Two overnight robberies reported on Jefferson Avenue

Two armed robberies occurred within hours of each other on Jefferson Avenue late Friday (Sept. 23) and early Saturday (Sept. 24). The first was near Magazine Street and the second at Freret Street. Four people in their late-20s were held up at gunpoint Friday night (Sept.23) on Jefferson Avenue near Magazine Street.

Carrollton shooting leaves man fatally shot inside vehicle, two others injured

A 21-year-old man was killed early Saturday (Sept. 24) in a Carrollton area shooting that wounded two other adult males. The offense occurred at South Carrollton Avenue and Willow Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. Officers responding to a report of a shooting in the 7900 block of Willow Street found two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds. Medical responders transported them to the hospital. The 21-year old victim was found fatally shot inside of a vehicle.

New bus routes debut on Sunday, along with four days of free rides

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will introduce its revamped New Links routes and schedule on Sunday (Sept. 25). To mark the occasion, it is offering a four-day free fare promotion from Sunday to Thursday (Sept. 28). The free fares will allow riders to adjust to RTA’s bus system redesign with new routes without having to pay for their trips.

Police blotter: Double shooting, carjacking, stabbing

A double shooting, a carjacking and a stabbing were reported this week in Uptown neighborhoods. The shooting on Thursday (Sept. 22) left two men injured. The victims, ages 41 and 32, were in the 3300 block of Saratoga Street at about 9:45 p.m. when several gunmen opened fire, police said. The 41-year-old refused medical treatment.

Viewpoint: Norman C. Francis documentary showcases WYES’ commitment to New Orleans

“We knew he was destined for something, because he had all the qualities of a leader,” said the city’s former First Lady Sybil Morial about her friend and college classmate Norman C. Francis. A courageous civil rights icon, chairman of Liberty Bank, original investor in the Saints, and former president of Xavier University, where he served with honor and distinction for 47 years, Francis is the subject of a new documentary on WYES-TV that will premiere Tuesday (Sept. 27) at 8 p.m.

Produced by WYES Executive Vice President Dominic Massa and moderated by Sally-Ann Roberts with Thanh Truong, the documentary is filled with interviews from key community leaders, including former Tulane President Scott Cowen and former Mayors Marc Morial and the late Moon Landrieu, as well as members of the Francis family. Born into a working-class family in Lafayette, Francis was steeped in the Catholic faith and the importance of receiving a good education. The nuns at Lafayette’s St.

NOPD seeks suspect in parking lot vehicle burglaries

The New Orleans Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for James Ventress, 45, in the investigation of multiple reported burglary incidents that occurred on Aug. 2 in the 2700 block of Napoleon Avenue. NOPD Second District detectives have identified Ventress as a suspect in two vehicle burglaries in the Ochsner Baptist Medical Center parking garage at the location. Additionally, Ventress has also been identified as a suspect in a business burglary at the same location. Anyone with additional information on James Ventress’ whereabouts is urged to contact NOPD Second District detectives at 504-658-6020 or call anonymously to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.

River Garden Apartments set to move forward with major renovation

HRI Communities announced it is set to move forward with a major renovation of the River Garden Apartments. The developer has closed on the financing for the $10 million renovation project. The mixed-income apartment homes were developed in 2003 as the first phase of the St. Thomas HOPE VI Redevelopment Project. The renovations at 913 Felicity Street will include comprehensive exterior and selective interior improvements, said HRI Communities President Josh Collen in a press release.