• Miles Brennan quits LSU football

    LSU’s Miles Brennan Walking Away From Football

    2 Min Read

    Miles Brennan, LSU’s starting quarterback just two years ago, will no longer play football from LSU’s athletic program.

    Brennan’s decision brings his college career abruptly to an end after five years with the team.

    LSU Quarterback Miles Brennan Quits Football

    Posting on social media, Brennan announced that he is “stepping away from football.”

    “Over the last five years, I have given all of my body, heart, and soul to LSU football. Playing for LSU has been a dream come true. Wearing the purple and gold, running into Death Valley, winning a national championship, and starting at quarterback for the LSU Tigers – what more could a kid ask for? I will never forget the time I’ve spent and the memories I have made here,” he said in a statement.

    Brennan took over as the head signal caller for the Fighting Tigers in 2020, one season after they won the National Championship with quarterback Joe Burrow at the helm.

    The Tigers begin the 2022 season with a new head coach — Brian Kelly — and a clean slate to right the ship after two consecutive sub-par seasons.

    Speaking about Brennan, Kelly was gracious about the quarterback’s abrupt exit.

    “We are grateful to Myles for everything he has done for LSU Football,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. “Myles is a great leader who has made a tremendous impact on this program, and he has earned the respect of everyone here through his commitment and love for LSU.”

    Brennan has been a part of some of the best plays for LSU over the past two years, especially in 2020, his lone year as a starter. Here are some highlights.

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  • best NFL fans: New Orleans Saints

    What NFL Team Has The Happiest Fans?

    1 Min Read

    The National Football League continues to keep cities in a chokehold when it comes to fan loyalty and satisfaction. But there are some fans that are more appreciative than others for their respective ballclubs.

    A recent report breaks down which NFL team has the happiest fans in the league.

    The data comes from several metrics that have a bearing on the expressions of football fans. Some of the data come from social media posts, including likes and followers. The numbers are all added up to form a composite score that measures happiness.

    Here Are The NFL Teams With The Happiest Fans

    Rank / TeamInstagram Followers / LikesTwitter Followers / LikesLove To Angry RatioNFL Fan Happiness Score
    1. New Orleans Saints1.9M / 23M1.6M / 0.4814.007.18
    2. New England Patriots4.6M / 31.6M3.6M / 0.3416.677.10
    3. Pittsburgh Steelers3.1M / 42M3.8M / 0.3410.006.92
    4. Baltimore Ravens1.6M / 17.6M1.7 M / 0.2036.506.92
    5. Los Angeles Rams1.6M / 35.5M1.1 M 0.1622.336.74
    6. San Francisco 49ers2.4M / 34.4M2.3 M / 0.2611.756.65
    7. Los Angeles Chargers962k / 25M1 M / 0.1821.336.55
    8. Tennessee Titans836K / 9K977K / 0.4415.006.20
    9. Kansas City Chiefs2.2M / 34.5M2M / 0.1912.806.20
    10. Cincinnati Bengals1.1M / 22.6M1.2 M / 0.0741.006.14

    Saints fans are looking forward to a very productive season and there’s some talk that a Super Bowl appearance could very well be in the cards.

    If you can’t make it to the game, check out these great bars to cheer on your favorite team.


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  • New Orleans murder rate

    Report: New Orleans Again Among Worst Cities For Murders

    3 Min Read

    New Orleans once again is among one of the worst metropolitan cities in America when it comes to murders.

    For the Pelican State, it’s not just New Orleans that gets a bad rap. As the New York Times reports, Louisiana has had the nation’s highest murder rate for 31 straight years.

    After a COVID-19 pandemic-induced lull in early 2020, near the end of the that year, violent crime began to rise in many major U.S. cities, with law enforcement officials blaming the prevalence of guns and easy access to them.

    Where Does New Orleans Rank For Murders Per Capita?

    According to World Population Review, a website that analyzes statistical data for metropolitan areas.

