Danae Columbus: Court Watch NOLA celebrates 11 years of citizen advocacy

The volunteers at Court Watch NOLA are a well-oiled data collection machine that have made a significant impact on the operations of the Orleans Parish criminal court system for more than a decade. “We are a basic exercise in democracy,” said director Simone Levine. Through the information skilled volunteers collect, the agency publishes reports “that spur dialogue and bring much needed transparency and accountability to the courts.”

‘King Ester’ honors Pre-Katrina New Orleans, normalizes marginalized voices

The New Orleans Film Festival turned 30 this year, and their diversity in films and filmmakers is a point that they stress. This year, they screened “232 visionary, thought-provoking films that represent a wealth of perspectives,” 26% of which were Louisiana-made and 56% directed by people of color. One series based in Uptown New Orleans made its debut on the NOFF big screen and online simultaneously.

“King Ester”—directed by Dui Jarrod and presented by Issa Rae’s ColorCreative production company—takes the viewer into the world of a black trans woman right before natural disaster. 

Robberies reported in Broadmoor, Freret

Two robberies were reported Thursday on Uptown streets. The first occurred just before 11 a.m. in the 2800 block of Louisiana Avenue, near Claiborne Avenue in the Freret area, and the second occurred around 6 p.m. in Broadmoor.

Activists march to call attention to affordable housing crisis

By Adrienne Underwood, Uptown Messenger

Protesters gathered Nov. 2 to march in the #PutHousingFirst March, a demonstration calling for affordable housing in the city.

“This is a message to send to corporate America, to the politicians, to the slum lords, to everyone who’s taking advantage of the people who make less money, to increase the wages and work diligently at creating affordable housing,” said GNOHA’s Fred J. Johnson Jr.

Man charged with murder in his father’s death

A man was charged in the shooting death of his father inside his grandmother’s Leonidas home, District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro’s office announced Thursday.

Carldell Paul, also known as Carldell Daniels, was charged with the second-degree murder of 50-year-old Carl Daniels and with obstructing justice in a homicide investigation in the two-count indictment handed up by an Orleans Parish grand jury.