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Writing for Axios Local and other nonsense. 💌 chelsea.brasted@axios.com
Articles by Chelsea Brasted
3 Halloween cocktail bar pop-ups in New Orleans
A Blood Dawn cocktail from the Black Lagoon team. Photo: Courtesy of Black Lagoon The season of the witch is upon us, and if you're looking to stir up a good time, New Orleans has a few Halloween pop-up bars to fly into. Zoom in: Here are three places you can find some good spirits this spooky season. ğ The Black Lagoon is back at Anna's. The takeover promises "a full-blown haunted wonderland with immersive decor," plus festive cocktails and mocktails.
2026 midterms: A Louisiana voter's guide
The 2026 midterms are just weeks away, with Louisiana voters weighing their choices as Republicans fight to hold on to the House and Senate. Why it matters: Louisiana will elect a new U.S. senator, House representatives and vote on a slate of other local measures. Here's what we're watching on the Nov. 3 ballot: U.S. Senate: Republican Rep. Julia Letlow faces off against lesser-known Democrat Jamie Davis to replace Sen. Bill Cassidy, who lost his reelection bid in a party primary earlier this year.
Alon Shaya's new cookbook preserves WWII memories, meals
Chef Alon Shaya during a cooking demo. His New Orleans restaurants include Saba and Safta's Table. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios A new cookbook from chef Alon Shaya preserves the memories — and meals — of World War II. Why it matters: "This book is about humanity and not government decisions," Shaya said during a book launch event Wednesday. "Food is our greatest common denominator.
New Orleans City Planning can't agree on data center regulations
Kenya Smith, on behalf of the East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission, asks the City Planning Commission to spend more time considering data center regulations. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios New Orleans' City Planning Commission couldn't agree Tuesday on a slate of new recommendations aimed at eventually regulating data centers within city limits.
Ruthie's Frozen Custard opens on Freret Street
Digging in at Ruthie's Frozen Custard. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios Soft-serve and frozen yogurt is cool (no pun intended) again, and New Orleans has happily climbed back on the bandwagon. Zoom in: One of the city's newest spots to enjoy the trend is Ruthie's Frozen Custard, which brings the Midwestern dessert down South. Custard notably uses egg yolks, and typically contains less air than ice cream, making it extra creamy and thick.
Dakar NOLA expands with new walk-in, à la carte menu
The Dakar Terrace offers a full bar menu, including cocktails like the Dakar, which is made with Cheramie rum, coconut, hibiscus, lime and a mint leaf garnish. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios There's a new way to enjoy one of the U.S.'s top tasting restaurants. Why it matters: Dakar NOLA's new patio seating lowers the restaurant's barrier to entry, both practically and financially.
Streets overtake crime as New Orleanians' top concern
Zoom in: The findings come from LSU New Orleans' annual quality of life survey, which has been checking the city's vibes since 1986. Key findings for 2026: Streets and infrastructure were the city's most frequently cited concern this year. Crime held the top spot every year previously. 13% of New Orleans respondents said crime was increasing, down 70 percentage points from two years ago.
Planned Parenthood reopens in New Orleans
Planned Parenthood reopens Wednesday in New Orleans after what it described as "political warfare" forced its closure in 2025. Why it matters: The clinic's return comes just as the city is considering trimming its health programming, among other cuts aimed at navigating a budget crisis. Catch up quick: Planned Parenthood's New Orleans clinic represents an expansion of the national nonprofit sexual health provider's Great Plains network.
Trail mix: Latest headlines on Louisiana midterms
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios Tuesday is the last day to register to vote online ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Zoom in: Louisiana voters will make congressional selections and approve or reject 10 constitutional amendments, among other local matters. Here are some recent headlines to know ahead of the election: ğ¤ The Times-Picayune released profiles for both U.S. Senate candidates: Republican Rep. Julia Letlow and Democrat Jamie Davis.
New Orleans' distinctive Eiffel Tower building hits the market
The Eiffel Tower building on St. Charles Avenue has been the site of numerous events over the years, including this Smirnoff party in 2017. Photo: Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images for Smirnoff One of New Orleans' most recognizable buildings is back on the market. The big picture: The distinctive building at 2040 St. Charles Ave. is made of 11,000 pieces of the Eiffel Tower's former restaurant, according to a 1986 New York Times article, which opened 562 feet above Paris in 1937.
WWE, Fried Chicken Fest: Things to do this weekend in New Orleans
WWE is in town, and the National Fried Chicken Fest gets a redo this weekend in New Orleans. Zoom in: Here are our picks for things to do in the city this weekend. ğ¸ Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival returns to Lafayette Square Park this weekend. It's free. Details. ğ¶ Gentilly Fest has live music, local food, arts, vendors, and family activities in Pontchartrain Park all weekend. Details.