    The twenty cities in the United States with the highest murder rates (murders per 100,000 people) are:

    1. St. Louis, MO (69.4)
    2. Baltimore, MD (51.1)
    3. New Orleans, LA (40.6)
    4. Detroit, MI (39.7)
    5. Cleveland, OH (33.7)
    6. Las Vegas, NV (31.4)
    7. Kansas City, MO (31.2)
    8. Memphis, TN (27.1)
    9. Newark, NJ (25.6)
    10. Chicago, IL (24)
    11. Cincinnati, OH (23.8)
    12. Philadelphia, PA (20.2)
    13. Milwaukee, WI (20.0)
    14. Tulsa, OK (18.6)
    15. Pittsburgh, PA (18.4)
    16. Indianapolis, IN (17.7)
    17. Louisville, KY (17.5)
    18. Oakland, CA (17.1)
    19. Washington D.C. (17.0)
    20. Atlanta, GA (16.7)

    Why Does New Orleans Always Rank Near the Top For Murders?

    Now the hard part: Why does New Orleans perennially rank among the worst cities for homicides? The answer to that question had made many policy makers weary.

    Guns

    Former Mayor Marc Morial told the Times the issue could be guns. “Lots of illegal or stolen weapons, an illegal system in trafficking in weapons, plus drugs and narcotics, produce this lethal mixture. Look at the Legislature to see how many criminal laws versus efforts to address homelessness there have been. The state’s response is more of the same rather than addressing what’s driving it.”

    Poverty

    “Poverty by itself is a very powerful variable in trying to make sense out of crime and homicides, but it requires more nuance,” Dee Wood Harper, an emeritus professor of criminal justice at Loyola University, told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “In New Orleans, look across our neighborhoods. In some, homicide is more common than the common cold, while others have never had a homicide.”

    Lack Of Adequate Police Force

    New Orleans Police Department Superintendnet Chief Shaun Ferguson told reporters in December 2021 that he had lost more than 150 officers in 2021 while recruiting 44 new officers. He said he would devote much of 2022 to recruitment and retention of police officers

    Final Word

    Whatever the cause of deadly crime, it’s going to take a citywide effort for New Orleans to break the cycle.

    With that being said, you might be wondering how safe New Orleans is for travel. Find out.

    More Nolafi.com Articles:

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  • power outage

    How Long Should You Prepare To Go Without Power When A Hurricane Hits?

    3 Min Read

    With hurricane season in its most active period, the main energy provider of New Orleans recently informed the public of how long it may take for them to restore power in the event of a major storm.

    Entergy, the largest power company in the Greater New Orleans area, held a presentation laying out the expected wait times for residents who lose power to get their energy restored.

    Here are Entergy’s estimates for how long you’ll be without power based on hurricane strength:

    When New Orleans Residents Expect Power To Be Restored After A Hurricane?

    Hurricane StrengthDays Without Power
    Category 1 Storm7 Days
    Category 2 Storm 10 days
    Category 3 Storm 14 days
    Category 4 Storm 21 Days
    Category 5 StormMore than 21 Days

    How To Check The Status Of A Power Outage Near You

    In the Greater New Orleans area, you can check the status of a power outage near you by going to Entergy’s website here.

    Once you click on your state, you’ll see a map that shows where power is flowing. Green lines generally indicate that power is on. Red lines typically mean that power is out.

    Entergy’s website says, “While a green line is an indication that power has been restored to the area, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that power is on at your specific location.”

    How To Prepare For A Major Storm

    In the event that a major storm, hits the Gulf Coast region, including New Orleans, there are some things you can do to prevent the worst of conditions from occurring.

    Buy A Generator

    Most appliance stores sell either whole-house or portable generators, which are sufficient for major storms and hurricanes.

    Remember to never run a generator in an enclosed space. They generate deadly fumes that can kill you. Here are some top portable generators you can purchase.

