By Devin Lowell, The Lens contributing opinion writer | President Obama’s 2009 stimulus package breathed new life into a Louisiana energy-efficiency program. But now low enrollment threatens the funding for that program, and state Department of Natural Resources wants to shift the money into programs they view as a better investment. If that happens, the […]
Posted inOpinion
When demolition becomes an act of cultural vandalism
By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff opinion writer | There’s a familiar ring to it: yet another house being knocked down as preservationists scramble in vain to defend it. But don’t be deceived. This time it’s not about the house. No one pretends that the blighted Central City double at 2040 Felicity Street was an […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Could ‘Trumped’-up birther campaign be a secret deal with Dems?
A billboard on I-10 near Roanoke, Louisiana, asks drivers, ”Where’s the Birth Certificate?” The reference here is to President Obama, part of a long campaign to spread doubts about his citizenship. Many on the political right buy into the idea that Obama wasn’t born in Hawaii. They insinuate that he’s something strange, something scary, a […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Another Orleans Parish deputy arrested in a domestic-dispute case; sheriff remains mum
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | A jailhouse sergeant at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office was booked in Jefferson Parish with domestic abuse battery and aggravated assault 10 days ago, records show, and a co-worker at the Orleans Parish Prison said the sergeant hasn’t been to work since. Sgt. William Holmes was arrested […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Anti-creationism crusade gains support; Capitol rally slated
I’ve neglected to update an issue raised in a previous post, so let’s seize the opportunity. Skeptics might say this alleged “update” is a poorly-disguised excuse for self-promotion, to which I’d firmly reply, “Hey, I think I hear an ice cream truck coming!” Anyway, let’s get going, because there’s no time to waste like the […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Prior owner of 1 demolished "Treme" house says city seized double he was trying to fix
By Ariella Cohen, The Lens staff writer | Standing in front of a row of abandoned, soon-to-be-razed double shotguns, , gesturing sympathetically to the neighborhood leaders gathered with him, Mayor Mitch Landrieu on Thursday implored New Orleans property owners to end the pattern of neglect that has left tens of thousands blighted buildings across the […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Sheriff's deputy arrested while on duty at jail after ex-girlfriend complains of beating
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | An Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested while working at the jail last month after allegedly punching his ex-girlfriend in the face for refusing to discuss rumors that he had been having sex with male inmates at the jail, police records show. Thomas, 24, was allowed […]
Posted inOpinion
Corporate logo along Simon Bolivar worth peanuts to New Orleans
The small plot of land, on the corner of Simon Bolivar Avenue at its junction with Euterpe and Felicity streets, has been transformed into “Planter’s Grove.” It’s “part art, part urban revitalization,” according to a Planter’s website. Also part billboard, to be blunt about it, and as such just the latest defeat in a decades-long struggle […]
Posted inLand Use
If city had asked, "Treme" producers would have chipped in on restoration of doubles
By Ariella Cohen, The Lens staff writer | Neither the Landrieu administration nor preservationists followed up to save houses featured in ads for the HBO television show “Treme,” series executive producer David Simon wrote in a letter released this afternoon. The five houses that grace the cover of the recently released first-season DVD set were […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
In a world gone mad, don’t get mad, go crazy!
This weekend I’m taking my family to Texas for Earth Day, which is sort of like flying to Iran to celebrate Easter. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to the trip because I’ve decided to simply embrace the absurdity of the times rather than continue to be mystified and puzzled by it. Instead of making wisecracks like […]