Update: Two-and-a-half hours after this story was published, and shortly after our reporting partners at FOX 8 requested the report, Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s spokesman, Ryan Berni, provided a copy of the 100-plus-page report to The Lens. By Tom Gogola, The Lens staff writer | When is a public record not a public record? Apparently when […]
Category: Government & Politics
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Cabbies jam council chambers to protest moves designed to burnish fleet
By Tom Gogola, The Lens staff writer | A standing-room-only crowd of cab drivers descended on City Hall this morning to protest a wide-ranging set of taxicab ordinances under consideration by the council’s Transportation Committee. The New Orleans taxicab industry has long been the target of criticism on a range of issues, from its aging […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council to debate taxi reforms that could end up putting more cabs on the street
By Tom Gogola, The Lens staff writer | City officials Tuesday could take the first moves to expand the city’s number of taxicabs by as many as 120 Tuesday as they discuss a series of ordinances meant to improve the frequently criticized fleet. The expansion would come as handicapped-accessible vehicles are required as part of […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Investigations
Education nonprofit Operation Reach 'struggling for survival' and under investigation by federal agency
A nonprofit organization that earned acclaim tutoring students has drastically cut its programs because, former employees say, it lacked financial acumen and suffered from its leader’s extravagant spending.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Investigations
Education nonprofit ‘struggling for survival’ and under investigation
A nonprofit organization that earned acclaim tutoring students has drastically cut its programs because, former employees say, it lacked financial acumen and suffered from its leader’s extravagant spending.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Does the Canal Street brothel offer peephole on River Birch strategy?
Justitia – maybe not so blind. (credit: Tony Caffrey) Federal prosecutor Sal Perricone submitted his resignation to U.S. Attorney Jim Letten on Tuesday. It’s a shame because Perricone is one of the smartest guys in the region. Or at least that’s how he portrayed himself in the comment boards on nola.com. There, Perricone posed as […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Months-long blight fight pushes Mid-City man into ranks of New Orleans' homeless
Lane Hughes stood his ground last June as city deferred decision on whether to demolish his rundown home. (photo: Karen Gadbois) By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writer | With its tangled title, backed-up taxes, and an ambience that hovers somewhere between junkyard and barnyard, it’s no showplace. But for Lane Hughes, the waterless wreck […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
New evidence suggests man convicted of murder wasn't at crime scene, attorneys say
Despite his confession, attorneys say recently discovered police records show a man with an IQ of 59 should have been cleared in 1980 murder case.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council works to rein in cameras at meetings
By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writer | Quietly and with no discussion, the City Council broadened the definition Thursday of what constitutes disturbing the peace during its meetings, asserting control over where people can stand to record public meetings. Anyone who plans to record or broadcast meetings, either with audio or video, is now […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Primary politics: Does Jindal secretly want Obama to win?
Seamus, the now world-famous family pet Mitt Romney strapped to the roof of his car for a 12-hour drive to Canada. (credit: www.dogsagainstromney.com) mons 1. Basketball analyst Digger Phelps appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box show to talk about the men’s NCAA basketball tournament known as March Madness. At the end of the segment (video here) […]