Friday nights in Louisiana usually mean a mix of high school sports, jazz in the Quarter, or maybe just a quiet dinner at a local spot. But last night was anything but quiet.
Between a major traffic nightmare in Belle Chasse, big political moves from the Governor, and some heartbreaking news in the New Orleans culinary scene, there was a lot to keep track of. Honestly, if you weren’t glued to the local news or your social feeds, you probably missed a few things that are going to affect your commute or your weekend plans.
The Highway 23 Mess and the Belle Chasse Spill
Let’s start with the big one that had commuters pulling their hair out. An 18-wheeler basically shut down Highway 23 in Belle Chasse yesterday.
It wasn't just a simple fender bender. The semi-truck rear-ended a garbage truck near River Oaks Drive in the Cedar Grove area. The impact was enough to jackknife the rig, which then spilled thousands of gallons of diesel fuel all over the asphalt.
Hazardous materials crews and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality had to spend the evening trying to contain the mess. It was a total logistics nightmare. Both drivers ended up in the hospital, though thankfully their injuries were described as "mild to moderate" by Patrick Harvey of Plaquemines Parish Homeland Security. If you’re heading that way today, you’ve still got to be careful; those kinds of cleanups often leave a lingering impact on traffic flow.
Governor Landry’s Bridge Blitz and the Greenland Mission
While crews were cleaning up diesel in Plaquemines, Governor Jeff Landry was making waves in Baton Rouge.
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He announced a massive push to fix 11 bridges across the state. This wasn't just a random PR move; it came right on the heels of a report from WBRZ highlighting that over 300 bridges in Louisiana are currently in rough shape.
The list of bridges getting a facelift includes:
- The La. 1062 bridge in Tangipahoa Parish.
- The La. 995 bridge in Iberville Parish near White Castle.
It’s about time. Landry’s been leaning into the "infrastructure governor" role, and this is a big step for the 2026 agenda. Interestingly, the Governor has also been doubling as a sort of informal diplomat for the Trump administration. He’s been in Washington lately discussing Greenland—yes, the island—which is a wild shift from local bridge repairs, but it shows how high his national profile is climbing right now.
A Sad Farewell to New Orleans BBQ and British Ales
If you were planning on grabbing a pint and some brisket in the South Market District this weekend, I’ve got some bad news.
Brewery Saint X and Devil Moon BBQ announced that today, Saturday, January 17, is their final day. They’ve been staples for about three years, becoming go-to spots for Saints and Pelicans fans. Last night was essentially the "beginning of the end" for the staff there as they prepared for one final farewell party.
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The owners didn't give a specific reason for the closure, which is always frustrating for the regulars. They’re going out with a bang, though—$4 drafts and casks all day today until they run out. It’s a tough blow for the New Orleans food scene, which has been feeling the squeeze lately.
Mayor Moreno’s Budget Battle
In the city, Mayor Helena Moreno is dealing with a $200 million deficit she inherited.
Late yesterday, the administration released the details on employee furloughs. It’s a pretty gutsy move. Moreno is shielding the lowest-paid workers—specifically anyone making under $40,000 a year—and putting the brunt of the furloughs on the highest-paid city officials.
Public safety and emergency personnel are also exempt. It’s a "sliding scale" approach that starts in mid-February, but the announcement last night has definitely sparked a lot of conversation at City Hall. Basically, if you make more, you lose more hours. It’s a fair way to handle a mess, but it’s definitely going to be a test of morale for the upper management in city government.
Crimestoppers and the Dooky Chase Shooting
On a more somber note, Crimestoppers GNO upped the ante last night. They doubled the reward to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the fatal shooting that happened Friday at the iconic Dooky Chase restaurant.
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Darlene Cusanza made the announcement, hoping that the extra cash will encourage someone to come forward. It’s a tragic situation for such a legendary New Orleans landmark.
What This Means for Your Week
So, what should you actually do with all this information?
First, if you're a state employee in New Orleans, check your email. The furlough guidance from CAO Giarrusso went out Friday afternoon, and you'll want to see where you fall on that sliding scale before the February 15th start date.
Second, if you're a fan of Brewery Saint X or Devil Moon BBQ, today is literally your last chance. They open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. Expect it to be packed.
Finally, keep an eye on the bridge construction schedules. While we don't have the exact "shovels in the ground" dates for the 11 bridges Landry mentioned, the DOTD usually moves fast once the Governor puts his name on a project like this. Expect orange cones in Tangipahoa and Iberville Parishes sooner rather than later.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Traffic: If you use Highway 23, check local traffic apps for residual delays from the diesel cleanup.
- Visit South Market: Head to Brewery Saint X today for their final farewell if you want to support the staff one last time.
- Submit Tips: If you know anything about the Dooky Chase incident, call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111; you can stay anonymous and potentially collect that $5,000 reward.
- Monitor DOTD: Residents in Tangipahoa and Iberville should watch for local road closure announcements as bridge repairs begin.