A simple fix to the draft CZO could save New Orleans parks from creeping commercialism the public doesn’t want.
Posted inEnvironment
New map, warning system gives detailed flood risk, but not for inside levees
A state emergency official said the system will be “basically meaningless” to him during a major storm because the most reliable maps can not be issued until after he must order evacuations. And a UNO researcher who is expert on the risks facing communities on Louisiana’s sinking coast worries some of the maps could give residents a false sense of security.
Posted inLand Use, Opinion
Sitting ducks: FEMA elevation standards leave us vulnerable to the next big flood
Should we elevate houses against worst-case floods or the statistically average hurricane inundation? It makes a big difference.
Posted inInside the News Room
“Losing Ground” coastal-loss project by Lens, ProPublica wins national award
Multimedia effort lets readers take an in-depth look at rapidly disappearing coastline.
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Change to Open Meetings Law catches at least two charter boards off guard
Law passed last year says public bodies can’t count weekends in providing 24-hour notice to public.
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Two city charter schools engaging with teachers unions for bargaining
The move by the Morris Jeff board to establish a contract with the union is the second action by a city charter school in the past month, following Benjamin Franklin High School, that indicates teachers — and school operators — may be willing to give unions a role in education.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Sheriff’s Office doesn’t pay deputies for all time worked, federal labor suit alleges
Former deputy says he wasn’t paid for required time before and after shift.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Despite passing controversial measure, city hasn’t shut off water to scofflaws
No one in New Orleans has had water service turned off for failure to pay trash bill.
Posted inCharter Schools, Schools
Morris Jeff charter school again approves teachers union for collective bargaining
The faculty will now be associated with the United Teachers of New Orleans.
Posted inLand Use, Opinion
Shabby chic gives way to merely chic: How come? It’s the economy, stupid
In reality, much of the trumpeted social healing of our ancient problems amounts to little more than optics, the columnist argues.