Warmly welcoming immigrants is something we should celebrate and encourage more of. It will make the state stronger as a result.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Nearly a year after council vote, blanket pardons for marijuana convictions still not showing up in criminal records
Without a pardon in their records, people could be forced to pay hundreds of dollars to have their convictions expunged.
Posted inEnvironment
High water and prolonged flooding are changing the ecosystem of the Upper Mississippi River, a new report finds
The report shows increasingly wetter conditions over the past few decades in the floodplain — a trend that, spurred by climate change and land-use practices, looks likely to continue.
Posted inHealth
Louisiana abortion provider wins temporary restraining order, rendering trigger laws unenforceable for now
The ruling comes just days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that established the fundamental right to abortion.
Posted inCriminal Justice
After Supreme Court decision, Orleans DA says prosecuting abortions under state trigger law not a priority for his office
Williams called the court decision overturning Roe ‘cruel and irresponsible.’ His position could lead to conflict with the state’s top prosecutor, AG Jeff Landry, who is staunchly anti-abortion and supports prosecution.
Posted inEnvironment
City Council approves $35 million for Gordon Plaza residents’ relocation
The remaining residents of the subdivision have been fighting for relocation funding for years.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice now sending some kids in state custody to Alabama, advocacy group says
The youths were transferred to Alabama without notice, according to the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 171: Here’s why this is actually a good thing
Newly released ‘smart cities’ emails. Louisiana kids are being shipped to out-of-state jails. And the city still doesn’t have school zone lights under control.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council committee opposes Cantrell request to loosen local surveillance restrictions
A majority of a council committee voted to defer the ordinance. But it appears it will still go before the full council as early as next week.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Hutson official says jail staff wasn’t present during fight that left one dead
The sheriff defended her decision to reassign courthouse staff despite criticism from judges, councilmembers.