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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Happy New Year from Behind The Lens.
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.
Jonathan Henderson on the Taylor oil spill. Michael Isaac Stein on Entergy New Orleans. And Eve Abrams on the habitual offender statute.
