Two suspects sought in identity theft

The New Orleans Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating and identifying two suspects believed to have committed identity theft and to have used the victim’s stolen debit and credit card at various locations. The pictured subjects were seen on store security cameras illegally using the victim’s card at a Shell gas station on South Carrollton Avenue near St. Charles Avenue in the Riverbend neighborhood. Through investigation, NOPD Second District detectives learned that the subject pictured at right in the gray hooded sweatshirt possibly goes by the nickname “D-White.”

The two suspects were also seen driving a blue Subaru Legacy automobile, which was found to have been stolen from the Second District. The vehicle has since been recovered.

Can Mardi Gras value artistry over excess?

By Jesse Baum
jesse.blacktree@gmail.com

Parade throws, one the biggest draws of the Carnival season, have become one of its biggest sources of controversy, with a growing push to move Mardi Gras away from the waste and excess symbolized by the all the plastic beads filling our streets and catch basins after every parade.

An Urban Conservancy conference held at the historic Carver Theater on Oct. 18 was titled “The Future of Mardi Gras.” Its focus was on sustainability and culture; panelists and environmental advocates discussed how to return the focus to the local artistry that creates Mardi Gras’ most memorable floats, throws and costumes

The audience had gathered to hear about the Carnival’s future—but the panel discussion began with the past.

According to New Orleans historian John Magill, a panelist at the event, early Mardi Gras parades did not have throws. The tradition, Magill explained, began with trinkets that were dispensed by a Santa Claus who walked through the crowd—as Mardi Gras was a post-Christmas holiday, rather than a pre-Easter Holiday. A local toy store provided the parcels.

Fast-forward to today—Mardi Gras is a bacchanalian extravaganza that generates 900 tons of waste each year. Last year the figure was 12,000 tons, and the city made national news when 93,000 pounds of beads were pulled from catch basins along a five-block stretch of St. Charles avenue.

Suspect named in Thalia Street burglary

The New Orleans Police Department is searching for a suspect in a simple burglary incident that occurred in the 2100 block of Thalia Street, near Saratoga Street.

The victim told police that he left his residence unlocked and unattended around 9 a.m. on Oct. 20. Upon returning to the location at approximately 11 a.m., the victim discovered that his wallet and cellphone were missing.

Oak Street Po-Boy Festival features fan favorites, Urban South’s new lager

The 12th Annual Oak Street Po-Boy Festival—which takes place Sunday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—will feature po-boys from prize-winning vendors, live music, and a specially-brewed Po-Boy Lager from Urban South Brewery.

Po-Boy Festival 2018 Menu
Coming back to defend as the 2017 overall winner is Red Fish Grill with its champion BBQ Oyster Po-Boy. Vincent’s Italian Cuisine and their “Godfather” po-boy, a crowd favorite and winner of the 2017 “Best Pork” entry, will also be back this year.

Sponsored: Fall Harvest Dinner & Farm Share memberships at Grow Dat Youth Farm

On November 4th, Grow Dat Youth Farm will host their final event of the season on their farm in City Park. The Fall Harvest Dinner on the Farm will showcase autumn vegetables and feature fresh produce grown on their farm. The evening will feature beloved local restaurants Pagoda Cafe, Coco Hut, Carmo and Windowsill Pies.

During the cocktail hour, guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, craft cocktails, and live music in the eco-campus, Grow Dat’s outdoor classroom constructed of converted shipping containers.

Guests will have the choice of participating in one of 3 educational tours: Sustainable Agriculture, Grow Dat’s Youth Leadership Program, or a tour on ​Herbal and Plant Medicinal Practices hosted by former Grow Dat Fellow Ellenie Cruz. To round out the event, guests will commune over a 3-course seated dinner paired with wine in Grow Dat’s stunning oak grove by the bayou.

Suspect arrested in fatal hit-and-run on Claiborne

The New Orleans Police Department has arrested the driver believed to be responsible for a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred Oct. 18 in the 2300 block of South Claiborne Avenue, near Philip Street.

Howard McDowell, 23, of Marrero was arrested Oct. 31 and charged with manslaughter in connection with fatal accident. The victim was a pedestrian.