    Champion Power Equipment 100519 6250-Watt Open Frame Inverter

    Stock Up On Canned Goods

    You’d be surprised how good some food in a can tastes when you’re starving. Hopefully, you never have to find out, but to be safe, it’s a good idea to have some canned goods stored for a rainy day.

    Here are some food stuffs you should invest in:

    Swanson Chicken & Dumplings W/ White & Dark Chicken Meat

    Have A Go-Bag Ready

    When it’s time for you to flee your home, it can be very hectic trying to find the items you will think you need to take with you. That’s why it’s always a good idea to prepare a go-bag — a book sack or bag filled with your necessities — so that you can be on the move in a hurry.

    What are some things to put in a go-bag?

    Final Word

    There’s little that can be done to thwart a major storm headed toward New Orleans, but you can take steps to get out of the dark in the event of a power outage.

    Most residents in places like Orleans and Jefferson parishes are used to losing power for days on end when big storms come. No matter what, remember not to panic and to keep your senses at all times.

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  • the best cheap apartments in New Orleans

    Here Are The Best Cheap Apartments In New Orleans

    3 Min Read

    You already know that rent prices are skyrocketed across the nation. In New Orleans, Louisiana, rent prices are no different.

    Louisiana has some affordable cities for renters, particularly in the northern and central parts of the state.

    Are Rents Going Down In New Orleans?

    New Orleans rents are rising but not as much as other metropolitan areas. June 2022 figures from Realtor.com show that New Orleans rents rose just 6.6% over the previous year, which is among the lowest increases in the nation.

    These New Orleans Apartments Are Affordable

    To determine the apartments with the cheapest rent in New Orleans, we studied the average rental rates for studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms.

    Willowbrook Apartments

    7001 Bundy Rd, New Orleans, LA 70127

    Willowbrook Apartments are some of the cheapest in New Orleans.

    Willowbrook Apartments has on-site laundry facilities as well as all kitchen appliances including a dishwasher, all electric and energy efficient central heat and air, ceiling fans, and large private porches.

    BedsBathsAverage SFMonthly Rent
    1 Bed1 Bath658 SF$700
    2 Beds2 Baths958 SF$820

    Leasing Office:  (504) 777-3172

    Pontchartrain Oaks Apartments

    9696 Hayne Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127

    Pontchartrain Oaks Apartments is among the cheapest in New Orleans.

    Located on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans East, Pontchartrain Oaks offers one and two bedroom apartments.

    BedsBathsAverage SFMonthly Rent
    1 Bed1 Bath560 SF$685
    2 Beds1 Bath1,120 SF$950

    Leasing Office: (504) 576-9613

    Forest Isle Apartments

    5000 Woodland Dr, New Orleans, LA 70131

    Forest Isle apartments in New Orleans are affordable.

    Forest Isle is a gated apartment community located on the Westbank of New Orleans. It has a swimming pool, work out in our 24 hour fitness center, or stroll with your dog on the levee overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Forest Isle offers studio, one and two bedroom apartment homes.

    BedsBathsAverage SFMonthly Rent
    Studio1 Bath536 SF$690
    1 Bed1 Bath636 SFNot Available
    1 Bed1½ Baths825 SFNot Available
    2 Beds1 Bath995 SFNot Available
    2 Beds1½ Baths1,233 SFNot Available
    2 Beds2½ Baths1,350 SF$1,350

    Leasing Office:  (504) 285-5298

    Parc Fontaine

    3101 Rue Parc Fontaine, New Orleans, LA 70131

    Parc Fontaine is one of the cheapest apartments in New Orleans.

    Leasing Office:  (504) 688-7385

    Located on the West Bank, Parc Fontaine Apartments is a gated community that offers one, two and three-bedroom floorplans.

