This week on Behind The Lens, a fire at the Marathon refinery in Garyville grabs attention across the river and region, a federal judge rules that officers violated no civil rights even if they drew guns on Black youth looking for their lost dog and what parents should know about how NOLA Public Schools posts […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Federal judge rules that officers violated no civil rights even if they drew guns on Black youth looking for lost chihuahua
The two officers worked for one of the city’s security districts, which are not subject to the NOPD’s federal consent decree and its enforcement of constitutional standards for its officers.
Posted inEnvironment
Marathon proves why it was the last refinery built in the U.S.
Noxious refinery fire deals another blow to Garyville neighbors, weary of fighting harmful emissions. Across the river, the blaze strengthens neighbors’ commitment to block the introduction of industry there.
Posted inOpinion
Letter: Don’t throw the baby out with the Airbnb-bathwater
A couple who rented out half of their double asks the city to consider small operators instead of using lotteries or banning residential Airbnbs altogether.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Options to avoid Phase III construction narrow further, as Judge Africk denies Sheriff Hutson’s legal challenge to the jail addition
Also, advocacy group VOTE sues the city for quietly shuffling city funds totaling $32 million to the Phase III “special needs” jail.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Discussion, not litigation, brings solutions.
As Phase III proponents push to break ground on a new “mental health jail,” litigation is supplanting discussion, leaving critical design and staffing issues unresolved and costs ballooning.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 213: ‘Kids in solitary confinement’
Youth being held on Angola’s grounds continue to face challenges and officials have high hopes for a $2.9 billion diversion of the lower Mississippi River.
Posted inSchools
NOLA Public Schools erases serious school warnings
The district changes its practice of posting and keeping the most serious warnings on its website.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Without council approval, city appears to allocate $32 million to Phase III jail
Apparent Cantrell administration allocation adds $10 million from unknown source. Also, architects differentiate their jail design from notorious “panopticon” configuration.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Youth kept at Angola facility receive poor education and are held in cells for discipline, lawyers suggest, at first day of hearing
Federal judge in Baton Rouge hears arguments about the facility that she allowed to open a year ago.