Hello Monday, my old frenemy. I have that love/hate relationship with Mondays. We say goodbye to the weekend in which we blow stacks of cash, enjoying things like Art for Arts Sake on Magazine Street or spending gobs of green watching the Saints game at our favorite pub, to then mustering up the strength to stagger into work so we can have the ability to do it all over again for next weekend. That hustle makes it hard to stay on top of things. So here’s what you need to know for this week and some things that might get you out of the house — but we won’t blame you if you don’t want to leave your lounge pants.
The Long And Winding Roads – City updates progress on 400 miles of NOLA road construction
I know how much I enjoy the excruciating pain of feeling my heart leap into my brain when I hit a pothole. Buckle up, because the city of New Orleans released an update on the 400 miles of roadwork planned throughout the Crescent City. The 200 projects and $2.3 billion of construction is the largest infrastructure revamp that has happened in the region in decades, the city said. According to the city, a combination of federal and local funding is being used to complete the projects. Here’s a breakdown before we have a mental breakdown.
Spill It – Feds boost funding for Lake Pontchartrain’s recovery after spillway opening
Last week, we mentioned that more than $1 million was going to be used to evaluate the effects of freshwater from the Bonnet Carré Spillway on dolphins and sea turtles in the Mississippi Sound. Now, a federal fund aimed at restoring Lake Pontchartrain is getting a boost that could help officials study the environmental impact of opening the spillway. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program will receive $1.4 million for the 2020 fiscal year, according to federal regulators. Read the report here.
Supreme Decision – Supreme Court revisits abortion with Louisiana case
The U.S. Supreme Court said that it will hear arguments in an abortion case from Louisiana that is nearly identical to a Texas case decided by the court three years ago, according to a report from NPR. The Louisiana law requires any doctor performing an abortion to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital — much like the Texas law that the court previously struck down. In that Texas case, the Supreme Court said that both requirements imposed “a substantial burden” on a woman’s right to abortion. The big difference now is that Justice Anthony Kennedy has retired and been replaced by President Donald Trump’s appointee, Brett Kavanaugh. Read the full report here.
Forgive and forget – City Council urges courts to forgive court debt, outstanding warrants
(Cross your fingers if this is you) The New Orleans City Council’s Criminal Justice Committee called for the forgiveness of all outstanding debt individuals have accrued from fines and fees in Municipal and Traffic Court, according to The Lens. The committee also encouraged the City Attorney’s Office to dismiss “low-level, non-violent, and so called Quality of Life offenses.”
That Fish Cray – More than 150 food establishments cited for not labeling foreign seafood
Something was apparently fishy when more than 150 companies across Louisiana were cited for not disclosing imported seafood to customers. This comes after nearly a month into the Department of Health’s enforcement of a new shrimp and crawfish labeling law. About 75 violations were at restaurants across southeastern Louisiana from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, according to this report. Read it here.
Quick Hit Headlines
- Governor candidates supportive of trade war (The Advocate)
- WDSU anchor mourns loss of husband to rare form of bone cancer (WDSU)
- Pence endorses both Republican candidates for Louisiana governor (WWLTV)
- After landmark special education deal in NOLA, state monitored wrong schools (NOLA.com)
- New Orleans native makes ‘The Voice’ (YouTube)
What To Do
Monday, Oct. 7
Brewery Bingo | Port Orleans Brewery Company | 7-9 p.m. | FREE
Join Port Orleans Brewing Company and NOLA Fray in the Tasting Room every Monday night for Brewery Bingo. Free to enter. Multiple chances to win. Nothing to lose.
Tuesday, Oct. 8
EATmoor Fall Festival | Rosa Keller Library | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | FREE to attend
In Broadmoor, a community that dines together thrives together! Mosey on down to the EATmoor! Fall Festival for a free gathering featuring local food vendors, live music, wellness resources and family fun.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
“Death Becomes Her” movie night | Broad Street Cider | 8 – 10 p.m. | FREE to attend (21 and up ONLY)
This 1992 dark comedy from Robert Zemeckis arrives at this cidery just in time for October. A pair of rivals drink a magic potion that promises eternal youth, but with grim side effects when they physically die, becoming walking, talking corpses in the process. Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn star.
Thursday, Oct. 10
Tiki Garden Party | Southern Food & Beverage Museum | 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE to attend
The Southern Food and Beverage Museum is inviting you to a free tiki garden party! Come celebrate the opening of the gumbo garden with light bites and drinks.
Friday, Oct. 11
Gentilly Fest | 5701 Press Drive | 7 p.m. | FREE to attend
Gentilly Fest celebrates all things “Gentilly,” including continuous live music on four stages and sumptuous food from a variety of local vendors.
