Viewpoint: Old and new faces are showing up for fall elections

There were few surprises Wednesday (July 20) during the first day of qualifying for Louisiana’s mid-term elections, which will be held Nov. 8.  As expected, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy led the pack in his run for re-election. In addition to Democrats Luke Mixon, Syrita Steib and Gary Chambers — whose names have been frequently mentioned in connection with the race against this popular incumbent — several other Senate candidates qualified yesterday, including Vinny Mendoza and Beryl Billiot, who both ran previously. Newcomers in the race include “Xan” John, Thomas Wenn and W. Thomas La Fontaine Olson. Olson (no party), who resides Uptown on Milan Street, chose not to disclose a gender and listed race as “other” on official documents.

Nix Library on Carrollton reopens after 17 months

It’s been a long wait, but the Carrollton neighborhood has its library back. Nix Library on South Carrollton Avenue reopened Tuesday (July 19) after 17 months. The tiny branch library was shuttered in February 2021 for American Disabilities Act upgrades, including the installation of an ADA-compliant wheelchair lift and improvements to make the public bathrooms more accessible. During the ADA renovations, workers found other “maintenance challenges” in the 92-year-old building, a library spokesperson told Uptown Messenger in March. The work included roofing and internal repairs.

Developers break ground on Grove Place affordable housing complex

Developers, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, District A Councilman Joe Giarrusso, members of the Hollygrove Neighborhood Association and other officials broke ground Tuesday (July 20) on the Grove Place affordable housing development. City officials and the developer touted the planned Grove Place community as providing affordable rents for 32 households in an area with easy access to public transportation to multiple job centers. Grove Place is expected to be move-in ready by summer 2023. The land has approximately 360 foot of frontage on Earhart Boulevard and takes up the entire square block between Monroe and Leonidas streets, a total of 1.8 acres. The development includes 23 historic rehabilitated units and nine newly constructed units.

A message from Rep. Aimee Adatto Freeman: Join us Friday, July 22 (sponsored)

Dear Friends and Constituents,

Thank you for your support, partnership and encouragement. This is an especially consequential time in our nation and our state. The pandemic, inflation, mass shootings, anti-abortion laws — the list of challenges goes on and on. And many solutions lie in the state Legislature, where policies that most impact people’s lives pass – or fail. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together since I was elected as the Representative for District 98, especially the wins everyone else said were impossible.

Two shooting deaths reported in 8 hours in Uptown neighborhoods

A man was shot to death in Hoffman Triangle just before midnight on Thursday (July 14). The next morning, another man was killed by gunfire in the Leonidas neighborhood. Police found a man on the ground in the 2800 block of South Rocheblave Street at 11:58 p.m. on Thursday, the NOPD reported. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds, police said, and died at the scene. Near Claiborne and South Carrollton avenues the next morning, another man was found dead with a gunshot wound.

Police blotter: Armed robbery on Upperline, carjacking on Adams

The New Orleans Police Department reported an armed robbery and a carjacking in Uptown neighborhoods this week. The armed robbery occurred Wednesday (July 14) in the 1700 block of Upperline Street, near Carondelet Street. Just before 11 a.m., a 46-year-old man was held up at gunpoint by two men. The victim turned over his belongings; police did not specify what was taken. The carjacking occurred Monday afternoon in the 1600 block of Adams Street, by the Carrollton Cemetery.