Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a New Orleans city worker pulled off multiple fraud schemes
Be sure to catch Christmas Dinner at Sheraton New Orleans on the New Orleans Patch calendar
Hi there, New Orleans! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a New Orleans city worker pulled off multiple fraud schemes
- How busy are New Orleans hotels and shops this Christmas week?
- Have you spotted New Orleans’ over-the-top Grinch Mobile yet?
Also on today's calendar: Christmas Dinner at Sheraton New Orleans and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in New Orleansfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in New Orleansfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Fog will lift in the morning, with a high of 73 and low of 62 degrees.
- Friday: Pleasantly warm with some sun, temps: high: 79, low: 63.
- Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 63 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Former New Orleans city employee sentenced for fraud schemes (wgno.com) — A former Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans employee has been sentenced for multiple fraud schemes involving fake documents, unemployment benefits, and emergency rental assistance, some committed while working as an NOPD reserve officer. She received home detention, supervised release, and nearly $95,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to wire fraud and lying to investigators. 
2. Christmas in New Orleans draws visitors from across the country (fox8live.com) — New Orleans is drawing holiday visitors from across the country with its lights, Reveillon dinners, Papa Noel hotel deals, and festive culture, even as some Canal Street shops report softer spending. Tourism leaders say New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl are expected to bring a major economic boost, with about $200 million projected for the city.
3. Grinch Mobile turns heads and spreads holiday cheer across New Orleans (wwltv.com) — A wildly decorated, Grinch-themed car is lighting up New Orleans streets with thousands of lights, Max the dog, and plenty of photo stops for curious onlookers. Driver Lacary says he spends hundreds of hours transforming his peeling paint into over-the-top holiday joy, all for the smiles from kids and neighbors. Once Christmas wraps, he’s already planning a full Mardi Gras makeover.
4. UPS driver spreads holiday cheer in New Orleans (wdsu.com) — A New Orleans UPS driver, John Jackson, is brightening local doorsteps by turning routine deliveries into moments of connection, especially with one truck-loving child in nearby Metairie. During the hectic holiday rush, he surprised the boy with his own toy UPS truck, showing how small gestures can mean a lot in Greater New Orleans neighborhoods.
5. Darrell Greene (wbtv.com) — Longtime broadcaster Darrell Greene has deep ties to New Orleans, where he once served as a sports director, covered the Saints, and anchored morning news during Hurricane Katrina. His career highlights include award-winning Olympic bombing coverage, extensive community service, and a reputation for storytelling—and even for making standout New Orleans gumbo.
📸 Around New Orleans
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in New Orleans
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Christmas Dinner at Sheraton New Orleans
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel , 500 Canal St , New Orleans
11:00 am - Christmas Dinner at New Orleans Marriott
New Orleans Marriott , 555 Canal St , New Orleans
11:00 am - Prairie Acadian Cultural Center - Historical Tea and Coffee
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center , 250 W. Park Avenue , Eunice
10:00 am - NOLA ChristmasFest Returns - Let the Yuletide Roll!
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce , 1515 Poydras St #1010 , New Orleans
11:00 am - French Quarter - Jazz Program - Cristina Kaminis Duo
National Park Service French Quarter visitor center , 419 Decatur St , New Orleans
1:00 pm - French Quarter - Jazz Program - Bruno Elisabetsky Trio
National Park Service French Quarter visitor center , 419 Decatur St , New Orleans
3:00 pm - Prairie Acadian Cultural Center - Read with a Ranger
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center , 250 W. Park Avenue , Eunice
10:00 am - French Quarter - Drum Circle with Mama Jamilah
National Park Service French Quarter visitor center , 419 Decatur St , New Orleans
10:30 am - NOLA ChristmasFest Returns - Let the Yuletide Roll!
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce , 1515 Poydras St #1010 , New Orleans
11:00 am - Courtyard Cocktails: A Happy Hour Mixology Class
New Orleans School of Cooking , 524 St. Louis , New Orleans
2:30 pm - New Orleans Drunk Spirits Pub Crawl Tour
Lafitte Hotel and Bar , 1003 Bourbon St , New Orleans
7:00 pm - KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Elmwood
AMC Elmwood Palace 20 1200 Elmwood Park Blvd Harahan, LA 70123
12:00 pm
Thursday December 25
Friday December 26
Saturday December 27
Thursday January 1
Friday January 2
📣 New Orleans Shout Outs!
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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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- Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- The Fairmont Hotel is always so beautiful this time of year.
Wishing all my Neighbors a very Merry Christmas. And to my Jewish neighbors, Hanukkah Sameach! (Nextdoor Bywater) - Lost dog near the lost pearl in uptown/near Audobon.
Her name is Josie. Please call 312-718-3822. Update: She has been found!!! (Nextdoor Maple Area)
- InterContinental Hotels Group posted a job opening for Part Time Night Auditor in New Orleans. Apply here.
- U-Haul posted a job opening for Facility Housekeeper in New Orleans. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near New Orleans here.
Ok New Orleans! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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