“War” on coronavirus cases at New Orleans’ jail, the COVID slide for schoolkids, and musicians’ commentary on surviving the crisis.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Official in charge of jail says he thinks it’s in shape for Sheriff Gusman to retake control
Compliance director says jail is in ‘100 percent substantial compliance’ with consent decree.
Posted inCoronavirus
Researchers say COVID-19 school closures could further summer learning loss
Several states, included Louisiana, have shuttered schools until the end of the academic year, leaving some students out of classrooms for five months or more.
Posted inOpinion
An open letter on surveillance in New Orleans
“As a citizen concerned with the health and liberty of our fellow New Orleanians during this unprecedented time, I was outraged to learn of the City of New Orleans continued expansion of surveillance tactics and tools through unconstitutional police checkpoints and new contracts with surveillance companies. These irresponsible choices divert funds and attention from assisting those most affected by the intersection of COVID-19 and existing structural inequalities.”
Posted inCoronavirus
New Orleans eviction moratorium extended to end of Governor’s stay at home order
The moratorium was extended from May 4 to at least May 18.
Posted inCoronavirus
Mayor Cantrell to ask to borrow $100 million to cover anticipated budget gap from coronavirus crisis
Council members say few details yet available on how the debt would be repaid.
Posted inCoronavirus
New Orleans Police Department to end ‘informational’ checkpoints
The checkpoints, which were scheduled to go to the end of the city’s stay-at-home order, have been criticized by civil rights groups.
Posted inCoronavirus
‘It’s a war’: New Orleans jail struggles to manage COVID-19 outbreak as it implements mass testing
The jail’s compliance director speaks with The Lens about his decision to expand inmate testing and the challenges of keeping a deadly infection in check in a confined environment.
Posted inOpinion
An equitable recovery from COVID-19 is possible
“It has become clear: we must learn from this moment and work diligently to reshape the future of our society. If we can fight fatigue from the stress of our current situation, it is possible to provide dignity and safety for essential workers now, while making choices that create real and lasting change for those being hit hardest: Black communities.”
Posted inCoronavirus
‘They’re scared to death’: Former prisoners seek to shine light on COVID case growth among locked-up women in state
The Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women is reporting more positive cases than any other state prison.