National Fried Chicken Festival turns up to turn 10
When the first Fried Chicken Festival opened its gates, founder Cleveland Spears found himself "hoping and praying 10,000 people would show up." Why it matters: The event blew his goal out of the park and the fest celebrates its 10th birthday with its biggest music lineup yet, even after a stretch of bad weather pushed its start back by a week.
Louisiana "committed" to continuing executions, Landry says
Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photos: Tom Williams/Getty Images Gov. Jeff Landry remains "committed" to Louisiana's death penalty despite Tennessee's recent failed execution attempt, he told Axios New Orleans in an exclusive interview. Why it matters: Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike is awake and talking despite being administered two doses of lethal injection drugs. Louisiana also conducts executions using lethal injection.
Preservation Hall opens bar and restaurant
Preservation Hall. Photo: Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images A new restaurant and bar from the Preservation Hall team is now open next door to the historic venue in New Orleans, a press release says. Why it matters: The change fills a long-standing void at Pres Hall, which hasn't previously had a bar. Zoom in: Le Spectacle is now taking reservations, the release says, and offers a "family-friendly" menu offered throughout its cafe and courtyard.
Preservation Hall opens bar and restaurant
New Orleans Sports 2 hours ago Through pain and perseverance, LSU’s Deuce Geralds has found joy putting QBs ‘in the ground’ theadvocate.com - Jon Blau • 2h There was a bounce in Deuce Geralds’ step Tuesday as he walked out of the LSU football facility and explained why he’s adopted a “gravedigger” … Weather Now Isaias becomes first hurricane of 2026 Atlantic season, threatens northern Gulf Coast. See maps, forecast path.
First look: Hut 8's under-construction Louisiana data center
Hut 8's River Bend data center under construction Oct. 5. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios When Hut 8 brings its West Feliciana Parish data center online early next year, the scale and size of the project will make it unlike anything Louisiana has seen. Why it matters: It's one of four in-the-works data center projects touted by Louisiana Economic Development and, though it appears on track to be the first to turn the lights on, it's not the largest.
Map: Louisiana's planned data centers
Cleanview, August 2026; Maps: Jim Sergent/Axios Louisiana's planned data centers are expected to have 9,431 MW capacity, according to records analyzed by market intelligence company Cleanview. Why it matters: That would give Louisiana the 13th most capacity among states with data centers, Cleanview's data show. Reality check: It's unlikely the more than 3,000 data centers Cleanview tracked will come to fruition. Some have been canceled, and others don't have completion dates.
Dates to know for the Nov. 3 election in Louisiana
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios We're in the final weeks of the race ahead of Louisiana's Nov. 3 election. Why it matters: Voters will make congressional picks, among decisions for other local matters. Zoom in: Monday is the final day to register to vote in person or by mail. Here's how. You have until Oct. 13 to register online. If you plan to vote by mail, you have to request your ballot by Oct. 30 and return it by Nov. 2. Early voting goes from Oct. 20 through Oct. 27. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
It's been 20 years since Saints returned home to the Superdome
The New Orleans Saints celebrate the 20th anniversary of the team's post-Katrina Domecoming game on Monday. Why it matters: There were a lot of impossibly tough moments in the months and years after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans But that moment on Monday Night Football — which introduced Drew Brees to the Superdome and memorialized Steve Gleason as a Saint forever — that was glorious.
HNOC hosts expansive Bunny Matthews exhibition
A life-size recreation of Vic and Nat'ly's bar is a key part of the new Bunny Matthews exhibition. Photo: Courtesy of Historic New Orleans Collection A new museum exhibition and book explore the life and work of Bunny Matthews, the artist behind New Orleans' locally iconic Vic and Nat'ly cartoons. Why it matters: The retrospective offers a gentle reminder that, for Matthews especially, sometimes loving New Orleans means recognizing its many faults, too.
Coastal restoration efforts are working — but not fast enough
New research shows what works for protecting the coastline.
What's new on the Superdome menu for the Saints' 60th season
Fans who score the Superdome-shaped bowls of nachos will have to visit guest services to get the lids before exiting the game. The lids are too similar to frisbees and pose a risk for game time. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios The Caesars Superdome has updated its menu just in time for New Orleans Saints fans to celebrate the team's first home game of its 60th regular season. Dig in: The updates include a new burger, $6 beers and a very silly but fun collectible Superdome-shaped bowl.
What's new on the Superdome menu for the Saints' 60th season
Fans who score the Superdome-shaped bowls of nachos will have to visit guest services to get the lids before exiting the game. The lids are too similar to frisbees and pose a risk for game time. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios The Caesars Superdome has updated its menu just in time for New Orleans Saints fans to celebrate the team's first home game of its 60th regular season. Dig in: The updates include a new burger, $6 beers and a very silly but fun collectible Superdome-shaped bowl.
