Despite statements from three city officials that Walmart would build in Gentilly with no government assistance, the retailer is like to benefit from as $2.7 million in federal grants.
Category: Government & Politics
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Juvenile jail — a.k.a. 'Youth Study Center' — draws fire in studies by advocacy groups
Records obtained by The Lens continue to raise questions about safety and conditions at the Youth Study Center in Gentilly. Image courtesy Kevin Henry, Fox8 News. By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | Recent disciplinary actions at the city’s juvenile prison, along with a pair of damning new reports, raise fresh questions about the […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Sheriff blocking reform, says councilwoman, causing group to delay decision on jail size
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman is delaying a criminal-justice reform measure that would let New Orleans make a final decision on the total number of beds in his jail, the councilwoman most involved in pushing for that measure said this afternoon. Click here to watch Lens reporter […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Landrieu saying little about two no-bid contracts given to Gusman worth $1 million
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | For the second time in a year, Mayor Mitch Landrieu has used an intergovernmental agreement to funnel city money to Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman without seeking bids on the work or showing why Gusman’s services provide the best value to taxpayers. The two contracts likely will […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Dardenne, Nungesser race for lt. governor gets down and dirty
Jay Dardenne: incumbent. Photo by Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. Billy Nungesser: challenger. Photo by Gage Skidmore. Three weeks ago I thought I’d be the only one to plumb the lurid depths of the lieutenant governor’s race between Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser and incumbent Jay Dardenne. But, happily, pundits of all stripes have jumped […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Absent officers stall hearing on 7th Ward bar
By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writer | In a move to address repeated neighborhood complaints about two neighborhood bars, city officials held a second administrative hearing Tuesday, a month after negotiating an agreement with the first place, The Duck Off Bar. That decision allowed the owners to continue operating a business, but as a […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Despite community input, Landrieu increases NOPD spending, cuts most other areas
By Ariella Cohen, The Lens staff writer | This summer, Mayor Mitch Landrieu invited residents to come out and tell him how they wanted their tax dollars spent in 2012. Community meetings held in every section of the city attracted hundreds of residents who spoke passionately about needs in their community – needs for jobs, […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
More than 50 demolitions considered today
By Karen Gadbois, The Lens staff writer | The city committee charged with reviewing requests for demolition will meet today to consider knocking down a former Popeyes outlet near Riverbend area, the closed Gem theater on Thalia Street and 50 other properties. This long-neglected former Popeyes on South Carrollton Avenue may soon be torn down. […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Occupy New Orleans protesters settle in
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | A week after 400 people marched through New Orleans in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street protesters in New York City, about 50 people continue to occupy Duncan Plaza, opposite City Hall. The group, which has no leaders and strives for consensus in its decisions, voiced a variety […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
For your consideration: Lens makes available spreadsheet of state employee salaries
By Jessica Williams, The Lens staff writer | Which state official gets paid the most out of the state budget? Once again, it’s Louisiana State University chancellor John Lombardi, according to Civil Service records. Overall, the highest paid state employee is Louisiana State University head football coach Les Miles, who makes a $3.75 million a […]