Viewpoint: New political season begins next week with qualifying for fall elections

In the middle of this hot summer, we’re getting ready for an even hotter election cycle. Qualifying for almost a dozen races — from U.S. Senate to clerk of First City Court — starts next Wednesday (July 20). The election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 8. 

With inflation increasing daily, 2022 is a hard year for newbie challengers to raise money. That means incumbents who have not made glaring errors generally have a good shot at getting re-elected.

Suspects sought in criminal damage to property caused by gunfire

The New Orleans Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and locating three suspects wanted in connection with gunfire that caused criminal damage to property. The offense occurred on July 2 in Central City. According to investigators, a residence in the 2700 block of Sixth Street was struck by gunfire. The pictured men, seen on surveillance video, are suspects in the incident. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact NOPD at 504-821-2222 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Controversial zoning request for Molly’s Rise and Shine is back on the city’s agenda

Breakfast and brunch luminary Molly’s Rise and Shine is getting a second chance at a zoning change that will give it the opportunity to add alcohol to its menu. The City Council on Thursday voted unanimously to direct the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing on changing the building’s zoning from residential to business and to permit a conditional use to allow a standard restaurant with alcoholic beverage services. Three years ago, the same request was shut down in the same chamber after gaining approval, with restrictions, from the Planning Commission. Now a new City Council will have a chance to consider it. At both 2019 hearings, the proposal faced opposition from the restaurant’s neighbors in the Irish Channel and Garden District.

Infant injured in shooting outside Costco

A 1-year-old was shot Tuesday afternoon (July 12) near the gas pumps outside the Costco store on South Carrollton and the Pontchartrain Expressway, the New Orleans Police Department reported. Initial NOPD reports show the infant was hit by bullet at about 3:50 p.m.and was transported by the Emergency Medical Service to a local hospital. The shooting occurred at the Costco gas station, media reports show. It’s the second shooting of young child within weeks. On June 22, a 2-year-old boy was killed in a shooting at a Hollygrove home.

Lobster roll pop-up brings taste of New England to New Orleans

New Orleans is a seafood town, but one shellfish dish hasn’t been readily available in the Crescent City: the lobster roll. Joel Griffin is changing that with his pop-up, Joel’s Lobster Rolls. This pop-up can be found at Uptown spots serving up the New England staple, tasty lobster on buttery bread. Griffin, who hails from Connecticut, moved to New Orleans five years ago to study business at Tulane. He grew up on lobster rolls, which Griffin said are served everywhere in New England, from restaurants to gas stations.

NOPD seeking suspect in the double burglary of St. Charles Avenue business

The New Orleans Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted in connection with two burglaries of the same St. Charles Avenue business. On July 6 at about 10:25 p.m., a man believed to be the suspect pictured above burglarized a business in the 1700 block of St Charles Avenue. He returned the next day at about 5 a.m., wearing a different shirt, and burglarized the business for a second time, walking off with a cash register. If you have any information regarding this suspect, please notify Detective Amanda Williams at adwilliams@nola.gov or anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.