Viewpoint: Progressive prosecutors like DA Jason Williams are often on the hot seat

District Attorney Jason Williams, who pledged to redesign the city’s justice system so that it “equitably serves all people,” is among the busiest public officials in town. With criminal trials having resumed this week after a long Covid-19 hiatus, Williams is personally arguing a murder case. He is also keeping a watchful eye at the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, where federal prosecutors are seeking to overturn a ruling issued by the late Judge Martin Feldman that would prohibit them from using information about Williams’ prior tax delinquencies in his upcoming tax fraud trial. 

Book Festival at Tulane, opening Thursday, includes sessions on jazz, Southern humor, climate change, football, race and more

The long-awaited inaugural New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University opens Thursday (March 10) and runs through Saturday on Tulane’s Uptown campus. The festival was planned for 2020 and again for 2021 but was canceled twice amid Covid-19 surges. 

The event features more than 60 panel sessions from a lineup of 130 renowned and rising authors, including an award-winning group of children’s authors, some of New Orleans’ top chefs and an all-star musical lineup. The book festival is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The author lineup includes national bestselling authors participating such as John Grisham, Malcolm Gladwell, Michael Lewis, Imani Perry, Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Bakari Sellers, Don Lemon, Jon Meacham, Charles Blow,  Sarah M. Broom and David Brooks. 

Local authors include Jason Berry, John Barry, Barri Bronston, Richard Campanella, Donna Brazile, Macon Fry, Sister Helen Prejean, Michael Tisserand, James Gill and Tom Piazza.

City begins neighborhood cleanup initiative with Central City event

On Saturday (March 12), the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office will be joined by residents, churches, schools and businesses for a community care day and resource fair in Central City. The event kicks off the city’s Neighborhood Cares Initiative. In coordination with Hands On New Orleans, volunteers will be able to beautify the neighborhood by removing litter and debris near the Keller Community Center, 1814 Magnolia St., and the surrounding streets. Residents will also be able to enjoy free food, free Covid-19 tests and vaccines, music, a resource fair and more. The event will be held at the Keller Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon.

Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade set to roll on Saturday

The Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning after a two-year hiatus. Magazine Street in the Channel will be awash in green on Saturday (March 12), with the parade beginning at 1 p.m. on Felicity and Magazine streets. One of the first events canceled by pandemic precautions in 2020, the parade is back in full force. The Irish Channel St.

Where to find a Friday fish fry in Uptown neighborhoods

It’s Lent, the season of the Friday fish fry. Below are some fish fry opportunities in the Uptown area. See here for the archdiocese’s complete list of church fish fries in the metro area.

In addition to the traditional church fish fries, some local restaurants are taking part in the United Way’s Fish Fry Fridays, a fundraising campaign for Hospitality Cares. 

Viewpoint: Striving for peace during a Lenten season like no other

 

In the pre-dawn hours of Mardi Gras Day, Chief Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes and his North Side Skull & Bones Gang reminded onlookers of their mortality and the need to appreciate life and the people around them. For more than 200 years, culture bearers with African and Caribbean roots have beat drums and danced in the streets on Fat Tuesday while spreading a message of peace and love. 

Unfortunately, it’s hard to find much peace and love in 2022. Almost 1,300 Louisiana residents were too busy battling Covid last weekend to take part in any Mardi Gras festivities. Another 71 Louisianians missed out all together because they recently succumbed to the virus. We still don’t know how many revelers might have become infected during the holiday. 

Four other individuals — including two visitors to New Orlean, Heaven Nettles and Brandon Bovain — perished needlessly in the past few days.

Mass stabbing reported at The Boot on Mardi Gras morning

 

Five men were injured early Mardi Gras morning (March 1) in a stabbing at The Boot, a popular bar on Broadway near the Tulane University campus. The trouble started when a 38-year-old bar patron was stopped when attempting to re-enter the bar at about 7:35 a.m. A fight began after he was escorted out, police said. Five men suffered non-life-threatening cuts during the altercation. Two of the victims are 21, and the others are 26, 31 and 39. No arrests have been made, the NOPD stated in a Wednesday morning report, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

Rolling today: Zulu, Rex, truck parades

The key to a good Mardi Gras Day is getting up early. There is so much fun to be had — don’t miss a minute.

And before you go out, put on a costume. It could just be a mask, a silly hat, a cape, something sparkly, feathers, glitter. Mardi Gras is not just a spectator event. You’re part of it, too.

The weather promises to be pleasant — mostly sunny with a high near 65. Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras, y’all!