The weekend, much like the frosty temps of yesterweek, came and went and brought in the breeze of an election day. Saturday, voters went to the polls to decide on some major tax initiatives for Orleans Parish – not to mention the heated governor’s race that pulled Louisiana into the national spotlight. But whether you were glued to the TV for football or tapping your toes to music at Gumbo Fest, we tallied up the headlines of what you need to know going into the week.
John Bel Edwards Re-Elected As Governor
Democratic Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards held onto his seat Saturday despite a heated campaign by Republican businessman Eddie Rispone. Rispone, a political newcomer, got support from President Donald Trump and the RNC. The support wasn’t enough, however. According to official election results, Edwards bested Rispone by more than 40,000 votes, putting Edwards in the victory circle with 51%. The New Orleans Advocate has a breakdown on how Edwards claimed the victory in a traditionally red state.
Short-Term Rental Tax Gets OKed, Property Millage Rejected
Aside from the gubernatorial election, taxes were a key decision for New Orleans voters. One of the measures was a tax on short-term rentals, which did get approved. The other was a vote on a property tax that New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell pitched to provide funds for improving the city’s streets drainage system. While voters didn’t vote in favor of the tax, New Orleanians did approve of the city borrowing $500,000 for infrastructure. According to WDSU News, the property tax would have generated an estimated $10.25 million annually for the city through 2039.
$29 Million Granted For Coastal Protection; La. Getting $2.4M
Forty-four grants were awarded by the National Coastal Resilience Fund, a public-private partnership assisting communities threatened by storms and flooding from rising and warming seas. In Louisiana, a grant of $2.4 million, with a matching grant of $2.5 million by Jefferson Parish, will create up to 70 acres of marsh, tidal creeks and lagoons along a mile-long stretch of Lake Pontchartrain’s shoreline, according to a report from The Associated Press.
Hard Rock Hotel To Be Completely Demolished
With a little more than a month passed since the Hard Rock Hotel partially collapsed, killing three people and injuring dozens, the building is now slated to be imploded, city officials announced. On Oct. 12, the 18-story building partially collapsed onto Canal near Rampart streets. Two cranes were partially imploded on Oct. 20 over concerns of their stability. One crane remains dangling after the implosion. According to a report from USA Today, the building will take nine weeks to demolish and an additional three months to clear the debris. The cause of the collapse is under investigation.
Quick Hit Headlines
- New Orleans baby healed after doctors gave him hours to live (WWLTV)
- Council passes $1 million fine and lower allowed profit for Entergy (The Lens)
- Orleans First City Court Judge Angelique Reed passes away at age 59 after ‘brief illness’ (WDSU)
- Councilmembers press city officials on short-term rental rule enforcements (The Lens)
- Proposed Uptown tennis club slowly winds its way toward approval (The Uptown Messenger)
What’s Happening This Week
Monday
Locals night at Brieux Carre | 5 p.m. | 2115 Decatur St. | Free to attend, drink prices vary
On Monday, local microbrewery Brieux Carre has $2 off drinks for locals with a valid ID. Owner Robert Bostick, who was previously in construction, built the brewery himself, and its beer garden is a welcome getaway from the hustle of the Marigny and French Quarter. Click here to read more about the brewery.
Tuesday
Healthy cooking with a beat | 5:30 p.m. | Sankofa Nola, 5200 Dauphine St. | Free
Bring your family and friends for an interactive, kid-friendly cooking class designed to educate you on affordable and healthy cooking recipes that your family will enjoy. Call (504) 872-9214 to sign up.
Wednesday
The Gardens Give Back | Bayou Wine and Beer Garden | 5 p.m. | Five canned food items or $5 donation
Seasonal wine and beer tastings for a good cause? Yep! All you have to do to try the many many delicious samples is bring in 5 canned/dry food items or donate $5 to our collection for the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Thursday
Thanksgiving BBQ Pop-up at Wrong Iron | 4 p.m. | Wrong Iron on the Greenway | Food prices vary
Can’t wait until next week to get your turkey in? Wrong Iron is having a Thanksgiving BBQ pop-up. The menu includes smoked turkey, smoked sweet potato casserole with a candied pecan topping and smoked apple pie, as well as the usual Smoked brisket and smoked corn grits.
Friday
Ring in the holidays with the French Market’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy a performance by the Heritage School of Music and the tree lighting ceremony immediately followed by a fireworks display presented by Holiday New Orleans Style and New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.
