Latest news with #OliverThomas
Axios
01-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
Lincoln Beach won't open this summer as planned
The opening of the New Orleans' first public beach in decades has been delayed, leaders confirmed Tuesday. Why it matters: Residents will have to drive out of town for a beach day for at least one more summer. The big picture: City officials had planned to partially open Lincoln Beach this summer for swimming, but representatives from the Department of Public Works told council members Tuesday that won't happen. The project is funded with federal money, DPW leaders said, and it took longer than expected to get the different agencies to sign off. Now, the city will start the process of hiring a construction company, DPW director Joe Threat said. Groundbreaking is slated for October. Zoom in: When will people be able to swim at the beach, which is now closed? "We need clarity on that," said Councilman Oliver Thomas, who chaired the committee meeting. Community activist Reggie Ford, who has been involved with the beach cleanup efforts for years, told Axios that residents are being advised it could be 2026 or 2027. Ford, Blyss Wallace, Sage Michael Pellet and other volunteers expressed their frustration at the meeting for the delays and what they called lack of progress. Catch up quick: Lincoln Beach closed in the Little Woods area of New Orleans East shortly after Pontchartrain Beach, the white-only beach, was integrated in 1964. Pontchartrain Beach closed in 1983 and redevelopment efforts since then have stalled. Lincoln Beach is about 15 acres along the lakefront near Hayne Boulevard and Vincent Road. It's on the National Register of Historic Places. The beach was a major recreational spot for Black residents during segregation and had live performances from Fats Domino, Irma Thomas and Nat King Cole, according to the city. Zoom out: The redevelopment project has about $25 million in local, state and federal funds. What's next: The City Council will decide whether to expand the contract with Digital Engineering & Imaging, who was hired in 2020 to create the civil engineering plan for beach.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ten displaced after fire in New Orleans East
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A fire in the New Orleans East area on Tuesday, March 18, has left 10 people displaced. According to the New Orleans Fire Department, crews responded to a report of a fire with a person possibly trapped at a duplex on Bonita Street around 10:40 a.m. Mayor LaToya Cantrell files temporary restraining order against council's travel ban At the scene, NOFD officials said crews were told that a man and a woman had escaped from the duplex before they arrived. Crews then searched the duplex to ensure that all occupants had exited safely. Six fire units carrying 20 firefighters were used to extinguish the blaze, which reportedly started near the front door of one of the apartments and spread to another through an attic. Councilmember Oliver Thomas makes announcement for mayoral run NOFD officials said six adults and four children were displaced, and the Red Cross was asked to assist. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and no injuries were blocks implementation of Trump's transgender military ban Warm Wednesday to wrap up winter Ten displaced after fire in New Orleans East New York Post: Musk is 'way out of his lane' in calling for federal judge's impeachment Early outlook for next winter: See the odds of El Niño, La Niña Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Councilmember Oliver Thomas makes overnight announcement for mayoral run
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — City Councilmember Oliver Thomas has announced his run for the seat of New Orleans Mayor. Thomas first served on the Orleans Parish City Council from 1994 to 2002. He then resigned after being convicted of bribery, serving time in a federal penitentiary until his release in 2010. Thomas was once again elected to serve as councilmember of District E in 2021. Execution of Louisiana death row inmate Jessie Hoffman may be delayed Thomas is a Lower Ninth Ward native, 'born into a life rooted in hard work.' His website states that at the front of his agenda is his experiences as a servant leader, to evaluate the needs of every resident, to integrate resources, and perform his duties with his constituents' priorities. On Tuesday, March 18, Thomas 'OT' released the announcement video where he stated: 'I see the struggles we face every day, and I refuse to accept them as normal. It shouldn't take a year to get a permit, or a week to get your trash picked up,' said. I prayed over it with my family and spent months surveying voters and meeting with them privately, from neighborhood preservationists to young entrepreneurs. I wanted to hear from them first. That's how politics here used to be – ideas bubbled up from the people.' Councilmember Oliver Thomas Thomas joins the race with Councilmember Helena Moreno, former police officer and judge Arthur Hunter, former OPCD Director Tyrell Morris, Counselor Ricky Twiggs, and Entrepreneur and Business Coach Renada Collins. Election day is Nov. 15. Mayor LaToya Cantrell's last day in office will be Jan. 12, urged to teach kids about drug dangers on social media Why every home should have Narcan Remarkable Women Finalist: Michelle Douglas Trump calls for impeachment of judge in deportation flight case Nestle recalling some Lean Cuisine, Stouffer's meals over possible 'wood-like material' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Oliver Thomas launches mayoral campaign
Councilman Oliver Thomas on Tuesday kicked off his long-rumored campaign to be the next mayor of New Orleans. Why it matters: The race will pit two councilmembers against each other in their hopes of leading the city. The big picture: Thomas says he is running because he has the institutional knowledge to fix the city's roads, ensure reliable city services and "restore pride in our public spaces." He's been on and off the council for 15 years and is currently representing New Orleans East. He made waves last summer after unveiling what he called " PROJECT2025NOLA," which is not related to conservative Project 2025. Watch his campaign video and read his platform. Six people have entered the race so far, with Councilmember Helena Moreno the early frontrunner with fundraising. She ended last year with about $1 million in the bank, while Thomas has about $200,000, according to campaign finance reports.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mylar, confetti cannons banned from New Orleans parade routes
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — City Council members, Mardi Gras krewe captains and Entergy leaders met at Mardi Gras World to remind residents of the new rules regarding Mylar and confetti cannons on parade routes. Entergy representatives held a demonstration showing the dangers of Mylar touching an energized power line. Such incidents can disrupt the power grid for hours, causing long delays for parades and even blackouts in the surrounding area. 'One of the hardest things is the length of time it requires for crews to get to the outage itself. So, if there is a packed parade, even to get scouts out there to find exactly, perhaps, where that balloon got tied around a line takes time,' Deanna Rodriguez, the president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans said. Royal Sonesta New Orleans gearing and smearing up for Greasing of the Poles Last year, in 2024, a confetti cannon landed on a transformer during the Krewe of Thoth, shutting off power for nearly two hours. In 2023, Mylar confetti caused an outage during the parade Krewe of Cleopatra, prompting the city council to ban confetti cannons. The following year, council members banned the release of Mylar balloons. 'If you're found to be in violation of that ordinance, in your court, there will be citations and there will be penalties,' Oliver Thomas said. Your 2025 Carnival Season royalty! Councilman Eugene Green says the concern goes beyond those along the parade routes. 'Mylar, as a conductor, has a chance to blow out power that affects a lot of people. Sometimes people who aren't at the parade, who are on particular equipment, that it is lifesaving equipment, for example. Or that of something that they need for breathing purposes or other otherwise,' Green said. 'The grid belongs to all of us. Infrastructure is important. So, let's, have a safe and happy Mardi Gras!' Rodriguez said.U.S. Army Corps of Engineers activates high-water plan as Mississippi River rises Mylar, confetti cannons banned from New Orleans parade routes Mass graves case: Police officers last to see disappeared individuals alive Animal rights groups, prosecutors trying to stop sale of exotic animals in Tijuana Bus tour travels back to explore South Texas' ancient landscapes Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
