Happy Carnival! That exclamation point may be hard to roll with if you’re still reeling from the Saints’ loss on Sunday. But if anything can lift spirits in New Orleans, it’s a party, a parade and probably a sugary king cake. As you’re putting your focus how you’ll clean up that glitter in the cracks of your floor from costuming for the kick off of Carnival, here are the headlines to keep you posted and primed ahead of the parades.
Hard Rock Hotel To Be Demolished In December 2020
After a major collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel in downtown New Orleans, the site won’t be brought down until the end of the year. The announcement came Friday from city officials, according to multiple reports. New Orleans Fire Department Chief Tim McConnell, the building is still “very dangerous,” and the takedown needs to be methodical. McConnell said he and Mayor LaToya Cantrell weren’t happy the timeline, but that the situation is up to the project developers. The developers are seeking to take down three adjacent historic buildings — which are also owned by the developer or partners of the venture. Officials said developers haven’t submitted evidence that the demolition of those three buildings is necessary. Three people were killed in the collapse and dozens were injured. One body was recovered from the site. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. (ABC News | NOLA.com)
U.S. Supreme Court To Take Up Louisiana Abortion Law
A challenge to a 2014 state law requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a local hospital will be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court. The case is scheduled to be heard on March 4. The decision could shape the future of abortion access for the country. This will be the first major abortion decision since President Donald Trump appointed two conservative justices to the high court, The New Orleans Advocate | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com reported. The law has never taken effect as it’s been challenged through the court system. (TheAdvocate.com)
New Orleans Clerk Of Court Office Open Today (Jan. 6), No Guarantee For Tuesday
While budget issues for the Clerk of Court Office threatened the closure for today (Jan. 6), Clerk of Court Arthur Morrell changed his mind. However, the office has no guarantee to be open on Tuesday, according to a report from WDSU-TV. The closing of the office would prevent anyone in jail to post a bond, and dockets for court cases happening as early as Tuesday would not be prepared, the station reported. The issue stems from an ongoing budget battle between the office and the city since 2012. A 2020 budget of $4.6 million was submitted — the city approved $4 million. Eighty employees were told Friday that they wouldn’t get paychecks until the budget had been resolved. Morrell said that he and around five other employees would still get paychecks during the furlough, but that he wouldn’t use his pay until employees were paid. (WDSU-TV)
Saints Lose To Vikings, Brees Could Go Elsewhere?
The Saints season ended in a stunning loss in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings. The Saints led the Vikings for a moment in the second half of the contest. But in the first possession in overtime, the Vikings scored a touchdown, ending the game and the season for the Black and Gold. The add anxiety to the Who Dat Nation, Saints quarterback Drew Brees is an unrestricted free agent and could go elsewhere, a report from WWLTV said. However, the general “gut feeling,” the station said, is that Brees will still be clad in black and gold next season. But for the record, there is no official decision. Brees said in postgame comments, “I’m going to think about it and let you know.” (WDSU-TV | NOLA.com | WWLTV)
Other Headlines
- Number of homicides drop in New Orleans to 49-year low (The Associated Press)
- Los Angeles, not New Orleans, is America’s best food city, LA Times columnist declares (NOLA.com)
- Robin Thicke to reign as Bacchus LII (Uptown Messenger)
- Innovative New Orleans school puts focus on environment, climate change (The Associated Press)
What To Do This Week
Carnival Calendar
- Krewe of Joan of Arc | 7 p.m. | French Quarter
- Société Des Champs Elysée | 7:30 p.m. | French Quarter
- Phunny Phorty Phellows | 7 p.m. | Uptown
- Funky Uptown Krewe | follows Phunny Phorty Phellows | Uptown
Monday
Bywater Bakery’s King’s Day Block Party | Noon until 7 p.m. | Free
Rejoice! King cake season is back! Bywater Bakery’s annual block party to celebrate features music, activities for kids and 1,200 king cakes available for sale, whole and by the slice. Click here to read our article on the king cake celebration.
Tuesday
King Cake Painting Party | 6 p.m. | Home Malone Magazine Street | $48
At this family-friendly paint party, you can paint a large king cake made on weatherproof PVC board — perfect for indoor or outdoor decor. King cake, refreshments and light snacks will be served, and the party is even BYOB.
Wednesday
Battle of New Orleans Wreath-Laying Ceremony | 8:30 a.m. | Chalmette Battlefield | Free
The annual wreath-laying ceremony at Chalmette Monument honors the troops of the Battle of New Orleans. Parking for this event is at the battlefield; gates open at 8 a.m. The event is free and no tickets are required.
Thursday
Crawfish Boil | 3 p.m. | Bayou Beer Garden | $14
And here you were thinking you didn’t have anything to look forward to after Sunday’s game. Well cheer up folks, CRAWFISH IS BACK! $14 for two pounds with all the fixings!
Friday
Friday Nights at NOMA brings together live music, movies, children’s activities and more. A variety of tours and discussions related to Inventing Acadia: Painting and Place in Louisiana will be conducted, with particular emphasis on the portrayal of African Americans in 19th century landscape paintings of the state.
