News Summary
The latest ‘Best of New Orleans’ issue invites locals to celebrate and vote for their favorite people and places. Simultaneously, rising alligator sightings and political tensions in the city add to the community’s concerns. The New Orleans Fire Department also responded to a fire at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, while police investigate a reported kidnapping. This week highlights a blend of celebration, vigilance, and urgent community issues in New Orleans.
New Orleans – Gambit’s much-anticipated “Best of New Orleans” issue will hit the shelves at various local businesses starting this Sunday, allowing readers to celebrate and vote for their favorite people, places, and things across the Metro area. This cherished tradition, which dates back to 1986, also saw its digital version released on Saturday.
Among the locals recognized in this year’s issue are Payton Malone, who was honored as the Best Local TV Weathercaster, and Chief Investigative Reporter David Hammer. Sports Director Doug Mouton also received accolades, while Lily Cummings made her debut in the “Best Local TV Anchor” category.
Rising Alligator Concerns
Amid the festive spirit surrounding the awards, recent reports of a large alligator spotted in the Bayou St. John area have raised concerns among residents. These sightings have sparked considerable discussion on social media platforms. Local resident Hannah Huppi, who recently achieved a record in rowing across the Arctic Ocean, noted that such alligator appearances have become more frequent. She observed a noticeable decline in local wildlife like ducks and nutria, which are potential food sources for alligators.
Cabrini PE coach Nancy Walsh is actively teaching her students about respecting local wildlife while enjoying outdoor activities such as rowing, fishing, and kayaking. Walsh reassured the community that while alligators generally prefer to avoid human interaction, they can become a threat if provoked. She emphasized the importance of educating young people on safety practices in areas where alligators may be present. For those encountering dangerous reptiles, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is available for assistance.
Political Tensions Emerge
In other news, a recent mayoral debate aired by WWL-TV unveiled rising tensions among the candidates. Royce Duplessis confronted fellow candidate Helena Moreno about an email from one of her donors that contained derogatory remarks towards her. Duplessis demanded that Moreno denounce the email’s content. Moreno described the terms used in the email as “absolutely horrible” but suggested that the focus should be on the legal proceedings regarding the accusations against her donor, Bill Hammack.
Both candidates emphasized how the current mayor’s actions influence school funding, with Moreno accusing Duplessis’ campaign of spreading misinformation instead of engaging with substantive issues. During a rapid-fire segment of the debate, the candidates found common ground on several policies yet maintained their disagreement over the proposition of transforming Bourbon Street into a pedestrian-only area.
Fire Response in the French Quarter
In a separate incident on Sunday morning, the New Orleans Fire Department responded to a fire at the Royal Sonesta Hotel located in the French Quarter. The situation escalated to a three-alarm response, involving around 21 fire units and more than 50 emergency vehicles. Firefighters successfully rescued residents, including an individual in a wheelchair, and had the fire under control in under an hour, with no injuries reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Ongoing Investigation into Kidnapping
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Police Department is investigating a reported kidnapping incident involving a young boy in Algiers that occurred on Thursday. The boy was approached by two unknown suspects who attempted to force him into a van. Fortunately, he managed to escape and returned home safely. The investigation continues, but as of now, no suspects have been identified.
This week in New Orleans is marked by a mix of celebration, concern, and scrutiny as locals engage in recognizing local talent while remaining vigilant about safety issues and community affairs.
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Additional Resources
- WWL-TV: Alligator Spotted in Bayou St. John
- Google Search: Alligator spotted in Bayou St John
- NOLA: Mayor’s Debate Insights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Debate
- WWL-TV: Fire at French Quarter Hotel
- Google News: Fire French Quarter Hotel
- WWL-TV: Boy Escapes Kidnapping in Algiers
- Wikipedia: Kidnapping
- WWL-TV: Best of New Orleans Highlights
- Google Search: Best of New Orleans
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
