Danae Columbus: How often does someone become an elected official by convincing just 12 people to vote for them?

The Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee will soon be electing two people to join its ranks due to Council District B vacancies created by the deaths of longtime members Felicia Kahn and Rev. Samson (Skip) Alexander. Under OPDEC’s rules, only the remaining twelve members of the District B caucus are eligible to vote. They include Mayor LaToya Cantrell and her husband Jason along with Dana Peterson, husband of State Senator Karen Carter Peterson.

OPDEC is the local arm of the state’s Democratic Party. Its members are usually elected once every four years by a vote of all registered in the council district. One man and one woman will be elected.

Police blotter: Robbery suspect arrested, two stabbed during fight

Wallet snatched in the Lower Garden District
A 33-year-old woman was standing outside a building in the 2100 block of St. Charles Avenue on Tuesday about 4:40 p.m. when a man approached from behind and snatched her wallet from her hand. He then ran off down Josephine Street. Sixth District Task Force officers later apprehended Owen Williams, 31, in the incident.

Parks and rec officials: Ballot proposal means services, jobs, safety and more

By India Yarborough, iayarbor@my.loyno.edu
Loyola Student News Service

New Orleanians will decide the fate Saturday of a city proposal to redistribute parks and recreation funds. And while many city residents might gloss over the plan’s fine print, involved parks and rec organizations say the proposal is an effort to improve the quality of life of New Orleans residents.

“It’s vital, and it’s no fluff,” said Ann Mcdonald, director of the city’s Department of Parks and Parkways.

Contestants cram crawfish during fourth annual NOLA Crawfish Festival (Photos)

Tuesday was the second day of the three-day Crawfish Festival at Central City Barbecue on South Rampart Street. The day featured the percussion-heavy Mike Dillon Band and the funky stylings of Eric Kresno, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Ari Teitel, Jermal Watson and more.

The day also featured a a crawfish-eating competition. Ten contestants had 10 minutes to consume as much crawfish as possible. The winner, Aaron Burgau, ate 5.97 pounds in 10 minutes, walking away with a $100 prize and bragging rights for a year.

Today’s lineup includes Samantha Fish and Jonathan “Boogie” Long, Anders Osborne with David Torkanowsky and friends, and Papa Mali and Alvin “Youngblood” Hart, plus the Ultimate Crawfish Cook-off.

Dollar General worker dragged to the ground trying to stop shoplifter

The New Orleans Police Department is seeking to identify and locate a subject believed to be responsible for a robbery that occurred in the 8200 block of Earhart Boulevard on April 19.

At about 11 a.m., the man shown above entered a Dollar General, pulled a black bag from his pocket, and proceeded to place T-shirts and earbud-style headphones in it, the police report stated.

Man critically injured in Hollygrove shooting

Police found a man suffering from gunshot wounds Monday night in Hollygrove, the New Orleans Police Department reported.

Responding to a report Monday at 10:15 p.m. that a man was shot in the 8800 block of Fig Street, police found the wounded 32-year-old man on the sidewalk.