InspireNOLA hosts annual turkey and ham giveaway on Tuesday (sponsored)

InspireNOLA Charter Schools will host its annual drive-through turkey and ham giveaway as part of its NOLALove initiative that launched in early October. Local politicians and community leaders will join InspireNOLA students and volunteers in distributing nearly 1,000 turkeys and hams, along with a perishable food package, while supplies last. The giveaway will take place at Alice M. Harte Charter School (5300 Berkley Drive New Orleans, Louisiana 70131 ) on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, beginning at 10 am and is free and open to the public. The event is being sponsored by New Orleans’ Councilmember Freddie King III, U.S. Representative Troy Carter, State Senator Jimmy Harris, State Senator Gary Carter, State Representative Delisha Boyd, District Attorney Jason Williams, Elroy James, Wright Gray Trial Lawyers, Infinity Title, King Ja’mere Foundation, and the Benjamin Foundation. NOLALove is InspireNOLA’s response to the violence crisis in New Orleans by physically manifesting the word ‘love’ through community outreach, engagement, and collaboration.

Viewpoint: Inspector General Ed Michel is on the right track

It was refreshing to hear Inspector General Ed Michel tell the City Council on Tuesday (Nov. 15) about his plans to audit or investigate an important group of city departments and agencies showing a troubling performance for some time. The Sewerage & Water Board’s billing issues are legendary. The performance of the 911/311 call system has often been questionable. What about short-term rentals that advertise themselves at “two bedrooms sleep eight” instead of four as required by the permitting process?

InspireNOLA Schools announces Kevin Barnes, Jr. as Chief of Staff (sponsored)

InspireNOLA Charter Schools is proud to announce that Kevin Barnes, Jr. has joined the organization as Chief of Staff. He most recently served as the Managing Director of Engagement and External Relations at KIPP New Orleans Schools, which is part of the national KIPP Foundation, the nation’s largest charter school network. InspireNOLA Chief Executive Officer Jamar McKneely said, “As we approach our 10th anniversary, I couldn’t think of a better person to help continue our commitment to this city. Kevin is a proven leader and is dedicated to bringing diverse stakeholder groups together while bolstering the creation of a positive learning environment for our students.”

Chief of Staff (CofS) Kevin Barnes, Jr. said, “It brings me great joy to continue to advocate for the young people of New Orleans as I join the leadership team of one of the highest-performing school networks in our city. I am excited to work alongside some of the most talented educators in the region.

International School of Louisiana student hit by car while crossing Magazine Street

An International School of Louisiana student was hit by a car while crossing Magazine Street on Wednesday morning (Nov. 16), the New Orleans Police Department reported. The incident occurred at about 8:15 a.m. in the 1400 block of Magazine Street. Medical responders took the juvenile to the emergency room to be treated for injuries that an NOPD spokesperson described as minor. The student is a preteen, police said, but they did not provide the age or gender.

NOPD seeks suspects in school burglaries, store robbery (with video)

The New Orleans Police Department has released photos and a video of suspects in two school burglaries and the armed robbery of a business. The incidents are not related. The armed robbery in the video below occurred on Nov. 8 at the Boost Mobile in the 2800 block of South Claiborne Avenue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oArlXcRoH_E
At 7:19 p.m., a man entered the store while visibly clutching a handgun in his waistband.

Leaders express frustration with Folgers over outstanding taxes (sponsored)

New Orleans officials are expressing frustration with Folgers Coffee Co. for refusing to pay its outstanding property taxes, which fund schools, police and a variety of critical services. Nearly two years ago, the New Orleans City Council and Orleans Parish School Board both denied Folgers’ applications for tax exemptions. Nonetheless, the company still has not paid the taxes, and now it is arguing in court that it should never have to pay them. Civil District Judge Omar Mason will consider the matter at a hearing on Thursday (Nov.

Sister Helen Prejean to keynote four-day conference on impacts of crime 

Sister Helen Prejean will deliver the keynote address for a four-day  conference on community reconciliation and the impacts of crime. The will  be held at the St. Charles Center for Faith + Action in New Orleans, 7100 St. Charles Ave. 

Designed and facilitated by crime survivors engaged in policy advocacy, wrongfully convicted people and trauma-informed experts, the conference features discussions and workshops  focused on successful outcomes through integrating reconciliation at different stages of the  criminal legal system. 

Dr. Maureen Walker, a psychologist who specializes in healing across race and gender, will open the conference on  Thursday evening (Nov. 17).  She is the author of When Getting Along Is Not  Enough.

Police blotter: Shooting, three armed robberies, two stabbings, home invasion

Three armed robberies, two stabbings, a shooting and a home invasion were reported in Uptown neighborhoods during the past week, according to the New Orleans Police Department. Stabbing: A stabbing was reported at Second and Freret streets in Central City at about 6:30 a.m. on Monday (Nov. 14). Police did not have further details of the incident. Home invasion: A woman was arrested in a home invasion early Sunday (Nov.