With more than three dozen charter schools in New Orleans, each run by its own board, a news organzation would have to cover more than three dozen school board meetings to get a full understanding of how all schools are operating. We’ve not seen any media outlets willing or able to do that, so The […]
Posted inSchools
Franklin High principal to get evaluated by board annually
After four years as a charter school separate from the city’s beleaguered system, Benjamin Franklin High School’s leaders on Thursday fell into compliance with a state law that requires the principal to be evaluated.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Obama moratorium may be result of being twice bitten
Despite howls from South Louisiana, President Obama hasn’t budged on his deepwater oil drilling moratorium, which will cost thousands of jobs. Many people can’t understand why he is so steadfast on this particular policy response to the BP oil disaster, while being somewhat flexible on other issues, such as sand berms and skimmers. Many conservative pundits imply […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Landrieu’s group studying jail meets in private; no plans to take comments from public
A mayoral advisory group examining the controversial planned expansion of the Orleans Parish Prison apparently held its first meeting recently, but Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s administration said the group is meeting privately and is not open to public input. “The public process will take place at City Council when they hear the recommendations,” of the group, […]
Posted inEnvironment, Government & Politics
Gulf Coast states lag behind other states in getting contracts for oil disaster work
An overwhelming number of federal contracts related to the BP oil disaster have gone to companies outside of the area most affected by the environmental and economic catastrophe, according to data from government agencies. About $6.5 million in federal contracting money has gone to Louisiana since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the state’s […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Investigations
Officer connected to Serpas' daughter totaled NOPD cruiser while driving drunk
Criminal drunk driving charges were dropped for the New Orleans Police Department officer, but city officials did not respond for requests for an explanation.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Reduced! Fancy sink included
Businessman and unsuccessful mayoral candidate John Georges put his French Quarter property on the market recently for $1.5 million. That’s more than double the value the city assessor put on the property – and upon which Georges has been paying property taxes. Georges bought the property in 2006 for $800,000 and paid taxes on that […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
NOPD might need consultant for password management
With the city on track to blow out its budget by $67 million this year, it’s obvious that some departments have been a little loose with their spending. But going over budget by 2,464 percent? And only halfway through the year? Really? That’s the rate of overspending on the line-item for consultants by the New […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Landrieu tightens take-home car policy
Some of the 185 employees enjoying a taxpayer-subsidized car — plus city-paid gas and maintenance — are likely to lose those privileges under the mayor’s new policy.
Posted inEnvironment
Legislators seek transparency from BP but feel snubbed
Two state lawmakers who persuaded the Legislature to call for BP to provide full access to its oil-spill information now say they’re frustrated with the oil giant’s continued lack of compliance. The state House and Senate in June unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 208, sponsored by New Orleans Democratic Reps. Walter Leger III and Cedric […]