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Community Corner

🌱 NOLA Now Murder Capital Of US + NOPD Officer Charged With Rape

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in New Orleans.

Shannon Denney, Neighbor
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Hey, everybody. It's Sunday in New Orleans and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today. Let's do it...

First, today's weather:

Humid with a t-storm in spots. High: 89 Low: 76.

Here are the top three stories today in New Orleans:

  1. New Orleans has surpassed St. Louis to become the murder capital of America. Combined with NOPD having the least number of officers in recent history, homicide rates are up in New Orleans by 141% along with a 210% increase in car jackings. New Orleans rate of 41 murders per 100,000 gives it a higher murder rate than any other U.S. city.
  2. A NOPD officer has been charged with second-degree rape after a rape kit that was backlogged with over 73,000 samples at the State Police Crime Lab officially connected him to a crime where he allegedly raped and strangled a woman at his apartment 16 months ago. Officer Gerry Paul is currently out on bail and still serving the 5th district. (WWLTV.com)
  3. The intersection at Tulane Avenue and S. Gayoso Street will be closed to traffic through Wednesday, September 21 for sewer line repairs as a part of the Mid City Group B Infrastructure Improvement Project. The entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2023. (Press Release Desk)

Today in New Orleans:

  • Free Admission to the Louisiana Children's Museum (11:30 a.m.)
  • The Wolfe Johns Blues Band at Jazz Playhouse (7:30 p.m.)
  • Vanessa Carr Live at the Golden Lantern (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • NOLAxNOLA is just one week away with 50 venues and 300 local musicians over two weeks! (Visit New Orleans via Instagram)
  • "Called to the Camera: Black American Studio Photographers" is now an view at NOMA, an exhibit that showcases the artistic, social, and political impact of Black photographers working in commercial portrait studios from the medium's earliest days.⁠ ⁠ (NOMA via Instagram)
  • Go celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month today at The New Orleans Jazz Museum! The first New Orleans Brasil Day featuring Casa Samba & Friends, Geovane Santos, Marcio Pereira and more begins at 9 a.m. then more jazz performers at 8 p.m. (New Orleans Jazz Museum via Instagram)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Shannon Denney

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New Orleans Daily? Contact me at neworleans@patch.com

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