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A cluster of empty black chairs arranged haphazardly in a circle on a linoleum school floor symbolizes disorder and instability.

Success for whom? Twenty years of school reform.

The writers, an educator and a parent who works as an advocate within schools, contend that the state takeover removed Black teachers who provided continuity and did not improve academic outcomes for Black students who too often changed schools frequently.
by Ashana Bigard and Elizabeth K. Jeffers October 7, 2025 Updated October 7, 2025
Infographic explaining how parents in New Orleans can request special education evaluations for their children, outlining reasons to request an evaluation and timelines for schools to respond and complete assessments.

Back to school: How and when to ask for a special education evaluation

If parents notice their child struggling academically or facing more discipline in school, it may be time for a special education evaluation. Roughly 15% of students in Louisiana have special education plans.
by Marta Jewson October 6, 2025 Updated October 26, 2025

Whatever we want to achieve in our city can be undermined by the lack of public safety

In recent months, public officials rushed to the microphone to take credit when the crime rate dropped. Will they now rush back to the microphone and take blame when the crime rate rises?
by Arthur Hunter Jr. October 5, 2025 Updated October 6, 2025

Tulane changes syllabus, fires manager over Gaza article

Tulane University, facing an investigation by the Trump administration, fired an academic director and pulled an article about polio in Gaza from an infectious disease course.
by Delaney Nolan October 3, 2025 Updated October 8, 2025
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Energy Monsters: AI data centers prompt concern about a ‘Digital Cancer Alley.’ Also, the first U.S. climate refugees have regrets

Gus Bennett on Big Tech data centers that threaten more environmental and economic harm in Cancer Alley. Terry Jones on climate refugees 10 years after relocation.
by Carolyne Heldman October 3, 2025 Updated October 3, 2025

Trump’s vision for childhood vaccines could hurt working moms the most

"Intentionally or not, Trump is adding weight to this burden that women are already carrying as family health managers."
by Barbara Rodriguez, The 19th October 3, 2025 Updated October 3, 2025

Kennedy High grads who were denied diplomas can continue lawsuit, judges rule

Appellate judges certify class-action lawsuit lodged by students who endured Kennedy High School’s graduation scandal several years ago.
by Marta Jewson October 2, 2025 Updated October 8, 2025

FCC postpones long-awaited rules reducing ‘outrageous’ prison and jail phone rates, leaves families paying more

Expensive calls force families to choose between paying bills and staying connected to loved ones.
by Bernard Smith October 1, 2025 Updated October 1, 2025
Exterior of the NOLA Cannabis Co. dispensary on South Carrollton Avenue in New Orleans, with a red sign on the building behind a chain-link fence and large oak trees framing the sidewalk.

Smoke and mirrors in cannabis zoning

In New Orleans, marijuana dispensaries — like the one opening soon in our community — can be granted a permit without any neighborhood notice. And in Louisiana, unlike other neighboring states, dispensaries can open up next to a library, elementary school, church, or daycare.
by Betty DiMarco and Lane Trippe September 30, 2025 Updated October 28, 2025

EPA releases list of hazardous inventory at Smitty’s Supply

Plant held millions of gallons of motor oils, fluids and other petrochemicals.
by Wesley Muller, Louisiana Illuminator September 29, 2025 Updated October 28, 2025

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