NOPD seeks suspect in theft of tools

The NOPD has obtained an arrest warrant for Stephen Hamilton, 50, in the investigation of a simple burglary that occurred on May 29 in the 1800 block of Washington Avenue. NOPD Sixth District officers responded to a call regarding a duplex under renovation that had tools stolen. During the course of the investigation, Sixth District detectives developed and positively identified Hamilton as a suspect. Prior to the officers’ arrival, Hamilton reportedly fled the scene. The supplied photo of Hamilton is believed to be an older photo, and he is currently believed to have a Mohawk-style haircut.

Viewpoint: In the midst of a pandemic, we need to prepare for an active hurricane season

With all the rain we’ve had recently and Monday’s official start of hurricane season, I spent time yesterday ensuring my closest catch basin is in good working condition. After all, New Orleans is a city that floods, especially during hurricane season. With this year’s ongoing pandemic along with predictions of even more storms than usual, getting prepared for the inevitable deluge and updating our personal evacuation plan are especially vital. Weaker trade winds and warmer than normal ocean temperatures might be the official reasons that the National Hurricane Center expects 13 to 19 named storms and three to six Category 3 or greater hurricanes this year. Yet we can’t forget the impact of weather disasters farther up the Mississippi River or the impact of a storm that sits above our city for days at a time.

GiveNOLA Day 2020 is June 2!

The seventh annual GiveNOLA Day, an initiative of the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF), is on Tuesday, June 2 from 12:00 am to midnight. This is a 24-hour online giving event for the 13-parish Greater New Orleans region.

“Now more than ever, our local nonprofits need your support,” said Greater New Orleans Foundation’s President and CEO Andy Kopplin. “COVID-19 has adversely impacted our region, let’s not let it impact our region’s giving spirit.

Viewpoint: Workers required to take risks during pandemic deserve hazard pay

City Council President Jason Williams said last night that “all our essential workers deserve hazard pay during these unprecedented times. Everyone is singing the praises of our front line and thanking them for their sacrifice. They deserve more than just a pat on the back.”

In dozens of towns and cities across America, essential workers on the forefront of the pandemic are participating in protests, walk-outs and strikes to strengthen their demands for hazard duty pay and safer working conditions. Industries including food service, meat processing, retail, manufacturing, transportation and health care have been targeted by labor unions that view the pandemic as a unique opportunity to address core grievances. For more than three weeks, New Orleans sanitation workers who are contracted to Metro Services Group (also known as Metro Disposal) have been walking the picket line to press for more pay and personal protective equipment, or PPE.

Police blotter: Robberies in Milan, Fontainebleau, Hoffman Triangle

Robberies and purse snatchings were reported in the Milan, Fontainebleau and Hoffman Triangle neighborhoods. In the Hoffman Triangle, a man was arrested in an armed robbery on Wednesday (May 13) while a second suspect remained at large. At about 9:30 p.m. in the 2300 block of South Roman Street, the victim, a 36-year-old man, was approached from behind. A man stuck a pen knife in his abdomen while a woman took his wallet and other items from his pocket. The woman fled with the stolen items. Gregory Garmany, 53, was arrested at the scene.

RTA, NORD and libraries outline their Phase 1 reopening plans

New Orleans is embarking on the first week of Phase 1 in reopening the city as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed nearly 500 lives in the city and more than 2,000 deaths statewide. If you use public transit, the city’s recreational facilities or the public library, here’s what you can expect from those agencies during this initial phase. Regional Transit Authority
Beginning Sunday (May 17), the RTA returned to Saturday service on all bus and streetcar routes. The RTA also will go back to collecting fares as part of the Phase 1 reopening of the city. For more information regarding fares, visit www.RTAforward.org/fares-passes.