City won’t restore Thoth’s traditional Uptown route, Times-Picayune reports

The city will not readjust the Krewe of Thoth’s 2022 route to allow the parade to bring Carnival to patients in medical institutions along its idiosyncratic path that includes Henry Clay Avenue, Doug MacCash reports in The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate and NOLA.com.

Phunny Phorty Phellows toast the start of 2022 Carnival season (photo story)

A small but enthusiastic crowd cheered the Phunny Phorty Phellows as a streetcar packed with revelers left the Willow Streetcar Barn on Thursday (Jan. 6) for the krewe’s ride through Uptown signaling the start of the Carnival season. The route was shortened to the loop between Willow Street and Erato, due to construction in the downtown area. But krewe members were happy to be back after last year’s cancellation. “We are so pleased to be riding through uptown New Orleans.” said Krewe Captain Peggy Scott Laborde in a press release.  “We will travel a route that is the path of many Mardi Gras parades, so it’s only fitting that we honor them with our ride.

Magasin owner offers a Viet-Cajun feast at Mukbang Seafood on Oak Street

Kim Nguyen is no stranger to restaurants. This third-generation restaurateur grew up in the business in both New Orleans and Texas. Her grandmother owned a restaurant in California, her mother ran Chinese-American restaurants in New Orleans East, and her father owns Lee’s Seafood & Grill in Kenner. Nguyen is the force behind Magasin Vietnamese Café, which has been serving generous bowls of pho and crispy banh mi at 4201 Magazine St. since 2012.

One suspect sought, two arrested in shooting near Touro Infirmary

The New Orleans Police Department has arrested Travis Seals, 30, and Jamaur Johnson, 33, and has obtained an arrest warrant for Darnell Phoenix, 26, in the ongoing investigation of an aggravated battery by shooting on Dec. 20, 2021, in the 1500 block of Delachaise Street. At about 3:15 p.m., NOPD Sixth District officers and detectives responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 1500 block of Delachaise Street. Responding officers, with the assistance of Touro Infirmary Security officers, apprehended and arrested Seals and Johnson. Upon investigation, detectives determined that an exchange of gunfire occurred between two parties.

Blindsided by route change, Krewe of Thoth wants to cut parade in half to stay Uptown

Krewe of Thoth officials say they are willing to sacrifice the downtown half of their parade to keep their traditional route deep in the Uptown neighborhood, where they bring Carnival to patients at Children’s Hospital and other institutions. “Hopefully, we can adjust it,” said Penny Larson, spokesperson for the Krewe of Thoth. “If we have to, we’ll cut the end off.” The historic parade route begins at Tchoupitoulas and State streets, then traverses Henry Clay Avenue before turning right on Magazine Street, where it rolls until turning on Napoleon Avenue. Under the city’s revised 2022 parade routes, the krewe will line up at Napoleon and Prytania Street.

Viewpoint: Crime and Covid will not mix well with Carnival

It’s Twelfth Night. I rushed out this morning to the King Cake Hub’s annual Carnival Kick Off Party, held this year at Zony Mash Beer Project. As I surveyed all the offerings, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of impact Mardi Gras will have on Covid and crime, both of which continue to break records. Carnival should be a record-breaking event as well. People are tired of being cooped up and want to celebrate.

Nation’s oldest World War II veteran, Lawrence Brooks, dies in his Central City home

Lawrence Brooks, the nation’s oldest World War II veteran at 112, died Wednesday morning (Jan. 5) at his home in Central City, his daughter Vanessa Brooks told Uptown Messenger. Brooks had been in and out of the Veterans Affairs Hospital several times in recent months, but was still alert, enjoying the holidays and watching his beloved Saints play until the end. He was able to relish the Saints’ win against the Panthers on Sunday. He died as he had planned — in his own bed.