Danae Columbus: Rep. Ralph Abraham courts like-minded New Orleans voters

Gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham told a New Orleans audience last week that he would move Louisiana in the right direction by cutting spending, changing the tax structure, building the economy and creating jobs. The pledge was made during remarks to the Home Defense Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the right of citizens to bear arms in their homes as well as gun safety and training.

Abraham didn’t spend a minute talking about banning assault weapons or universal background checks. Why? Because the room was filled with Second Amendment advocates — men and women already committed to taking personal responsibility to defend themselves and their families. I believe their philosophy is the wave of the future. Background checks and assault weapon bans won’t keep criminals away from guns. 

City Reminder: Late fee forgiveness on tickets ends September 3

Residents have until September 3—less than two weeks—to pay certain city fees without penalties or additional fees.
The Amnesty Late Fee Forgiveness Program is a three-month program by Mayor Cantrell and the Department of Finance meant to help clear past-due accounts for residents with parking and camera tickets, sales and hotel/motel taxes, code enforcement violations, and library fees.

Rapper pleads guilty to manslaughter in shooting death of his cousin in Central City bar

Michael J. Young, a 42-year-old aspiring rapper who performed as Mike Dough on the local Kowboii Records label, pleaded guilty Tuesday to fatally shooting his cousin in the head three years ago, District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro’s office announced.

Young averted a scheduled murder trial by pleading guilty to an amended charge of manslaughter in connection to the death of Greg Young, 42, on Jan. 31, 2016.

City restriping crosswalks on Magazine Street

The city’s Department of Public Works contractor Pavement Markings is adding crosswalks and striping this week in the 3200 and 3300 blocks of Magazine Street.

This work will include new traffic calming measures to allow safer crossing of Magazine Street for pedestrians. Residents and commuters are reminded to use caution when driving, bicycling and walking near construction sites.