Two people killed in quadruple shooting in Hollygrove

The New Orleans Police Department is investigating a mid-day double homicide in Hollygrove. Second District officers were on a routine patrol at about 1:15 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 6) when they heard gunfire. As they were attempting to determine the location of the gunshots, they were flagged down by a citizen who directed them to the 8600 block of Belfast Street. At Belfast near Leonidas Street, the officers found four victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Viewpoint: Women of color and progressives ruled the day in Orleans Parish races

From Keva Landrum to Chanel Payne, women of color and younger progressive-minded voters were the big winners in New Orleans’ election earlier this week.  Women of color were candidates in 21 of the 25 local races on the ballot and won outright or earned a runoff slot in almost every one. 

Progressives qualified for many of the School Board and judicial seats. It’s not just the candidates who were the victors but the men and women behind the scenes who poured their sweat and hard-earned money into the contests. A much-needed new generation of elected officials and consultants will continue to emerge. In the race for district attorney, former Judge Keva Landrum benefited from strong fundraising and her ability to stay on message despite attacks by outside interests. She also has to thank her besties, state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson and Mayor LaToya Cantrell, for their push.

Coroner identifies Central City homicide victim

The homicide victim who was shot to death in Central City on Sunday (Oct. 1) has been identified as Hakeen Jones, 39, the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office reported. NOPD Sixth District officers and the Emergency Medical Service were responding to a medical call in the 2300 block of 1st Street at about 7:40 p.m. when they found Jones lying in the street, according to the New Orleans Police Department. Jones, unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds, was pronounced dead by the medical responders. The Coroner’s Office confirmed that Jones died of gunshot wounds.

Election Day voters, armed with cheat sheets for their three minutes in the booth, find shorter lines

It was 6:15 a.m. and the line at the Audubon Charter School/McDonogh 7 was about 75 people deep outside the door on Milan Street. Sleepy eyes belied an enthusiasm to vote in the 2020 election. Fortunately I brought hot tea in a thermos, a book to read and, more importantly, my “cheat sheet” — a list I had made the night before after researching the candidates and issues. I knew it was going to be a long day for voters and poll workers, so I wanted to be prepared. In addition to the presidential and congressional races, there were a lot of local races in Orleans Parish for judges and School Board members, and statewide amendments, as well as yea or nay for sports wagering.

Police blotter: Business owner attacked in Gert Town, 20-year-old robbed near Tulane

Armed robbers attacked two people in Uptown neighborhoods on Monday, the New Orleans Police Department reported. On Monday morning in Gert Town, a 54-year-old man was inside his business in the 7800 block of Forshey Street when he was approached by two men demanding money. When he said he didn’t have any, they assaulted him with a gun. The second incident occurred in the 6200 block of Claiborne Avenue, near Tulane University. A 20-year-old man was crossing the street at about 8:30 p.m. when a man approached from behind, pressed an object into his back and demanded property.

Viewpoint: Time is running out to vote by mail

Like almost every other city and town in the nation, New Orleans enjoyed a record-breaking early voting period during which 98,259 Orleans Parish residents cast their votes for president, seven constitutional amendments, sports betting, and an alphabet soup of local races. While the vast majority of Orleans voters – 86,979 – visited one of the five early voting locations, 11,280 citizens mailed in their ballots. Almost 100 mail-in ballots have been received since early voting ending. Today (Oct. 30) at 4:30 p.m. is the last day and time to request a mail-in ballot.

Police seeking suspect in Hollygrove carjacking of 70-year-old man’s Toyota

The New Orleans Police Department is requesting assistance in locating and identifying a suspect in the investigation of an armed carjacking on Sunday (Oct. 26) in the Hollygrove neighborhood. A 70-year-old man was inside his vehicle in the 8400 block of Colapissa Street at about 3:25 p.m. when a man walked up to the car brandishing a firearm. The gunman ordered the victim out of his car, and he complied. The gunman fled in the victim’s vehicle — described as a white 2016 Toyota Camry bearing Louisiana license plate 537AAH.

It’s hurricane prep time again in New Orleans

For the seventh time this year, New Orleans is in the path of a tropical system. The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for New Orleans on Tuesday morning, as Hurricane Zeta headed north from the Yucatan Peninsular with a late-Wednesday landfall predicted for southeastern Louisiana. City officials are urging residents to prepare today for a hurricane. To help with that prep, the city is distributing sandbags this morning. District B Councilman Jay Banks announced free sandbag distribution for New Orleans residents at Dryades YMCA, 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., from 8 a.m. until supplies run out.