A failing wastewater reservoir threatens St. James Parish. The Orleans school district faces a budget shortfall at Harney elementary, and it can’t access federal funds earmarked for the school. And a BGR report backs Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s position on hotel taxes in New Orleans.
Author Archives: Tom Wright
Posted inEnvironment
Feds, state consult with Mosaic on potential reservoir breach as residents worry
EPA, LDEQ and even the Justice Department are monitoring efforts by Mosaic Fertilizer to prevent a potential release of acidic wastewater into nearby wetlands. There’s little chance of a release into the Mississippi River. But local residents draw little relief from the company’s assurances.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 16: ‘We will not go backwards’
The podcast wraps a busy end of the week in New Orleans, with breaking news on two fronts: Louisiana’s new abortion restrictions and the NOPD consent decree.
Posted inEnvironment, Government & Politics
Tough choices ahead for Louisiana’s struggling water systems
An infrastructure review graded the state’s drinking water systems at D-minus. Billions of dollars will be needed to repair and upgrade these public systems, and it’s not clear where all that money will come from. But drilling private wells simply isn’t an option for most residents.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 15: ‘Some tough decisions coming’
Tom Wright talks to State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry about Louisiana’s aging water systems. Michael Isaac Stein on what’s next in the Entergy saga. And Marta Jewson recounts a busy Orleans Parish School Board meeting.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 14: ‘Unduly burdensome’
Scott Sternberg has a wrap-up of The Lens’ fake subpoena lawsuit. Charles Maldonado talks short-term rental regulations. And reporter Julie Dermansky talks about Louisiana politics and climate change.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 13: ‘Tell me what makes you burn inside to tear tourism down’
Editor Charles Maldonado talks about tourism taxes, jobs and data with Stephen Perry. And education reporter Marta Jewson discusses one of her latest stories, a collaboration with HuffPost on the Center for Resilience.
Posted inBehind The Lens
A year in review from Behind The Lens: ‘Very few colossal failures’
Happy New Year from Behind The Lens.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 11: ‘The Palmer Ban’
Michael Isaac Stein on Kristin Palmer’s new short-term rental proposals and the Entergy Charitable Foundation. Marta Jewson has the latest on Harney charter school.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 9: A good corporate neighbor
Jonathan Henderson on the Taylor oil spill. Michael Isaac Stein on Entergy New Orleans. And Eve Abrams on the habitual offender statute.