New Orleans City Council set to vote on pushing the deadline to October. Investigators say they need more time to review additional records.
Author Archives: Michael Isaac Stein
Michael Isaac Stein covers New Orleans' cultural economy and local government for The Lens. Before joining the staff, he freelanced for The Lens as well as The Intercept, CityLab, The New Republic, and Pacific Standard. He was recently awarded a fellowship from the Heinrich Boll Foundation, which he used to report on water scarcity, division, and colonialism in Cyprus.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
As budget season approaches, Cantrell administration offers little on traffic camera plans
As a candidate for mayor, Cantrell promised to scrap traffic cameras. But camera tickets generate tens of millions in annual revenue for the city.
Posted inCriminal Justice
City Council considers $100,000 for new crime cameras in Gentilly
The budget committee advanced a proposal to fund eight new cameras through the Gentilly Development District. The cameras would be linked to the city’s surveillance hub.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
As city eyes restrictions, local group partners with HomeAway to tout benefits of short-term rentals
HomeAway and the Alliance for Neighborhood Prosperity are advocating policy changes that they call a compromise. But critics say they would lead to further expansion of short-term rentals.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Investigations
Documents show Entergy, PR firm knew more about astroturfing campaign than they let on
Documents released to the city council cast doubt on Entergy’s contention that it didn’t know supporters would be paid to show up at public meetings to promote the power plant. An Entergy employee was told of allegations three times, as early as October. Documents also contradict the PR firm’s contention that it didn’t know, either.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Investigations
Documents detail price, logistics behind the campaign to pay actors to support New Orleans power plant
A public-relations firm billed Entergy New Orleans about $55,000 to bring supporters of a new power plant to two public meetings. Some of those people were actors. Documents turned over to the city council raise questions about Entergy’s claim that it didn’t know supporters would be paid.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
After astroturfing campaign, speakers at council meetings must disclose any compensation
The council has asked Entergy to preserve evidence of its astroturfing campaign.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Investigations
Entergy acknowledges astroturfing campaign for power plant, but says it didn’t know about it
The company said it has ended its relationship with The Hawthorn Group. It hired Crowds on Demand, which hired the actors.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Actors were paid to support Entergy’s power plant at New Orleans City Council meetings
Dozens of people in orange shirts showed up at meetings to support Entergy’s new power plant. But for many of them, it was just an acting gig. They were paid to show up and speak on the company’s behalf. The Lens interviewed a few of them and reviewed messages outlining the astroturfing effort.
Posted inEnvironment
State announces 10 pilot projects that anticipate worsening storms and loss of coastal lands
Projects range from a boat harbor to mental health services to relocation of an initial seven families