U.S. justices have sons working for BP; voters to decide city tax measure

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Environment

Louisiana House votes to kill levee board lawsuit | The Advocate – Environmentalists say retroactivity clause is weak link in bill to kill wetlands lawsuit. However, the Senate approved the bill this morning, and it now awaits the governor’s signature.

Supreme Court justices have close ties to BP’s lawyers | WWL-TV – Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito each have a son who works at the law firm handling BP’s appeal of oil claims settlement, which is now headed to the Supreme Court.

LaPolitics: Energy execs insist settlements unlikely | Greater Baton Rouge Business Report – The head of an energy firm says it’s “wishful thinking” to think oil companies sued for wetlands damage by Jefferson and Plaquemines Parish will come to the bargaining table.

Government & Politics

Legislature approves property tax hike for New Orleans police & fire; now heads to voters | The Lens – On Nov. 4, Louisiana voters will decide whether New Orleans can hold election to significantly raise property taxes.

How did Louisiana manage NOT to spend $70 million raised for infrastructure work? | The Lens – Louisiana risks federal penalties for having issued tax-free bonds and then failing to put the money to use.

Gov. Jindal delivers a blistering, warmly received New Orleans speech: James Varney | NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune – Jindal delivered red meat to Republicans. He affirmed his newfound opposition to Common Core and said he will again try to abolish the state income tax.

Schools

6 N.O. schools among Top 10 STEM schools | The New Orleans Advocate – Ben Franklin, Lusher and Sci High are among the top high schools in the state in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Common Core survives Louisiana Legislature, fate rests with Bobby Jindal | NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune – So far, the Legislature has resisted attempts to derail the implementation of Common Core guidelines. Gov. Bobby Jindal said he may  try to get Louisiana out of the standardized assessment test tied to Common Core.

Land Use

Plan to sell Lower 9th Ward lots for $100 nears final passage | FOX 8 WVUE  –  The legislation aims to introduce “600 lots back into commerce for just $100 each,” and has far sailed through the Legislature.

Criminal Justice

NOPD making slow progress under federal consent decree, monitors say | NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune – A new monitoring report says the police department has implemented some reforms, such as setting up a new office to manage off-duty details. But the department is having trouble in other areas, such as creating effective training programs for new and existing officers.