By Alan Williams, The Lens contributing opinion writer | Finally, New Orleans has joined the ranks of cities that permit pedal-powered cabs to carry residents and visitors around town. Soon, New Orleanians and tourists alike will be able to cruise Magazine Street, roll to the Superdome for a Saints game, or get from a downtown […]
Posted inOpinion
New public comment rules inspire confusion as well as criticism
“Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.” — Alice in Wonderland By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writer | See related video at end of story. Broadcasts of City Council proceedings cut cleanly from the dais to the speakers microphone — omitting the confusion […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
A look at the city's books shows New Orleans poised to end 2011 in better shape than 2010
By Ariella Cohen, The Lens staff writer | Despite significant reform to the way the city collects fines, taxes and permitting fees, New Orleans collected slightly fewer dollars in the first six months of the year than it did in the same period of 2010. Even so, the city is on track to end the […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Suspended deputy loses part-time constable job after being accused of beating woman
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | An Orleans Parish Sheriff’s deputy arrested and suspended Monday after being booked with simple assault also has been fired from his second job as a deputy constable after being accused of a separate assault this month, records show. And even before being fired from his part-time position […]
Posted inOpinion
City blight blitz is overlooking key allies: owners trying to rebuild
By Tess Monaghan, The Lens contributing opinion writer | Nearly six years after Hurricane Katrina, tens of thousands of residential properties in New Orleans sit vacant. Some have been blighted for decades. But many remain in disrepair simply because their owners lack the funds to repair damage from Hurricane Katrina. City Hall has set a […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Council puts hope in criminal-justice reforms but raises questions about some budgets
Update, Jun 30: This story has been corrected in several places related to the budget for the Public Defender’s Office. See corrections in italics. By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | “For decades our city has justified its collective reluctance to change through the mantra of ‘we’re different here’,” Councilwoman Susan Guidry said, opening […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
When it comes to weird and slippery, Weiner’s got nothing on Vitter
James Gill of The Times-Picayune is probably the region’s most talented political columnist, yet he’s not immune from the occasional howler. Consider this excerpt from his Sunday column: A strong case could be made that [Sen. David] Vitter is neither so weird nor so slippery as [Rep. Anthony] Weiner, who, when questioned about pictures of […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Deputy arrested, booked with assault
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer| Correction, June 30: The deputy’s name is Mark Andry. A previous version of this story had the last name “Landry.” Another sheriff’s deputy has been suspended after being arrested and booked with assault, the sheriff’s office confirmed Tuesday. This is the fourth disciplinary incident at Orleans Parish Sheriff […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Environment, Government & Politics
Mixed Council response to Fielkow's request for transparency and an earlier budget start
By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writer | City Council members appear to be falling in line in a move toward more transparent and timely budgeting – but not all of them. Last week’s joint meeting of the Criminal Justice and Budget committees was a first of its kind. For as long as anyone can […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Deputy charged with domestic abuse, battery on girlfriend pleads guilty to lesser charge
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | An Orleans Parish sheriff’s deputy, initially suspended after being booked with domestic abuse and battery on his girlfriend, has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disturbing the peace after the alleged victim refused to cooperate, the District Attorney’s office said this week. Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin […]