New
in New Orleans
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ New Orleans Entrepreneur Week returns for its 15th year with free workshops, networking and hands-on activation for students, startups and small businesses. The weeklong event runs from March 9 to March 14, 2026 (with 200 early registrants by Dec. 31 guaranteed access to the closing party). WDSU
- ➤ Bowman Consulting Group has named Paul Matthews (MBA, CPE) as its vice president, port assets & strategic partnership, citing his experience as former CEO of PortSL. He will support local port leaders with planning and digital initiatives as the company expands its coastal infrastructure services. Biz New Orleans
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve events will offer many options, including a family celebration at the Louisiana Children’s Museum (9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.), a festive parade in the French Quarter at 2 p.m., and free fireworks with concerts at Woldenberg Park. WWL-TV
- ➤ Chef Nathaniel Zimet prepares Réveillon dishes—Coquilles and Swordfish—from Boucherie’s holiday menu while explaining the history of a cherished New Orleans tradition. The cooking demonstration highlights this local custom for the season. WWL-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Delgado Community College conferred degrees to 1,292 graduates on Dec. 16 at its Fall Commencement at the Senator Nat G. Keifer University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena, where Louisiana Poet Laureate Gina Ferrara urged graduates to pursue careers and the college readies new workforce training (including high voltage vehicle repair). Biz New Orleans
- ➤ A federal judge denied a bid by two Christian schools to block the new pre-K licensing rule and private schools must apply for licenses by Jan. 1 (Act 409) while inspections take months to complete, giving schools extra time to meet the requirements. NOLA.com
- ➤ The Southern University Board of Supervisors named Dr. Orlando McMeans interim president, effective Jan. 1, after Dennis Shields stepped down. A search for a permanent president will begin in January as the board aims to boost industry partnerships. NOLA.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Trash and recycling pickups will shift for Christmas next week in most neighborhoods; in areas outside the French Quarter and Downtown Development District, there will be no pickup on Thursday, Dec. 25 as collections move a day later — residents should call 311 for details. WWL-TV
- ➤ Regulators approved a new streamlined process on Wednesday to fast track electricity approvals for large projects & boost economic development in Louisiana. The policy requires companies to meet a 15-year contract and prove state economic support, though some critics warn it may raise costs for ratepayers. NOLA.com
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ HRI Communities closed financing for 50-unit Esplanade Delille Apartments on a city-owned site at 1141 Esplanade Ave (mixing affordable housing and retail) with construction starting this month and completion set for early 2027, fulfilling a replacement goal under the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative and meeting sustainable design standards. New Orleans City Business
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Metairie resident Steve Scaffidi created the theme song ‘Let’s Geaux Green Wave’ to energize Tulane as they face Ole Miss on Saturday in their historic College Football Playoff run (he hopes the track inspires both the team and its fans). Fox 8
- ➤ Newly promoted Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding is managing staff changes and roster retention as his team prepares to face Tulane in Saturday’s first-round CFP game; he kept key offensive assistant Charlie Weiss for stability while quarterback Trinidad Chambliss readies himself for a tough matchup. WDSU
- ➤ The Saints will try to secure a three-game win streak against the Jets on Sunday with Tyler Shough leading after two consecutive wins + newly signed kicker Charlie Smith, who was added after three practice squad evaluations, prepares to attempt a game-winning kick. Fox 8
-
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.
-
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.
-
Charmaine Neville Band Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Ticket info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of Charmaine Neville, a beloved figure in the New Orleans music scene.
-
The Revivalists: New Year’s Eve Ball
7-11 p.m. — Orpheum Theater New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Experience the intimate RevHeads Ball and celebrate the New Year with live music from The Revivalists.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in New Orleans and across Louisiana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to New in New Orleans
A free New Orleans community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://newinneworleans.com/sitemap