Shootings reported in Central City, Hollygrove on Wednesday afternoon

Two shootings were reported in Uptown neighborhoods Wednesday afternoon. In both, the New Orleans Police Department learned of the violence when the victim arrived at a hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds. The first occurred around noon in Hollygrove. The victim, a 34-year-old man, was walking near Belfast and Monroe streets when a car drove up and someone fired gunshots at him from inside the vehicle. He was taken to the emergency room via a private conveyance, the NOPD reported.

A Sponsored Message from Judge Omar Mason

When I ran for Judge two years ago, I ran on a platform of ensuring that justice for all was a reality for all, and I have upheld that promise. I am proud of my record of efficiency and competency in presiding over legal matters of great consequence, from domestic abuse protective order hearings to complex community property partition trials.

Viewpoint: The friendly, flavorful world of pandemic pop-ups

Since early March we have all become accustomed to — and perhaps cynical of — phrases like “the new normal” and “these uncertain times.” Nothing quite describes what so many of us are experiencing, this constant hum of anxiety and powerlessness.

In contrast, we also see celebrations of creativity, of learning a new skill or reinventing yourself. But even this encouragement exhibits problems, as for many these past months have simply been about trying to keep it together, a constant struggle to preserve their sanity and well-being.

There are so many ways we describe the pandemic experience and so many ways we have responded, but there is one movement I have seen in neighborhoods that has not only captured my attention, but as of late, drawn my family in.

Volunteers needed for drive-thru flu-shot event at Audubon Zoo

On Monday (Oct. 26), the city will host a free flu-shot event at the Audubon Zoo, serving the dual purpose of providing flu shots to residents during flu season and helping public health and safety officials test plans for large-scale vaccine administration in anticipation of a future FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine. The New Orleans Medical Reserve Corps and the NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps are recruiting volunteers to assist in this and future vaccine administration events. Volunteers will be assigned various medical and non-medical duties:

Medical providers are needed to give flu shots. Non-medical volunteers are needed to support vaccination site operations, including patient registration, measuring throughput and flow, supply restocking, and logistics support.

Police blotter: Shooting in Hollygrove, armed robberies in Freret and Carrollton

A shooting in Hollygrove and armed robberies in the Freret and Carrollton neighborhoods contributed to a violent weekend in New Orleans, the NOPD reported. The shooting occurred Sunday at about 9:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of Gen. Ogden Street and left a 39-year-old man injured. The victim had received a ride from his assailant, whose gender was not revealed by the NOPD. The driver shot the man and fled. The victim suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital by the Emergency Medical Service.

NOPD seeks car, juveniles connected to rash of paintball attacks

Over the past few nights, the New Orleans Police Department’s Second, Fifth and Sixth districts have received multiple calls about three to five unknown black juveniles reportedly shooting paintballs and airsoft rifles at victims.
The NOPD is requesting assistance from the public in locating and identifying juvenile suspects in the investigation of multiple simple battery incidents in recent days, occurring in multiple districts. The suspects have been seen traveling in an older model silver Honda car (pictured) with a sunroof, black front and rear bumper and an unknown temporary tag on its windshield. Anyone with additional information on these incidents or the listed suspects or pictured suspect vehicle is asked to contact NOPD Second District detectives at 504-658-6020 or call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.

Viewpoint: An open letter to Mayor Cantrell: Only New Orleans can save New Orleans

Dear Mayor LaToya Cantrell:

Long gone are the days when the Louisiana Legislature is willing or even able to solve New Orleans’ financial problems, especially in the years of ever-tightening budgets and Republican dominance of the upper and lower chambers. Though we appreciate you asking state leaders for an extra share of available federal dollars, surely you knew in advance it was a futile attempt.  

Every city and town in Louisiana is hurting, especially those that have been hit once or even twice by storms this season. Legislators are elected to bring home the bacon. How could they explain to constituents that additional funding for New Orleans should be their priority?    

The very people that can save New Orleans from even greater economic disaster are the citizens of New Orleans – the business owners small and large who are desperate for customers; the Saints fans who want to watch the games from inside the Superdome; the music lovers who want to dance at Tips, the Maple Leaf or on Frenchmen Street; the foodies who want to linger inside their favorite bistros or savor chef Meg Bickford’s new Sunday brunch at Commander’s Palace.  

The ongoing regional and national media coverage detailing New Orleans still-strict COVID-19 restrictions has scared away many potential visitors. It has put a damper on conventions returning, on national developers’ willingness to invest in our city, and on the ability of too many citizens to eat, pay the rent and keep their utilities on.  

We’re proud of your role in ensuring that Louisiana is one of the few states that has handled COVID-19 effectively and that cases are not exploding in our city.

Sponsored: Young Audiences of Louisiana brings arts education to you with Simply Arts Studio

Deepen your child’s connection with the arts—in the comfort of your home! Young Audiences of Louisiana is launching a virtual studio art program, Simply Arts Studio. Families across the Greater New Orleans Area have the opportunity to enroll their child in dance, yoga, visual arts or beginner piano for as low as $15 per class. All Simply Arts Studio workshops are

Instructed by experienced teaching artists
Based on grade level
Limited to eight students to ensure quality interaction
Either three weeks or five weeks long
Available after school or Saturdays

Courses begin this week For a full list of course offerings, visit www.ya4la.org! Register today.