Even with the big W on the board from Sunday night’s Saints game, Mondays are a beast. Still so close to the wrong side of last Saturday night and yet so far from the weekend. And the news never stops in this town. So much to keep up on and so little time to hunt it all down. But fear not – we’re here for you. The Very Local Monday newsletter will help the Big Easy ease into the new week with a mix of things you need to know about and maybe a couple of weekday happenings to tide you over.
Cast Away – Early Voting Begins
Why wait until the last minute? Early voting began Saturday (Sept. 28) for the statewide elections on Oct. 12. Any election is important and this one is no different. We’ll be deciding on a governor, statewide offices, constitutional amendments and legislative seats — not to mention the hundreds of local elections in play. Get it done and brag to your friends that you’re ahead of the game. Early voting ends Oct. 5. Voters who need help finding their polling location can call (504) 658-8300 or tap here to find your polling location.
C’est What? – La. lawmakers defend president amid impeachment inquiry
Two Republican Louisiana politicians, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy and U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, are standing by President Donald Trump after an impeachment inquiry was launched by Democrats last week. Kennedy and Scalise talked with NBC’s Chuck Todd in separate on-camera interviews, claiming that the investigations are “baseless” and not “as newsworthy as some have argued.” Watch: Scalise interview | Watch: Kennedy interview
Cashing Out – Card-Only Businesses in NOLA
The convenience of plastic makes life easy for a large portion of society at large. However, the choice to go completely cashless doesn’t come without criticism. Some business owners cite employee safety as their top reason to prefer plastic. In New Orleans, several businesses have opted to not accept cash, and critics say the operations shut out unbanked people from being able to fully participate in the economy. Click here to read a deeper dive into this trend impacting residents across the city.
Thumbs Up – Drew Brees could return sooner than expected after injury
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees suffered a torn ligament in his thumb in a game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 15. But some new technology may help the star pigskin tosser for the Black and Gold get back on the gridiron sooner, according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer. The tech is an internal brace that was put into Brees’ right thumb. It was initially reported that he would miss about six weeks. However, the brace could push Brees’ recovery up to five weeks, possibly giving the quarterback a chance to play against the Cardinals on Oct. 27. Watch the FOX Sports report here.
River runs through it – $1.25M to evaluate spillway effects on dolphins, turtles
More than $1 million will be used to evaluate the effects of freshwater from the Bonnet Carré Spillway on dolphins and sea turtles in the Mississippi Sound, according to The Associated Press. The Army Corps of Engineers opened the spillway twice this year to protect New Orleans levees, sending Mississippi River water into the Mississippi Sound.
Quick Hit Headlines
- City Park’s Storyland reopens with new attractions (Video: WDSU)
- Anonymous $2M gift given to fund UNO Scholarships (NOLA.com)
- Northshore: Mandeville officer who was killed in the line of duty was laid to rest (WDSU)
- Bureau of Governmental Research slams New Orleans mayor’s affordable housing plan (NOLA.com)
- Louisiana gets low score from debt watchdog organization (WWLTV)
What To Do
Monday, Sept. 30
Questionable Quiz Night | Parleaux Beer Lab | 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. | FREE
Head to the Bywater’s for Questionable Quiz night! $1 off Pints for all trivia team participants and bar tab buyouts (FREE BEER) for 1st and 2nd place teams. That’s a rad way to kill that case of the Mondays.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
“The Shining” | The Prytania Theatre | 10 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. | $11.75
Part of Prytania Theatre’s “Kill-O-Rama” series, “The Shining” stars Jack Nicholson as the off-season caretaker of a possessed hotel who slowly goes mad as evil spirits convince him to go after his family with a fire axe. Stephen King’s spooky novel is vividly brought to life by director Kubrick, who infuses the film with some of the most memorable images of his career. Redrum! Redrum! Shelley Duvall co-stars.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
“Wicked” | The Saenger Theatre | 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Ticket prices vary
Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked” tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, long before Dorothy drops in.
Thursday, Oct. 3
“Mean Girls” Costume Party | Lost Love Lounge | 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. | FREE
Aaron knows, so does Cady & so does Lost Love Lounge. It’s October 3rd, and that means it’s “Mean Girls” International Day. Lost Love is celebrating by hosting its own “Mean Girls” Fetch Costume Party. Dress up as your favorite character while the iconic movie plays on a loop all night. Make fetch happen.
Friday, Oct. 4
Exclusive Bourbon Tasting & Cocktail Making | Seven Three Distilling Co. | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. $20
Local liquor is the best liquor! To prove it, Very Local wants you to come join us at Seven Three Distilling in Mid-City for a liquor tour, tasting, and cocktails. This private tasting will allow you to sample the 5 spirits plus the NEW unreleased Bywater Bourbon, one last time before its bottled.