    BedsBathsAverage SFMonthly Rent
    1 Bed1 Bath750 SF$610
    2 Beds1 Bath1,000 SFNot Available
    2 Beds2 Baths1,300 SFNot Available
    3 Beds2 Baths1,683 SF$1,200

    Laguna Creek Apartments

    6881 Parc Brittany Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126

    Laguna Creek is among the cheapest apartments in New Orleans.

    Laguna Creek offers one- and two-bedroom apartments in Eastern New Orleans.

    BedsBathsAverage SFMonthly Rent
    1 Bed1 Bath617 SF$685
    2 Beds1 Bath866 SF$910

    Leasing Office: (844) 838-2986

    Cypress Run Apartments

    6101 Tullis Dr, New Orleans, LA 70131

    Cypress Run Apartments is among the cheapest in New Orleans.

    Cypress Run Apartments offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with various features and amenities including, convenient on-site parking options and smoke-free options.

    BedsBathsAverage SFMonthly Rent
    1 Bed1 Bath731 SF$700
    2 Beds1 Bath920 SFNot Available
    2 Beds2 Baths1,020 SF$1,050

    Leasing Office: (504) 392-8962

    Final Word

    While New Orleans is not one of the most expensive rental markets, (how you doing, New York?), the prices are such that you still need to do what you can to save if you’re not buying a home. Look for ways to reduce expenses and save more of the money you make.

    Tired of renting? Here’s how to save for a home.

    Here’s The New Orleans Housing Forecast

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  • red wine healthy for you

    Commander’s Palace Relaunches Summer Wine Tasting Series

    2 Min Read

    One of the city’s best restaurants, Commander’s Palace, is holding a summer series that is every bit the culinary masterclass you would expect.

     The Commander’s Palace summer wine tasting series is called CP Sips, and it’s going on now.

    These self-guided tours focus on different wines that go along with some of New Orleans’ most motable dishes. Of course, there will be samples galore for both spirits and food.

    Here is the schedule so far. Note that the series is quickly selling out as it becomes available.

    CP Sips Summer Series Schedule

    JUNE 15:  Sipping Around the South of France PURCHASE TICKETS TO EVENT HERE

    JULY 20:  Rosé Sippers and Summer BBQ Reds PURCHASE TICKETS TO EVENT HERE

    AUGUST 17:  Island Hopping with Glass In Hand PURCHASE TICKETS TO EVENT HERE

    SEPTEMBER 14:  Touring the Mediterranean Coast (Bike Optional) PURCHASE TICKETS TO EVENT HERE 

    Looking for more places to eat in Nola? Here Are Some Top Desserts To Order In New Orleans.

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  • Hall on Mag

    Hall On Mag Food Hall Opening This Fall In New Orleans

    2 Min Read

    New Orleans is getting a new food hall and event space on the xxx neighborhood. Hall on Mag is poised to open its doors in fall 2022, according to a news release.

    The Hall on Mag is the highly anticipated establishment from entrepreneur Jamal Wilson, who also ran food halls in Orlando (now closed) and Tampa. The structure, spread out over 8,800 square feet, will feature several food stalls for eateries as well as a cocktail bar called “The Library.” There will also be a large, central cocktail bar and pop-up champagne bar.

    Why New Orleans? You may ask. Here’s what Wilson said in a written statement. “The culinary scene in New Orleans is unmatched – it perfectly encapsulates the melting pot of cultures and the vibrancy of the city.”

    “As someone that thrives off collaboration, I’m thrilled to bring The Hall experience to New Orleans to help showcase the best culinary talent the city has to offer through an elevated hospitality experience.”

    Jamal Wilson

    What Are The Tenants In Hall On Mag?

    The tenants that will be in Hall on Mag are the following:

    • South & Common (Southern Faire comfort food)
    • Amato Italia (Italian fusion with a modern twist)
    • Ja Nai (Japanese street food and sushi)
    • American Culture (Elevated American cuisine including creole, Asian and soul)
    • Itzayana (Mexican street food)
    • El Greco (Mediterranean seafood concept)

    Speaking to The Times-Picayune, Wilson said this isn’t a fly-by-night operation, although you can certainly order lunch to go.

