Getting dolled up last week in our gore-geous attire and galavanting the streets of New Orleans had our minds set on the convivial costumed celebration of Halloween. But we kept our eyes on the news-filled candy bowl left on the doorsteps of our city and state, scooping up the headlines as much as we could fit into the pillow case of this newsletter. Rest easy with your candy-filled bellies. Before you toss out that rotting pumpkin, here’s the fresh headlines to get your week started of things that have been happening ’round town.
Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems: Sheriff, public defenders ask City Council for more money in 2020
The Orleans Parish Public Defenders office said last week it may have to start refusing cases. Public defenders pleaded with the New Orleans City Council to triple its funding “to bring it closer to what prosecutors receive,” according to The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate. Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman also asked the council for some extra dough in 2020. However, council members suggested Gusman find a way to rein in the costs on the Orleans Parish Jail’s health care contract and its reform agreement with the federal government. Mayor LaToya Cantrell is looking for the money and hoping to raise the budget from where it currently sits at, but even with the proposed budget, the defender’s office says it needs more. Read the story here.
Radio host fired amid NOPD extortion investigation
A New Orleans radio host accused of sending a homophobic tweet aimed at himself from the station’s official Twitter account has been fired, according to a report from WDSU News. Seth Dunlap’s attorney said that the station asked Dunlap to resign — a request he refused, maintaining his innocence. The station fired him, according to the report. WWL-AMFM, the radio station where Dunlap was employed, said in a police report that a “digital forensic expert concluded that the homophobic slur was sent from Dunlap’s cellphone.” The New Orleans Police Department is investigating the matter. Read the report here.
Getting Schooled? Parents confused on education system workings in New Orleans
Many parents in New Orleans are scratching their heads on how the whole education system in New Orleans works, according to a report from the Cowen Institute. A report from The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate found that “nearly half of public school parents surveyed think the local school system has neither improved nor gotten worse since charter schools came on the scene.” With charter schools entering the scene comes a packed lottery application system, long commutes for students and leadership turnover for various reasons, the report said. What’s additionally unclear is whether or not parents’ opinions would change even if they did understand the process more. Read the report here.
A Shot of Good In-FLU-ence: Free Flu Shots in Louisiana
Everyone needs a boost in their life. We got part of that boost as young-uns in the form of booster shots. But now we need a greater inFLUence in our lives. (*Ahem*) — Well, Louisiana’s health department is holding one-day flu vaccination clinics around the state, where people can get free flu shots. For New Orleans, that is Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the St. Bernard Recreation Center at 1500 Lafreniere St. MARK. YOUR. CALENDARS. If you miss the date and are willing to drive to the far reaches of Baton Rouge, Thibodaux, Lake Charles or Amite, then there are days set for those areas, as well. More info from the Department of Health here.
Quick Hit Headlines
- Man stole electric cart from Houma Walmart to drive to a bar (WWLTV)
- Community groups offering free rides to the polls (WDSU)
- Essence Fest announces extended festival for 50th anniversary (WDSU)
- Who had the best sandwich at the Po-Boy Fest? Here are the winners (WWLTV)
- Records show how Cantrell administration officials walked back Airbnb enforcement plans over the past year (The Lens)
What’s Happening This Week
Monday
Brewery Bingo | Port Orleans Brewing Company | 7 p.m. | Free
Free to enter. Multiple chances to win. Nothing to lose. Free beer, swag, and vouchers up for grabs.
Tuesday
Bounce Ya Brass | Crescent Park | 5:45 p.m. | Free
Make Your Move Foundation Presents BOUNCE YA BRASS, taking signature NOLA bounce moves and teaching them in an aerobics format that makes the class open for all levels and ages. There is no need to be a dancer or know how to dance to enjoy class and get the best cardio workout of your life!
Wednesday
Scrubs night at Pythian Market | 3-9 p.m. | Pythian Market | Various Prices
Attention doctors, nurses, students and all health care professionals: come in uniform (or with an ID), every Wednesday for happy hour prices all night at Bar 1908. From 4-7 p.m. there will also be $10 & under eats!
Thursday
RuPaul’s Drag Race Live | 8 p.m. | Orpheum Theater | tickets start at $50
See the queens of Rupaul’s Drag Race live, including Mission Asia OHara, Aquaria, Detox, Monet Exchange, Naomi Smalls, Plastique, Violet Chachki and Yvie Oddly.
Friday
Black and Gold Fan Fest | Noon | Hancock Whitney Center | Free
Celebrate Falcons Hate Week during lunch with a pep rally at the Hancock Whitney Center. There will be giveaways for tickets & sideline passes to the Atlanta game, as well as food sampling and appearances by Deuce McAllister, the Saintsations and Sir Saint.
