Recommendations for fixes to the city’s chronically troubled Sewerage & Water Board are now flowing from Gov. Jeff Landry’s task force and from the Water Justice Fund, which issued a report earlier this year. Advocates warn that, without a new revenue structure that includes tax-exempt properties, customers could shoulder the financial burden for citywide problems.
Posted inOpinion
Paintbrush, iPad, or Glock?
Recently, I attended a showcase at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center, where this city’s arrested youth are held pre-trial. I was invited by artist Journey Allen, who directs youth education for the Young Artists Movement (YAM), the citywide mural initiative that I helped to found eight years ago. To present the showcase, JJIC set up […]
Posted inOpinion
Let’s make plans together about the future of our beloved City Park
We both started working at Grow Dat Youth Farm because we needed jobs. We knew very little about gardening and didn’t know how we’d fit in. We found a crew of people who supported us and helped us to appreciate the natural setting within Grow Dat’s corner of City Park. Now, that magical place is […]
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 233: ‘A Black hamlet’
Delaney Dryfoos on St. John the Baptist Parish’s voted to allow heavy industrial uses on the parish’s rural West Bank after years of contentious debate. Nick Chrastil on Gov. Jeff Landry’s seismic changes to the criminal justice system.
Posted inOpinion
Entergy’s quiet power moves
Lately, public scrutiny has shined a bright spotlight on Entergy New Orleans’ $1 billion Operation Gridiron. The New Orleans City Council has been rightfully cautious, given the fees that would hit residents and the recent evidence of company deceit in pitching their plans to the council. Operation Gridiron is highly visible, taking center stage. But […]
Posted inOpinion
New criminal-justice laws bring unforeseen consequences
As Louisiana’s regular legislative session begins, all eyes are on the state’s criminal justice policy, particularly the $26-million appropriations bill aimed at implementing stricter crime-prevention measures. We live in this community and see public safety as a priority within our city and state — and within the Orleans Justice Center. Yet, some of the special […]
Posted inOpinion
Senate Bill 8, which is now law, favors tyranny over justice
The bill gives only the governor – not an independent board – the power to hand-pick the State Public Defender to run Louisiana’s public-defense system.
Posted inEnvironment
St. John Parish vote opens door to controversial grain terminal
Commissioners approve rezoning of Greenfield property for heavy industrial use, despite a prolonged community push to keep the land’s residential zoning in this largely rural part of St. John.
Posted inOpinion
Don’t jeopardize CPRA’s success
Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has completed 157 projects, benefiting 55,000 acres of coastal wetlands, improving 370 miles of levees and constructing 70 miles of barrier islands. Now, we feel like its success may be in jeopardy, with the governor’s suggestion to move the restoration and protection functions currently housed at CPRA under […]
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens “Sunshine Week” episode 232: ‘It’s so powerful to see’
Lens reporters on the Louisiana Public Records Act and how it helps us fulfill our mission. We reflect on how records made possible reporting on Henry Montgomery, a graduation scandal at Kennedy High School and the uncovering of the state’s decision to send kids in juvenile detention across state lines.