    “We’re full service,” Wilson was quoted as saying. “You walk in, you’re greeted by a host, you sit at the table and you can order from any one of our six restaurants off a comprehensive menu.”

    Where Is The Hall On Mag Located?

    The Hall on Mag is located at 801 Magazine St. New Orleans, La. 70130 in the space formerly occupied by the Auction House Market. Here is a map to help you find it.

    Final Word

    Foodies are waiting in anticipation for the Hall on Mag to open this fall. The establishment is another black-owned business that New Orleans has become known for. Check out the city’s best black restaurants.

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  • funeral costs in Louisiana

    How Much Does A Funeral Cost In Louisiana?

    3 Min Read

    If you have the unfortunate task of planning a funeral for a loved one, it’s not for the faint of heart. Aside from the emotional toll, there will be quite a few monetary options to consider.

    In this article, we’ll take a look at how much it costs for a funeral in Louisiana as well as other associated expenses.

    Funeral Costs In Louisiana

    In Louisiana, you can typically expect to pay between $6,000 and $10,000 for a funeral. Unlike other regions, in south Louisiana, specifically the New Orleans area, you could face an additional charge due to “jazz funerals” or “second line” processions in which brass bands are hired to perform in outdoor conditions.

    You might wonder how the cost of a typical Louisiana funeral might compare to the rest of the nation. Here’s what we found:

    How Much Does The Average Funeral Cost?

    According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the average funeral costs $7,848. That includes a viewing and burial, which among other things, is always charged separately.

    In Louisiana, you’ll find funeral costs that range between $6,000 to $13,000, depending on how elaborate the plans are and what material the casket is made of.

    If you want to save money, it’s proven that the way to go is cremation.

    How Much Does The Average Cremation Cost?

    According to the NFDA, the average cremation costs about $2,550.

    In Louisiana, you’ll find similar prices for cremation here. Here’s a breakdown provided by the NFDA that shows how much you’ll pay for added funeral services.

    advance charges, such as for flowers or an obituary.

    Item20212016% Change
    Nondeclinable basic services fee$2,300$2,1009.5%
    Removal/transfer of remains to funeral home$350$3257.7%
    Embalming$775$7256.9%
    Other preparation of the body$275$25010.0%
    Use of facilities/staff for viewing$450$4255.9%
    Use of facilities/staff for funeral ceremony$515$5003.0%
    Hearse$350$3257.7%
    Service car/van$150$1500.0%
    Printed materials (basic memorial package)$183$16014.1%
    Metal burial casket$2,500$2,4004.2%
    Median Cost of a Funeral with Viewing and Burial$7,848$7,3606.6%*
    Vault$1,572$1,39512.7%
    Total with vault$9,420$8,7757.6%

    How To Save Money On A Funeral

    To save cash, consider the following steps:

    • Forego embalming. Many families opt for the embalming process even though they have chosen to have a closed-casket funeral! Why?
    • Skip the fancy caskets: Funeral directors may try to sell you on a “gasketed casket,” which slows decomposition. Decline it. If you’re burying the body within a week or two, it won’t decompose that much.
    • Decline the extras: Turn down the carriage funeral, as well as the jazz funeral, as this will significantly add to the bill.

    Last Word

    Funeral expenses shouldn’t be so burdensome that the survivors of the deceased are plunged into poverty. Taking the steps now to plan the funeral of your loved one will ensure that you save money and still carry out a dignified funeral.


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  • Commander's Palace menu in New Orleans

    Report: This Restaurant Is The Most Famous In Louisiana

    2 Min Read

    Louisiana is known for its downhome cuisine that relies heavily on its Cajun and Creole roots. While thee are many notable eating places around the state, one stands out above the rest.

    But according to one report, the most famous eatery in Louisiana is located in New Orleans.

