A new report by the national non-profit Human Rights for Kids has found that the degree to which the United States punishes crimes committed by kids is far out of line with international standards, calling the mass incarceration of children as adults “one of the largest government-sanctioned human rights abuses against children in the world […]
Posted inOpinion
Now is the Time to Speak up for Parks in New Orleans!
A city-wide plan aiming to create an equitable and resilient park and recreation system is underway. Attending one of four community workshops between now and May 11th will give you a chance to speak up and voice your concerns. Most notably, your input at this week’s public workshops can augment the information on personal preferences […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
After 23 years in prison for killing her abuser, she hopes no one in Louisiana has to do that again
On Dec. 2, 1996, Beatrice Taylor hobbled out of her apartment complex to a nearby payphone and dialed 911. She told a Gretna police dispatcher she needed officers to come out to her home for the second day in a row, according to court records. Her ex-boyfriend had become violent again, stomped on her foot and broken […]
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind the Lens Episode 202: Gifted students and a musician remembered
Marta Jewson talks about the push for more gifted offerings in New Orleans schools, reporter Nick Chrastil discusses a measure being considered by lawmakers to increase penalties for fentanyl dealers and reporter Katy Reckdahl remembers a musician and friend.
Posted inEnvironment
Petrochemical industry in Louisiana plans a ‘defense’ amid growing opposition
After residents of America’s ‘Cancer Alley’ in Louisiana put a national spotlight on their fight for a healthy environment, the state’s economic interests and petrochemical giants are backing the creation of a new “sustainability council” to counter grassroots activists, documents show. In recent years, the activists have successfully fought construction of two multibillion-dollar plastics facilities […]
Posted inNew OrLEaNS
Requiem for a Big Man Gone
After playing a night of gigs – and maybe shooting a few games of pool – Jeffrey Hills Sr. walked into the door with his sousaphone slung over his shoulder, pulled on his plaid pajama pants with a muscle shirt, made himself a little snack and crawled under the covers. If that sleep was like […]
Posted inCharter Schools
Gifted group asks school district to expand services
Universal screening and a gifted coordinator could help expand gifted services in Orleans Parish, advocates say.
Posted inEnvironment
Offshore wind workforce a weak link in plan to build out renewables
A national push toward offshore wind energy could create thousands of well-paying domestic jobs in Louisiana and elsewhere, according to clean energy advocates and President Joe Biden, who wants to establish 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030. But it’s unlikely there will be enough trained and certified workers to fill those positions, and […]
Posted inAudio
Behind The Lens: Episode 201
Reporter Katy Reckdahl, talks about strip searches at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, better known as Angola, and education reporter Marta Jewson discusses changes to how charter schools are evaluated.
Posted inCriminal Justice
A Louisiana lawmaker wants mandatory life without parole sentence for fentanyl distribution
A measure that would add a conviction for fentanyl distribution to the short list of crimes punishable by a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole is being backed by Louisiana prosecutors as a response to the opioid epidemic in the state, while advocates warn that the harsh sentence will throw people away for […]
