Lesli Harris seeks input on search for new police chief

District B Councilwoman Lesli Harris will be holding a morning coffee event called “Neighborhood in Chief” this Thursday (Dec. 15) to allow residents to discuss the process and possibilities for the new police superintendent. What: Neighborhood in Chief morning coffee event to receive community feedback on the NOPD superintendent search
When: Thursday, Dec. 15, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Where: Coast Roast, 3618 Magazine St.All residents are encouraged to come out to Coast Roast on Magazine from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning, before the City Council meeting, to give their input before the mayor’s Friday (Dec. 16) deadline of this Friday for City Council members to submit their recommendations on the matter.

New Chick-fil-A at I-10 & Carrollton is open and ready for business (sponsored)

Franchised owner/operator Ben McLeish has deep roots in New Orleans, having lived in the city for more than 20 years, founding a nonprofit organization and leading an inner-city ministry. He has a deep passion for the city his family calls home and plans for his new restaurant to inspire a generation of leaders. Locally owned and operated

As full-time, hands-on leaders in their restaurants and communities, Chick-fil-A owner/operators proudly reside in the communities they serve. For McLeish, caring for neighbors in New Orleans has motivated him throughout his career. When he first moved to the city from his home state of Georgia, his desire to help those in need led him to nonprofit work, where he met his wife, Stephanie.

Temple Sinai opens its sanctuary for Trinity Episcopal’s Christmas Eve service

For Trinity Episcopal Church on Jackson Avenue, Christmas Eve is one of the biggest nights of the year. This year, however, Trinity had a problem: The sanctuary is undergoing extensive repairs following damage from Hurricane Ida in 2021. With about 2,000 members, Trinity’s leaders had to find a way to hold services so that no one would be left out in the cold. 

Enter Temple Sinai, which offered its sanctuary to Trinity on Christmas Eve. “The relationship [between the two houses of faith] goes way back,” said Rabbi Daniel Sherman of Temple Sinai, as he and the Rev. Andrew Thayer, Trinity’s rector, met with Uptown Messenger at Temple Sinai. Each year for several decades, both the church and synagogue have participated in a rotating interfaith pre-Thanksgiving service with local houses of worship.

Fire sheds light on student housing development in University area

The two-alarm fire that broke out Thanksgiving morning was not especially disruptive to the holiday meal preparations at neighboring homes in the 600 block of Audubon Street. The fire displaced the college students living in 624 Audubon right before exams, but no one was injured, it was under control in 32 minutes, and the blaze did not spread to neighboring homes. One aspect of the fire caught some neighbors’ attention, however: The smoke spilled out of a third-story window, and the New Orleans Fire Department reported that it had started in a third-floor apartment. “My question is, why was there somebody in the attic?” said Keith Hardie, who lives two doors down from the apartment building.

Where to find Réveillon dinners in Uptown neighborhoods

Five Uptown restaurants are honoring the Revéillon tradition with prix fixe menus that reflect their style and cuisine. 

The Revéillon dinners were inspired by the early Creole residents celebrating the start of Christmas with a big family meal after midnight Mass. This European tradition was used to break the daylong fast leading up to Christmas Eve. The word “revéillon” in French can mean “awakening,” but it has come to mean “Christmas Eve.” 

In contemporary New Orleans, Revéillon dinners have shifted to restaurants serving specials often inspired by the 19th century Creoles, with creative twists. These menus are offered in the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, instead of on Christmas morning. The current and historical Revéillon meals have one thing in common: They are lengthy, multi-course meals that give us a chance to savor the food and the time with loved ones.

Find gifts, hear music and enjoy community spirit at holiday markets

Christmas shoppers have a choice of holiday markets Uptown, where they can find that perfect gift while supporting local artists and organizations. Among the top choices this weekend are Le Marché d’Hiver at Lyceé Français in Leonidas on Saturday (Dec. 10) and the Where Black NOLA Eats Holiday Marketplace at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum on Saturday and Sunday. Le Marché d’Hiver

In the French tradition of the winter market, Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans will be transformed into Le Marché d’Hiver — a festive experience for shoppers, foodies and families. Marché d’Hiver will feature local artisans showcasing art and other hand-made and thoughtfully curated items including jewelry, apparel and decor.

Roadwork ahead: Weekend water main repairs planned in Central City

Repairs to two water mains will necessitate temporary road closures and low water pressure in Central City this weekend, the Sewerage & Water Board reported. Beginning on Saturday (Dec. 10) at 8 a.m., Sewerage & Water Board crews will temporarily close one lane of riverbound traffic in the 2800 block of Martin Luther King, between South Claiborne Avenue and Magnolia Street, for repair work and road restoration. The roadway is expected to reopen the same day at around 4 p.m.

This closure is required for repairs to a 4-inch water main that runs along Martin Luther King Boulevard. Signage will be in place to direct traffic.

Viewpoint: New Orleans voters need a voice in who runs the NOPD

For perhaps the first time since Mayor LaToya Cantrell appointed Shaun Ferguson as chief of police almost four years ago, Ferguson spoke candidly in public. “I want to encourage our city leaders to have better communication lines. This isn’t able personal agendas. It’s about the safety of the people of New Orleans,” Ferguson said Wednesday (Dec. 7) during his remarks on what influenced his surprise decision to retire in less than three weeks.