caroling in Jackson Square
7-8 p.m. — Jackson Square — Free entry — Experience a festive New Orleans tradition with holiday caroling under the stars.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Hot 8 Brass Band Performance
10:30 PM - 12:00 AM — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lively mix of funk and brass with the Grammy-winning Hot 8 Brass Band.
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Reveal the authorAbout New in New Orleans
Welcome to the New in New Orleans, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the New Orleans, Louisiana community. If you like the New in New Orleans, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in New Orleans.
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