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Monday, December 29th, 2025

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Good morning, New Orleans. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 29th of December.

BUSINESS NEWS

  • French Quarter businesses are affected by construction on Decatur Street that uses high fences — lowering visibility and cutting sales, with one art shop reporting a 50% drop compared to last year. City leaders have not updated on when work will finish, though it is expected to complete early next year.  WDSU
  • The Rouses Market on U.S. Highway 190 in Covington was evacuated Sunday morning after an electrical panel sparked a fire in its seafood section; the store reopened shortly afterward—no injuries were reported.  WDSU

CULTURE NEWS

  • On Dec. 28, community members celebrated Kwanzaa Day 3 by honoring Collective Work & Responsibility with performances by local West African dance group Kulu and activities at Umoja Children’s Village (highlighting the holiday tradition) in New Orleans.  WWL-TV

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Scientists are exploring releasing two non-native insects to curb invasive Chinese tallow, though beekeepers warn the move might harm honeybees and raise food costs. In April, the USDA did not approve the release permit, so conservationists plan to push for its use further in the region.  NOLA.com
  • A new Tulane study (published in October) finds that invasive brown anoles grow more aggressive in rising heat, pushing native green lizards to perch higher in local parks. Researchers warn that as temperatures continue to rise, the green lizards may become even scarcer.  NOLA.com

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • The Louisiana National Guard will help secure New Orleans for New Year’s Eve, the Sugar Bowl and Mardi Gras, state officials announced this week. The guard’s role will boost safety during these busy holiday events.  WWL-TV
  • Louisiana native Paul Hollis, a lifelong coin expert from Mandeville, was confirmed as the 41st director of the U.S. Mint on Dec. 18; he will take office in January to oversee coin production and manage gold reserves at Fort Knox.  NOLA.com

HEALTH NEWS

  • A New Orleans grief counselor gave tips for handling grief during the holiday season. The counselor from the New Orleans Grief Center said sounds, smells, and sights can bring back strong memories and advised letting feelings show for healing.  WWL-TV
  • The ASPCA warned New Orleans pet owners to avoid holiday foods such as alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, avocado and grapes since these items can make pets very sick. Owners should call a veterinarian or ASPCA (888) 426-4435 if pets show vomiting, lethargy or other symptoms.  WWL-TV

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • Families returning from a warm holiday - recovering from a sunny escape - experienced flight delays at Louis Armstrong Airport when a winter storm in the northeast caused 51 delayed flights and eight cancellations yesterday. A group of nine passengers - scrambling for a new flight - waited as a therapy dog eased stress.  Fox 8

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Mandeville-based Church of the King is renovating the historic Jerusalem Temple on St. Charles Avenue at a $31 million cost and needs to raise $5 million more to finish. The church expects to complete the project by summer (delays include COVID, rising costs, and permitting issues).  NOLA.com
  • The historic Touro-Shakspeare Home in Algiers will be renovated into 52 affordable apartments for low-income seniors. The $32 million project, following 10 months of stabilization work funded partly by a $6 million city loan, will begin next month + promising a new start for this landmark.  NOLA.com

SPORTS NEWS

  • LSU ended its season with a 38-35 Texas Bowl loss to Houston on Saturday and coach Lane Kiffin, earning $13+ million, will open the transfer portal Friday to add fresh talent as NIL deals are set in motion.  Louisiana Radio Network
  • Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (22-of-27 for 333 yards) threw two late touchdown passes as the Saints rallied to beat the Titans 34-26 in Nashville. New Orleans improved to 6-10, marking its first four-game winning streak in five years and will finish the season in Atlanta next weekend.  WWL-TV
  • Mandeville wrestling coach Michael Lachney is building strong boys and girls programs (with the girls winning nine dual meets including a Dec. 20 Battle on the Lakefront win and the boys finishing as runner-up) while standout wrestlers Aurora Avery and Gabe Mertz impress early this season.  NOLA.com

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Tue, 12/30/25

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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'.

    Wed, 12/31/25

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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.

    Fri, 1/9/26

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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.

    Sun, 1/11/26

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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.

    Thu, 1/15/26

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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.

    Fri, 1/16/26

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  • 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.

    Sat, 1/17/26

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  • Fair Grounds Live Racing

    12:45-2:15 p.m. — Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots — Reservation required — Enjoy an exciting day of live horse racing with buffet dining options.

    Sun, 1/18/26

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  • Charmaine Neville Band Performance

    7:30-10:30 p.m. — Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro — Tickets required — Enjoy Charmaine Neville's captivating voice and vibrant personality at one of New Orleans' favorite jazz spots.

    Mon, 1/19/26

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  • Keiko Komaki Concert

    6:30-7:30 p.m. — Ellis Marsalis Center for Music — Tickets available — Celebrate New Orleans piano traditions with a live performance.

    Tue, 1/20/26

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REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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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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