What's new on the Superdome menu for the Saints' 60th season
Greater New Orleans 1 hour ago Saints, Sazeracs and festivals this weekend in New Orleans Axios - Carlie Kollath Wells • 1h It's a busy weekend in New Orleans, with festivals, live music and the Saints' home opener. Here are some events to add to your calendar.
How New Orleans is celebrating Dolly Day
The Krewe of Dolly raises money to fund the Imagination Library's expansion to New Orleans. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images New Orleans sends Dolly Parton off in style on Friday, which her fans know as 9-to-5 Day, with a full slate of memorial events. Why it matters: The world is full of reasons to disagree with our neighbors, but respecting Dolly Parton remains universal. Catch up quick: Parton died a month ago.
Jewel of the South to open ambitious French Quarter bar residency
Chris Hannah shakes up a cocktail during a Dusse event for Tales of the Cocktail in 2025. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios The team behind Jewel of the South are opening a pop-up bar in the French Quarter with theatrical, immersive production design and a rotating cast of guest bartenders, managing partner John Stubbs tells Axios New Orleans. Why it matters: It'll be one big cultural exchange opportunity, with New Orleans' cocktail culture at the center.
New Orleans working to get cash payments for new parents
New Orleans leaders are exploring how to provide direct cash payments for new parents. Why it matters: The payments could combat poverty, which health officials say contributes to high maternal mortality rates and other poor family health outcomes. The big picture: Rx Kids was founded in Flint, Michigan, by Mona Hanna, the pediatrician known for raising the alarm on the lead water crisis.
Jewel of the South to open ambitious French Quarter bar residency
New Orleans Saints 7 hours ago Free Agent Addition Named Contract New Orleans Saints Already Regret heavy.com - Michael Kaskey-Blomain • 7h There was a lot of excitement around the New Orleans Saints addition of running back Travis Etienne Jr. over the offseason. However, the early … Louisiana Now New Orleans working to get cash payments for new parents Axios - Chelsea Brasted • 59m New Orleans leaders are exploring how to provide direct cash payments for new parents.
How one New Orleans developer is tackling AI anxiety
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How one New Orleans developer is tackling AI anxiety
As national AI and political leaders worry publicly about the new tech killing us all , one New Orleans software developer is prioritizing supporting his staff's mental health. Why it matters: As his day-to-day work transforms with the rise of AI, Neel Sus is putting his energy toward the 20 or so people who work for him — and hoping it'll make a difference.
How a Louisiana nonprofit helped wrongful conviction go mainstream
Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios Innocence and Justice Louisiana celebrates its 25th anniversary this weekend — and the 78 people its legal team has helped get free from life sentences. Why it matters: Once someone is convicted and faces a life sentence, their legally mandated representation generally ends after a direct appeal, even though other appeal options may remain.
Lane Kiffin reignites LSU vs. Ole Miss rivalry
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin. Photo: Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images LSU heads to Oxford, Miss., on Saturday to play Ole Miss in a primetime matchup. Why it matters: It's a new week with new drama for the Tigers. In case you forgot, this time last year, LSU's Lane Kiffin was coaching the Rebels, but he headed to Baton Rouge just as Ole Miss readied itself for its first College Football Playoff run.
What's next for the Turkey and the Wolf team after Hot Stuff's closure
Hot Stuff offers a cafeteria-style meat-and-three on Maple Street. Image: Chelsea Brasted/Axios Hot Stuff, the Maple Street meat-and-three from the team behind Turkey and the Wolf, is closing, and there are just a few weeks left to stop in for lunch. Why it matters: The closure announcement came as a bit of a shock to fans, but restaurant partner Mason Hereford says the move brings with it a lot of opportunity.
2026 breaks Atlantic record with no named hurricanes so far
This season is breaking at least one record: This is the longest the Atlantic as gone without a recorded hurricane Why it matters: That's some news we can get behind. The big picture: The record broke Friday, according to meteorologist Michael Lowry, who wrote on Substack that Sept. 11 is the deepest into the Atlantic season we've gone without a named hurricane. It only takes one — but each day sets a new benchmark.
How SpaceX bought 125,000 acres of Louisiana's coast
One of the key pieces of the puzzle leading to the announcement of SpaceX's $100 billion planned Starbase Louisiana is that the company scored 125,000 acres of the state's coastline for $100,000,000. Why it matters: The no-bid deal was only made possible by a relatively new state law. The big picture: During the 2025 legislative session, state lawmakers passed a bill later signed by Gov. Jeff Landry allowing Louisiana Economic Development to sell state property.
How SpaceX bought 125,000 acres of Louisiana's coast
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2026 is a historic hurricane season for all the right reasons (so far)
The big picture: The record broke Friday, according to meteorologist Michael Lowry, who wrote on Substack that Sept. 11 is the deepest into the Atlantic season we've gone without a named hurricane. It only takes one — but each day sets a new benchmark. Zoom in: This hurricane season was expected to be quieter than normal, but experts still eight to 14 named storms and three to six hurricanes.
