Viewpoint: New Orleans voters need a voice in who runs the NOPD

For perhaps the first time since Mayor LaToya Cantrell appointed Shaun Ferguson as chief of police almost four years ago, Ferguson spoke candidly in public. “I want to encourage our city leaders to have better communication lines. This isn’t able personal agendas. It’s about the safety of the people of New Orleans,” Ferguson said Wednesday (Dec. 7) during his remarks on what influenced his surprise decision to retire in less than three weeks.

Maintenance at S&WB plant may reduce water pressure in the Garden District

The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans crews will perform maintenance work beginning Wednesday (Dec. 7) that could result in lower-than-normal water pressure in the Garden District, the S&WB states in a press release. The repair work will begin at 7 a.m. is expected to last at least 12 hours. As a part of the Water Hammer Hazard Mitigation Program, crews will isolate and close a 43-inch water main located within the Carrolton Water Plant. The water main they will be closing supplements much of the water supply to the Central Business District and the Garden District.

Hobby Lobby buys historic church on Magazine with plans to lease it to local congregation

Hobby Lobby Stores, a national craft-supply retail chain, has purchased the former Valence Street Baptist Church, a historic property on Magazine Street, records show. The NOLA Baptist Church, a fledgling Uptown congregation, plans to lease it from Hobby Lobby, the church’s pastor, the Rev. Kyle Jagers, confirmed on Monday (Dec. 5). “We have entered into a lease with them as the tenant,” Jagers said. “As the tenant, we will begin work to restore the property to its historic value and appearance.

PRC’s Holiday Home Tour showcases Garden District homes, plus local authors at a Holiday Book Fest

A New Orleans tradition — the Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday Home Tour — has returned to its pre-pandemic format. The PRC’s 47th annual Holiday Home Tour opens the doors to six Garden District homes and one bonus building, all dressed up for the holidays. Festivities also include live musical performances, a gift boutique, book signings, author talks and more. The PRC’s Holiday Boutique offers handmade jewelry, artwork and other gift items. As part of the boutique, the PRC will host its second annual Holiday Book Fest with a full schedule of talks by local authors. The PRC Holiday Book Fest and Holiday Home Tour Boutique are free and open to the public — no ticket required.

Double homicide reported Sunday morning in Central City

Two men were shot to death in Central City on Sunday morning (Dec. 4), the New Orleans Police Department reported. At about 8:35 a.m., Sixth District officers responded to a call of a shooting in the 2900 block of Danneel Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets. They found two men with multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were transported by the Emergency Medical Service to a local hospital, where both men died.

73-year-old tourist beaten to death, suspect arrested in St. Charles Avenue hotel

A 73-year-old man from Missouri was killed Thursday night (Dec. 1) in a hotel on St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District, the New Orleans Police Department reported. A suspect was taken into custody at the scene. At 10:54 p.m., Sixth District officers responded to a call from Avenue Plaza Hotel employees that someone had pulled the fire alarm and gained access to a room on the sixth floor.

Nomiya ramen shop expands with move to new Magazine Street spot

Nomiya, the ramen shop serving the Japanese comfort food since 2017, has moved three blocks up Magazine Street to a spot that allows room for expansion.

Sunday (Nov. 27) was Nomiya’s first day in the building formerly occupied by Del Fuego, a Mexican restaurant that had operated in the space since 2014. Del Fuego closed during the summer.