Near record-low water levels on the Mississippi River have New Orleans officials rushing to deal with a salwater wedge making its way up from the Gulf of Mexico. On Monday, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards requested a federal emergency declaration for Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Jefferson, and Orleans Parishes in an attempt to procure federal help before the saltwater reaches treatment plants serving tens of thousands of residents.
Tag: Jenn Bentley
Lawsuit Challenges Forced Agricultural Labor at Angola
September 20, 2023On Saturday, the Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI) and Rights Behind Bars, two nonprofit advocacy groups, filed a lawsuit against the Louisiana Department of Corrections and Prison Enterprises challenging the practice of forced agricultural labor at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, or Angola.
City Council Moves to Ban Short Term Rentals in New Orleans
September 7, 2023On Thursday, New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell and Council Vice President Helena Moreno introduced legislation to ban all non-commercial short-term rentals (STRs) in New Orleans residential areas.
Louisiana AG Jeff Landry Disputes Audit of Legal Support Fund
September 6, 2023The Louisiana Department of Justice is disputing an audit by Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack that found the DOJ didn’t ensure proceeds to the Legal Support Fund were classified in a timely manner within the state’s accounting records.
Entergy Continues to Fight Against Customer Refunds in Spite of FERC Ruling
August 30, 2023Entergy continues to fight against sending out millions in customer refunds, in spite of a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruling confirming that company owes $550 million to customers in Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Orleans.
UPDATE: Mandatory Evacuation Lifted in Chemical Release and Fire Reported at Garyville Petroleum Refinery
August 25, 2023Emergency responders are on the scene of a large fire and chemical release at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in St. John the Baptist Parish. According to parish officials, there was a release of naptha, a flammable liquid hydrocarbon found in crude oil. The fire started in a storage tank at the refinery, and so far is contained to refinery grounds.
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy Says Trump Should Give Up Presidential Run
August 22, 2023Just days before the first Republican presidential debate, GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy says the current frontrunner, former President Donald J. Trump should drop out of the race.
Louisiana’s Insurance Crisis Continues
August 17, 2023According to a recent report, 63% of Louisiana homeowner’s insurance policyholders saw an increase in their policy premium over the past year. For those with flood insurance, 54% saw an increase in their cost of coverage. Now, auto insurance rates are also going up.
Activists Criticize Louisiana’s Inconsistent Action on Climate Change
August 15, 2023Last week, Louisiana politicians gathered for the groundbreaking of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project, a $3 billion effort expected to restore 21 square miles of Louisiana coastline. While the project is being hailed by many as a huge step forward in combating climate change and land loss, others have noted that it seems hypocritical in the face of other actions taken by the state.
Orleans Parish Families With Newborns to Receive Free Nurse Home Visits
August 3, 2023On Tuesday, the New Orleans Health Department announced a new program that will provide new mothers and their infants with additional support after birth. The Families Connect New Orleans program will offer free home visits from registered nurses to parents in New Orleans in order to ensure they have access to the resources they need.
Go to Page