Avegno Lounge is an Uptown gem
Avegno has a customizable martini menu, plus other cocktails and an extensive wine list. Photo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios Maybe it's age, or maybe it's parenting, but at a certain point in the last several years, I started loving it when I'd get to a restaurant long enough before meeting friends to have a drink alone. Why it matters: A recent meetup at Avegno Lounge offered just such an opportunity, and with a perfect martini to boot.
Black Schoolhouse opens 7th Ward art, community space
The Black Schoolhouse is located at 1660 N. Roman St. Photo: Courtesy of Neil Alexander A new community arts center is opening in the 7th Ward to teach local youths a combination of design and activism. Why it matters: The Black School's new facility also includes space for a community kitchen and garden with plans to host neighborhood events, its founders say.
Southern Food and Beverage Museum closes
SoFAB on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Photo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios The Southern Food and Beverage Museum has closed its doors for good. Why it matters: The institution has for more than 20 years told the story of Southern food within the broader landscape of American culture, and served as a repository for its relics and memorabilia. Driving the news: The National Food and Beverage Foundation, which oversees the museum, announced the closure late this week in a prepared statement.
Southern Food and Beverage Museum closes
8 hours ago A federal judge sided with the Sierra Club and other groups Sept. 1 to halt a controversial data center project outside Boulder City, Nevada, southeast of Las Vegas. Backed by the Trump administration, the project had come from Townsite Solar 2 LLC, a Houston-based company that had previously …
Saints turn 60, mark 'Domecoming' anniversary and go to Paris this year
The New Orleans Saints kick off their 60th season Sunday. Why it matters: The team will mark the anniversary with fan experiences all season long. The big picture: It's a big year for the Saints no matter which way you slice it. The team's second home game of its 60th season — a Monday Night Football engagement with the Atlanta Falcons — is around the 20th anniversary of the Saints' post-Katrina "Domecoming." The Saints were also picked to play in the NFL's first-ever game in Paris in late October.
How the New Orleans Saints will start their 60th year
Kaden Elliss, then of the Atlanta Falcons but now on the New Orleans Saints, pursues quarterback Tyler Shough last January. Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The New Orleans Saints kick off their 60th season Sunday. Why it matters: The team will mark the anniversary with fan experiences all season long. The big picture: It's a big year for the Saints no matter which way you slice it.
OPSO to move juvenile inmates out of New Orleans jail
Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodfork is working on plans to move juvenile inmates from the New Orleans jail to the city's juvenile detention center. Why it matters: Even though there are only about 15 juvenile inmates at the Orleans Justice Center, the shift would free up space for 60 adults in the already overcrowded facility, Woodfork says. The big picture: New Orleans' jail has struggled with overcrowding for years, routinely housing more inmates than the City Council-mandated cap of 1,250.
Legal battle over abortion by mail continues Wednesday
The fight against mail-order abortions continues Wednesday as Louisiana state attorneys argue that they undermine the state's abortion ban. Why it matters: Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's office seeks an end to a Biden-era FDA rule that expanded telehealth access to mifepristone, a drug widely used for abortions. If successful, the state case could affect abortion access nationwide. The big picture: Abortions have been illegal in Louisiana since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.
LSU could get booted from the SEC
LSU's biggest opponent this season? The SEC. Zoom in: The athletic conference will consider booting the school out of its ranks in a meeting Thursday, ESPN reports The big picture: It's the latest escalation in a bitter fight between the university and the SEC over whether athletes who previously signed professional contracts can suit up again for college teams.
LSU could get booted from the SEC
LSU coach Lane Kiffin. Photo: Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images LSU's biggest opponent this season? The SEC. Zoom in: The athletic conference will consider booting the school out of its ranks in a meeting Thursday, ESPN reports. The big picture: It's the latest escalation in a bitter fight between the university and the SEC over whether athletes who previously signed professional contracts can suit up again for college teams.
Chelsea wrote a book!
Chelsea cheesing with her new book, "New Orleans Food Story." Photos: Courtesy of Chelsea Brasted I wrote a book! I'm having a party to celebrate, and you're invited. Why it matters: Writing about New Orleans is how I learn about it, and I'm excited to share what I learned thinking for the past couple of years about where the city's food scene is headed. Zoom in: "New Orleans Food Story" is out now. You can find it on Amazon and in select local stores, like Fleurty Girl and Octavia Books.
Chelsea wrote a book!
1 day ago Americans may be watching their wallets, but they’re not giving up dining out entirely. A 2026 McKinsey report found that younger diners in particular are still willing to spend on the experience: Gen Z consumers prioritized sit-down restaurants over other types of food experiences and more than …
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