After astroturfing campaign, speakers at council meetings must disclose any compensation
The council has asked Entergy to preserve evidence of its astroturfing campaign.
Category: Government & Politics
School board puts off decision to cancel tax exemptions that cost $3.7 million a year
The city uses the tax exemption to lure companies, so the boards wants to hear from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
Entergy acknowledges astroturfing campaign for power plant, but says it didn’t know about it
The company said it has ended its relationship with The Hawthorn Group. It hired Crowds on Demand, which hired the actors.
New Orleans may have improperly diverted millions in property taxes to pension funds
Those taxes can be used only for what voters approved.
Actors were paid to support Entergy’s power plant at New Orleans City Council meetings
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.
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.
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.
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.
In memory of Ron Ridenhour: Finding the courage to tell terrible truths
The need is only more urgent in a season of political lies.
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.
