As a former writer for UptownMessenger.com, I’m delighted to share the news that a new sister site, based in Mid-City, has officially been launched. MidCityMessenger.com is now live, covering news, crime, events, and politics across one of the largest and most diverse neighborhoods in New Orleans (and, incidentally, the one I call home — so I’m quite happily biased for a handful of reasons).

Bringing the same professionalism to local news coverage as the Uptown Messenger, the Mid-City Messenger will be staffed primarily by Marta Jewson, an experienced reporter with a passion both for journalistic excellence and the city of New Orleans. More details are available on the website itself, its Facebook page, and its Twitter feed, but if you live in the area, the most important thing to do is to become a regular reader, commenter, and active member of the neighborhood. The health and strength both of Mid-City and of the city as a whole depends on it.

The Scottish Review of Books has a brief diary entry up on hurricanes, published after the end of the season. There’s just something about Edinburgh and storms that I still can’t put my finger on.

A new essay is up at the Los Angeles Review of Books, looking at the prospect of an independent Scotland. With news of the referendum only just now making its way to this side of the pond, it”ll be fascinating to hear how American audiences respond to the idea. There’s much still to be decided, but honestly, two years from now — the date of the referendum — is no time at all. Even more fascinating, then, will be watching the developments between now and then. At this point, it’s anybody’s guess what will happen.

The Dark Mountain collective is continuing its series of book launches for the third Dark Mountain journal, in which a poem from Ecotone appears, tonight in Edinburgh at the Forest Cafe. According to the Dark Mountain website, the evening will be “Featuring readings from Dark Mountain writers, including Em Strang, Paul Kingsnorth and Thomas Keyes. Music from Mairi Campbell and Hailey Beavis. Food and drink on sale. Good vibes, good conversations and a chance to buy the new book. Entry free.” Starts at 8pm.

As most folks in New Orleans by now will know, Natasha Trethewey will be reading tonight at the New Orleans Public Library Main Branch on Loyola Avenue. The reading starts at 7, with a signing to follow. As noted before, it’s been a good year for poetry in Mississippi. No matter how many days are left on the calendar, long may it continue.