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.
Category: Government & Politics
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Blighted Make It Right home to be demolished after standing vacant, half-repaired for two years
The property was the subject of a code-enforcement hearing Tuesday.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Investigations, Land Use
Why it took more than a decade to finally demolish derelict Claiborne Avenue apartment building
With friends in high places, the Rev. Charles Southall evaded seizure and auction of the property, which he claimed he would rehabilitate through tax breaks and government grants for affordable housing.
Posted inEnvironment, Government & Politics
Opponents of new power plant in New Orleans file suit, ask city council to reconsider its decision
The city’s utility consultants essentially acted as judge and jury, they say.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
In memory of Ron Ridenhour: Finding the courage to tell terrible truths
The need is only more urgent in a season of political lies.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Affordable housing group says fears about Airbnb’s effect on New Orleans housing have come true
Many Airbnb listings are controlled by relatively few people, and most listings are for whole homes, according to a report from a group that wants to limit short-term rentals.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
As the New Orleans City Council calls for a study of short-term rentals, here’s what we know so far
The city council has called for a study on the effects of the short-term rental law, which has been in effect for a year. The Lens has mapped each license application and talked to residents in affected areas.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Enough! A generation failed by adults is taking to the streets this Saturday
Students march Saturday for gun control
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City council to drop controversial proposal for surveillance cameras at businesses that sell booze
Opponents said the cameras would’ve infringed on people’s privacy.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
After Parkland, no Louisiana legislators have tried to revise law that allows 17-year-olds to possess handguns
Louisiana is one of seven states that allow 17-year-olds to possess handguns. There’s no minimum age to possess shotguns or rifles.