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.
Posted inNews
Peanut in Limbo
Big 6 Brass Band leader Thaddeus “Peanut” Ramsey has been stuck in Bermuda for nearly a year, fighting an invisible adversary: possible criminal charges. “If it’s something illegal, we should know that by now,” said his cousin, tuba player Walter Ramsey.
Posted inCriminal Justice
New Orleans criminal-justice leaders grapple with entering the Landry era
Sheriff Hutson says increased jail population, addition of juveniles, could exacerbate staffing issue to “unmanageable levels.”
Posted inEnvironment
Climate-weary Mississippi River delegation lobbies for help in D.C.
Mayors from Louisiana and advocates from the Water Collaborative, Healthy Gulf, 1Mississippi, and the National Audubon Society asked Congress to invest in better water infrastructure and increase federal funding for farmer-led conservation.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 231: ‘We cannot allow it to fail’
Katy Reckdahl and La’Shance Perry on the loss of musician Kerry “Fatman” Hunter. Marta Jewson and Dr. Ashonta Wyatt on the district’s decision to open a direct-run school at Lafayette.