Police seek suspect in string of burglaries

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The New Orleans Police Department is searching for a suspect a business burglary that occurred in Gert Town. The incident occurred Sunday (March 12) around 5:15 a.m. in the 3100 block of Fern Street. This same man is a suspect in burglary in the 600 block of South Carrollton Avenue at around 3:30 a.m. the same day. The suspect was last seen wearing a dark-colored hooded jacket, black ski mask, with red stitching around the mouth, and dark-colored pants and gloves. Anyone with information on these incidents or the identity and whereabouts of the wanted subject is asked to contact any Second District detective or call Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111.

crime

Man shot to death on Central City street

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A man was fatally shot in a burst of gunfire Saturday night (March 11) in Central City. Around 10 p.m. Sixth District officers responded to a call reporting a shooting in the 1900 block of Josephine Street, near Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Upon arrival they discovered an adult male suffering from an undetermined number of gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as Langston E. Lewis, had been shot while standing outside. Lewis, 33, died at the scene.

Irish Channel parade rolls today. Here’s what you need to know.

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The Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day parade will roll today (March 11). The National Weather Service a partly sunny day, with a high near 81. Green beads and cabbages will fly from 29 full-sized floats with 60 riders each. Bands, walking groups and dance troupes will add to the good green fun.

Roadwork ahead: MLK Boulevard to close for a week between St. Charles and Oretha Castle Haley Castle Haley

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Beginning Monday (March 13) at 7 a.m., will temporarily close Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from St. Charles Avenue to Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. The closure is expected to last for one week, according to the Mayor’s Office. Crews from the Department of Public Works contractor Boh Bros Construction Co. will be performing asphalt paving operations.

Police seeking suspect in theft of Shih Tzu named Nola (with video)

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A white Shih Tzu named Nola was stolen Sunday (March 5) outside of her home in the Dixon neighborhood. Police are now asking the public’s assistance in locating the dog and identifying the suspect. Nola’s owner let her outside her home in the 9200 block of Palmetto Street. After finding the dog was gone, the owner checked surveillance video, shown below, and observed a man taking Nola at 12:22 p.m.

Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of the dog is asked to contact Third District detectives at 504-658-6030 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 504-822-1111. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_Pa5S0lB5I

City is proposing zoning changes for Uptown commercial corridors

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The city is proposing zoning changes for a few Uptown commercial corridors that would allow more housing in these areas. The City Planning Commission discussed these and other potential amendments to the city Master Plan last week at a public meeting held at the International School of Louisiana. The meeting was for Planning District 2, which includes  Central City, the Lower Garden District, St. Thomas, the Irish Channel, the Garden District, Milan, Touro-Bouligny, East Riverside and the Hoffman Triangle.  A few dozen residents showed up for the opportunity to see the proposed amendments in their district and provide feedback. The Master Plan, a policy and planning document, is subject to regular revision.

Viewpoint: Judicial and legislative elections really do matter

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How many readers can name the candidates who are running for the two judgeships and the state House race on the March 25 ballot? Probably very few. Wedged between Mardi Gras and the St. Joseph and St. Patrick festivities, these races have gotten lost in spring fever.

visual arts

Renegade Artists Collective pops up on Oretha Castle Haley

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The Renegade Artists Collective will open their fourth exhibition, “Traditions and Transformations,” on Friday (March 10) at The Building on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. The exhibit will also be open throughout the weekend (March 11-12). The 15 artists, nationally and internationally known, who make up the Renegade Artists Collective, are all based in Louisiana. Erin Lee Antonak, former multidisciplinary arts curator at the Contemporary Arts Center is a guest artist for this show. The opening evening will also include live music performed by Raphael Bas & Harmonouche and a cash bar.

city government

City is remaking its parks and recreation. And it wants your input.

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A new master plan for the city’s parks, The Big Green Easy project, is in the works. The city’s Office of Youth and Families and the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission — in partnership with Parks & Parkways, the City Park Commission and the Audubon Nature Institute — is now taking the first step: collecting public input on the public’s vision for the green space and recreation opportunities. The citywide plan is part of the 2019  parks and recreation millage proposal that passed with 76% voter approval. Public input is a core part of the project. A series of public meetings and an online survey will help shape the master plan.

Neutral Ground Coffee House owners prepare for a potential ‘exile’

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Caroline Williams, known by most as Phant, broke down in tears at the front door of Neutral Ground Coffeehouse. Someone waiting at the door mistook the Neutral Ground co-owner for a Realtor looking to sell the building where the coffee shop lives. That’s how Williams and James Naylor learned their coffeehouse could lose its longtime home. They don’t know when they will have to go, Williams said, but they’ve already begun preparing for Neutral Ground to be in “exile” if the building sells. Neutral Ground Coffee House is a “community space, part gallery, half stage,” often referred to as a safe third place for patrons.