New
in New Orleans
Thursday, December 25th, 2025
Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 25th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Nonprofit Saul’s Light partnered with three local Catholic schools to support NICU families ahead of the holidays by launching a letter-writing campaign and donation drive for diapers, wipes, and care items. The drive ended on Friday, Dec. 19 and collected almost 500 cards plus multiple supplies. Verite News
- ➤ On Christmas Eve, Harvey firefighters (Volunteer Fire Co. #2) rescued an infant locked inside a running car when standard tools failed; they broke a small rear window at the mother’s request and safely removed the calm child. WDSU
- ➤ Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott revealed her donations since 2019 total $26 billion — including $240 million to Louisiana groups for higher education and climate, with $90 million to Forests, People, Climate — underscoring her focus on reinvesting in community partners. NOLA.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Historic New Orleans Collection displays Christmas cards sent to four pioneering students who attended segregated schools starting Nov. 14, 1960. The Trail They Blazed exhibit features national messages of support, including a note from Larry+ Cher and Diane of Minneapolis. Verite News
- ➤ Residents along the Mississippi River lit bonfires last night to guide Papa Noel in a centuries-old holiday tradition that brought the community together. Fox 8
- ➤ Today, a local chef cooks up a traditional lechon feast for New Orleans' Cuban community, celebrating cultural heritage and bringing neighbors together at a community event. Fox 8
- ➤ Today, Christmas draws visitors from across the country to New Orleans as local businesses and attractions host festive events (including lights and music) that celebrate the holiday season. Fox 8
- ➤ Benny Grunch Classic features K&B, an iconic store that stays open on Christmas Day in New Orleans, offering locals a unique taste of holiday tradition. WWL-TV
- ➤ Lacary spent hundreds of hours decorating his car with nearly 2,500 lights to create the Grinch Mobile that draws honks and smiles on New Orleans streets today; he says his design inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas will soon transform into a Mardi Gras Mobile. WWL-TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State officials denied Smitty’s Supply Inc.'s request on Dec. 5 for an emergency permit to release up to 200,000 gallons of contaminated wastewater from its cleanup site in Roseland (tests showed the water remained too polluted for safe discharge). The Lens
- ➤ The Christmas tree recycling program, managed by the Office of Resilience & Sustainability, begins Friday and runs into the new year in New Orleans. Residents can call 311 for curbside pickup with the first 400 trees collected to support coastal restoration at Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge. NOLA.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The agriculture commissioner warns that unstable market conditions may force many Louisiana farmers out of business, a shift that could disrupt local food supplies (and impact the regional economy) if these challenges grow. Fox 8
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Chef Kevin Belton offered tips on keeping holiday meals simple by roasting vegetables, marinated chicken, and preparing puff pastry appetizers on a sheet pan. He recommended this easy cooking method (Chef Kev’s advice) to help hosts avoid stress while planning gatherings tonight or later during the holidays. WWL-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Eighty-four top-ranked junior golfers competed at TPC Louisiana during the 2025 Allstate Sugar Bowl Tommy Moore Memorial on Dec. 22-23 — where local star Jade Neves won the Girls 13-18 Division with an even-par 72 and Ainslie Stanford III claimed the Boys title by one shot over rival Noah Chauvin. WDSU
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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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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.
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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.
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Galactic Concert Featuring Anjelika Joseph
9:00-10:30 p.m. — Tipitina's — Tickets available — Experience a powerful performance by Anjelika 'Jelly' Joseph following her hit 'Fya'.
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Bangers Album Release Party
8 PM — Maple Leaf Bar — $15 Adv, $20 Day of Show — Enjoy a lively night featuring SLUGGER with local talents.
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Fair Grounds Live Racing
12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Enjoy a thrilling afternoon of live horse racing and clubhouse dining.
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Fair Grounds Live Racing
12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the excitement of live horse racing while enjoying clubhouse dining.
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Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Le Petit Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a delightful séance with the charmingly eccentric Madame Arcati and the hauntingly humorous antics that ensue.
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
The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you.
~ David Foster Wallace
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