    What Is The Most Famous Restaurant In Louisiana?

    Commander’s Palace, owned by the Brennan family, is the state’s most famous restaurant, according to LoveFood.com, which lists the most renown eatery in each U.S. state.

    Where Is Commander’s Palace Located?

    Commander’s Palace is located at 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130. Here is a map to help you find it.

    What’s On The Menu At Commander’s Palace?

    Menu at Commander's Palace

    Commander’s Palace has a delicious menu featuring many classics as well as original dishes.

    Here is their sample menu:

    Appetizers

    Turtle Soup
    A Commander’s classic spiked with sherry

    Commander’s Romaine Salad
    Hearts of romaine, Parmesan, pressed eggs, pecan smoked bacon and
    French bread croutons with classic black pepper-buttermilk dressing

    Entrées

    Pecan Crusted Fish
    Champagne poached jumbo lump crab,
    spiced pecans & crushed corn sauce

    Tournedos of Black Angus Beef
    Whiskey smoked onions, roasted mushrooms,
    Creole smashed new potatoes and glace de viande

    Dessert

    Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé
    Rich bread pudding whipped into a light fluffy soufflé
    -Whiskey sauce added table side

    Here’s what one customer says about Commander’s Palace: “Wonderful dinner with dear friends for the Sunday brunch. As a vegetarian, they were very accommodating with a veggie and faro dish. The strawberry salad was quite flavorful with candied pecans. We enjoyed the jazz band and second line. The soufflé was very flavorful. Great ambience and helpful staff. It was a little pricey, but high quality food. The coffee was fresh and warm. A great experience!”

    Last Word

    When New Orleans’ food is mentioned on a national level, it somehow always reverts back to gumbo, which is the best around, although the city’s eateries certainly represent those dishes well, there’s so much more.

    More From NolaFi.com:

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  • 4th of July celebrations in New Orleans

    Where Will The Fireworks Be? July 4th Celebrations In New Orleans

    2 Min Read

    Our nation’s celebration of Independence is Monday, July 4, 2022 and New Orleans, Louisiana will be red, white and blue for the holiday. You don’t have to be in Atlanta proper to enjoy the festivities; surrounding cities will also be getting in on the fireworks!

    Greater New Orleans July 4 Celebrations

    Here are some of the metro Atlanta Fourth of July events you may want to check out.

    4th On The River

    Celebrate America’s birthday along the historic New Orleans Riverfront with the FREE  Go 4th on the River Fireworks Show at 9:00 p.m. on July 4th! This spectacular fireworks display can be seen  from the East and West Banks of the River from the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk to  Crescent Park at French Market District. 

    Slidell Heritage Festival

    The Slidell Heritage Festival takes place 4 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2022. The event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Slidell, the Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore in conjunction with the City of Slidell. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

    Mandeville Fireworks On The Lake

    In Mandeville, Fireworks on the Lake is happening at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2022. Come to the Lakefront at 2623 Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville, La.

    St. Bernard Salutes America

    St. Bernard Salutes America’s Annual Celebration is set for Sunday, July 3, 2022 from 5:30 to 10:00 pm.

    The St. Bernard Salutes America Celebration and Fireworks Display takes place on the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center Grounds located at 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette. Admission is free.

    Uncle Sam Jam

    Uncle Sam Jam is happening 3 p.m. Sunday, July 3, 2022 at beautiful Lafreniere Park. Each year, festival goers look forward to live music, delicious food and great company. Uncle Sam Jam is a FREE festival featuring top local and national acts and a fireworks show to close out the night. 

    Final Word

    Flying in and out of New Orleans is easier than ever after the Louis Armstrong Airport remodel.

    New Orleans is a top destination for air travelers the world over. The reason? The city’s vibrant culture, top-notch cuisine and its many things to do and see.

    Looking to visit the Crescent City? Here’s the cheapest time to travel to New Orleans.

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