Good morning, New Orleans.

Earlier this week, the Acadiana Veterans Honor Guard provided a dignified salute for Navy veteran Curtis Joseph Schexnayder at his funeral in Delcambre.

The volunteer group, operating within an hour of Lafayette, honored more than 175 veterans this year & continues to serve local families with respect.

Louisiana volunteers from the American Red Cross and the United Cajun Navy have been sheltering displaced families and distributing supplies in Washington amid heavy floods.

They are set to return home today after 10 days of round-the-clock relief.

Celebration in the Oaks prepared for Christmas revelers with festive lights, music, and seasonal treats.

The event was held at the park (a local favorite) and offered families a chance to celebrate the holiday together.

Benny Grunch and the Bunch offer a festive special on WWL TV with “The 12 Yats of Christmas” available for streaming locally — a creative twist on holiday traditions.

A Jackson Square musician (a local favorite) delivered a set that cuts through the fog, blending traditional jazz with modern beats.

His performance today pointed to a fresh direction for the neighborhood's music scene.

A local content creator is using AI to compose a Christmas song that blends modern tech + timeless holiday tunes.

The project was announced today in New Orleans and will debut next holiday season.

Today, the New Orleans Kwanzaa Coalition hosts a unity celebration at Ashe Cultural Arts Center starting at 6 p.m. as community members gather to mark the start of Kwanzaa.

Frederick Douglass High School earned an A rating this year after transforming from a struggling school pre-Katrina.

The school, led by principal Towana Pierre-Floyd, now enrolls over 650 students and includes a satellite college campus (in partnership with Bard College).

State data show that in 2025 speckled trout (spotted sea trout) are the most caught saltwater fish with 1,472,215 recorded through October, as new catch limits on trout and redfish take effect and fewer anglers may mean lower funds for wildlife management in Louisiana.

New Orleans is recycling old Christmas trees into coastal protection as part of a program running Dec.

26 - Jan. 4. The initiative helps reduce yard waste while protecting the coast.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said his office saw 30 auto insurance carriers file for premium decreases in 2025 & expects rates to continue trending downward in 2026 when new legislation takes effect.

He noted premiums remain higher than in neighboring states and efforts will focus on lowering claims.

The New Orleans Department of Sanitation announced that curbside trash and recycling will not be collected on Jan.

1 (outside the French Quarter and Downtown Development District). Pickups will be rescheduled to Friday or Saturday based on regular service days.

The Slidell Tigers have won 12 of 13 games to improve to a 12-3 record and are preparing for the Hannan Pray Sonic Hoops Classic today.

Coach Krisner Green said the team plays unselfishly and works hard on defense as they stay near the top of local rankings.

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.

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'.

Bangers Album Release Party

8 PM — Maple Leaf Bar — $15 Adv, $20 Day of Show — Enjoy a lively night featuring SLUGGER with local talents.

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.

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.

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.

Steve Detroy Trio Live Performance

1:00 PM – 8:30 PM — Fritzel's European Jazz Pub — Check for pricing — Experience the soulful, sophisticated sounds of the Steve Detroy Trio as part of the Happy Hour Concert Series.