Police seek persons of interest in double homicide on Danneel Street

The New Orleans Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating two persons of interest in connection with a double homicide that occurred Dec. 4 in the 2900 block of Danneel Street. At about 8:30 a.m. officers were called to the location for two males suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. They were transported to a local hospital, where they later died. The victims were Terry Johnson, 32, and Richard Watson, 46
Officers identified two unknown men (pictured above and below) as persons of interest in this investigation.

Police blotter: Shootings, carjackings, robberies reported Uptown over the weekend

In Uptown neighborhoods this weekend, two shootings, two carjackings and three robberies were reported to the New Orleans Police Department. Shooting: A man arrived in a local emergency room Sunday night (Dec. 18) with a gunshot wound. Police were notified just before 11 p.m.
By 2 a.m. on Monday, officers confirmed that a shooting occurred late Sunday at Felicity and Simon Bolivar Avenue. The victim, 33, told police he was standing at the corner waiting for a female friend to call when he was shot in the arm.

West Bank charter group to take over Cohen High School

Walter L. Cohen College Prep High School in the Milan neighborhood will be operated by Collegiate Academies beginning in the 2023-24 school year, NOLA Public Schools announced on Thursday (Dec. 15). The New Orleans College Prep board, citing dwindling enrollment, said in October it plans to relinquish its Cohen charter at the end of this school year. NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams said the historic school’s legacy will be retained. The school colors — Kelly green, white and gray — and Green Hornet mascot will stay at Cohen.

Where to celebrate Hanukkah in Uptown New Orleans

Hanukkah, or Chanukah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians, begins on Sunday (Dec. 18) evening and ends the evening of Dec. 26. Here are some of the public events held Uptown in celebration of Hanukkah. Chanukah First Night Celebration
Temple Sinai
6227 St.

Viewpoint: All I want for Christmas is a safer New Orleans

It’s hard to turn on the news these days. There are far too many stories about innocent people who have been assaulted, murdered or carjacked. Also, I am not so naïve as to believe that all the crimes committed end up in police reports. 

The results of the NOPD Recruitment and Retention Survey, released Wednesday (Dec. 14) by Council President Helena Moreno and the Fraternal Order of Police, only make matters worse. Conducted by the AH Datalytics, the survey shows the high level of dissatisfaction officers feel about cronyism, favoritism and promotions based more on who you know than ability and experience.

There’s still time to donate to the Holiday Food & Fund Drive hosted by District 98 and Second Harvest (sponsored)

District 98 Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman and Second Harvest Food Bank host Third Annual Food & Fund Drive! 

Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman is excited to announce the Third Annual District 98 Food & Fund Drive for Second Harvest kicked off this week. Donations are accepted until Friday, Dec 23, at 200 Broadway St., Suite 212. Community members are encouraged to support with food and funds to help feed families in need across Louisiana. Click here for a list of most needed items.

Every dollar collected up to $125,000 is matched, thanks to the Goldring Family Foundation and Atmos Energy. A donation box will be outside Rep. Freeman’s office at 200 Broadway St, Suite 212.

Mart for Art’s Sake: ‘Direct sales to art lovers are such a benefit’

Uptown resident and artist Emma Fick will be showing her work at the two-day holiday Arts Market on Saturday (Dec. 17) and Sunday (Dec. 18) in Marsalis Harmony Park. 

These holiday markets are special, said Fick, a veteran of the Arts Markets scene. There are usually many more artists participating, so it feels like a village. And because they run for two days instead of just Saturday, the booths do not have to be broken down at the end of the first day, so the artists take more time and effort to create their own atmosphere and a look that is not feasible for a one-day, six hour market.

Police blotter: Older adults, juveniles targeted in recent crimes

A robbery, a shooting and a home invasion were reported this week in the Sixth District, according to the New Orleans Police Department. Two of the victims are in their 60s, and two are juveniles. Three men robbed a 67-year-old man on Loyola Avenue near the Pontchartrain Expressway early Wednesday (Dec. 14). The victim was walking in the area at about 2:40 a.m. when three men approached.