Do we need another gun law?

November 5, 2012

Mogadishu. I'm pretty confident it's easier to obtain a gun there than in new Orleans. But just barely.

Do you think the tolls collected for the Crescent City Connection are being spent efficiently and effectively or not?

November 2, 2012

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I guess that's what the local politicians in this state are counting on come Tuesday. 

It's not fair to compare east-coast leaders to Ray Nagin

October 31, 2012

Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford received one of the worst insults one could receive. He was being compared to ex-New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin. Langford and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had some disagreements this week dealing with east coast Hurricane Sandy. 

Concert-goers pay for music, not politics

October 29, 2012

What's the best way to alienate your audience when you're performing? Promote a political agenda like Madonna did Saturday night at the New Orleans Arena. 

Southern University should have known better than to invite Louis Farrakhan to campus

October 26, 2012

I have to admit I was a little shocked when I found out Southern University in Baton Rouge had nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan come speak at the school earlier this month. The Nation of Islam student association sponsored the event, but not without the blessing of Southern University and a little Louisiana tax payer money. 

Maybe Bob Marshall's Lost Land Tours can help us rebuild Louisiana's coast

October 24, 2012

Bob Marshall has been an outdoors writer for the Times-Picayune for decades. He knows Louisiana's coast and waterways better than just about anyone.  It was great news to hear Marshall and his wife, Marie, started a company called "Lost Land Tours". 

Undecided voters need to pay attention to tonight's final presidential debate

October 22, 2012

Most of you have already decided who you are voting for for President of the United States.  The two candidates are very different when it comes to ideology. 

We know New Orleans needs better mental health facilities, so why don't we have them?

October 19, 2012

Our city's shortcomings are much more glaring after the tragedy we saw earlier this week in the Gert Town section of New Orleans. 

The Feds are circling the wagons and the person caught in the middle is ex-mayor Ray Nagin

October 17, 2012

The Feds are very focused when it comes to stoping political criminals in post-Katrina New Orleans. The latest sign is the subpoenas issued to ex-mayor Ray Nagin's sons. 

Jindal's national political aspirations get in the way of governing Louisiana

October 15, 2012

Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal loves to travel. So much so, in fact, that this governor may spend as much time outta state as he does in state.  

I bought a gun

October 8, 2012

For the first time in my life I bought a gun.  A pistol designed to protect one human being from another.  A weapon to deter crime.  Specifically, crime against me or my wife. 

"Smarts" isn't Bobby Jindal's problem, but slashing education and health services in our state is

October 8, 2012

I thought Bobby Jindal was supposed to be an education governor. I thought Bobby Jindal was a pro health care governor. Hard to think he is when his favorite places to cut the state budget is by putting health care and education on the chopping block year in and year out. 

It's time to start planning for the 300th anniversary of New Orleans

October 8, 2012

Many remember the 1984 World's Fair on the river in downtown New Orleans.  The fair itself was under marketed and the little bit of advertising the fair did have was just a few short months from the opening date.  If just a little bit of time and forethought had been used, the fair could have been a success.   Is history repeating itself again? 

Heterosexuals should focus on changing themselves for the better, not the homosexual

October 5, 2012

There is an interesting battle waging in California. Come January 1st, any licensed mental health professional will be banned from practicing any therapies aimed at making gay and lesbian teenagers straight. 

Tracking down the paper trail left by River Birch's money

October 1, 2012

The local paper, along with one of the city's best investigative reporters, Gordan Russell, has revealed that River Birch landfill and it's owners Fred Heebe and Jim Ward, gave well over $1 million in contributions to key political campaigns.

Expect Ray Nagin to be Jim Letten's next target

September 28, 2012

With all the problems with the NOPD it's nice to know New Orleans, and the entire region, has a real crime fighter on our side.   His name is Jim Letten and he's relentless.  

Aaron Broussard: the dragon has been slayed

September 26, 2012

Aaron Broussard was bragging a little bit the other day on the federal courthouse steps. 

How do we expect our city to grow when selfish residents care about only themselves and not the city as a whole?

September 24, 2012

New Orleans is a hard place to do business and always has been.  The needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few too often falls on deaf ears.  Moving the city forward is almost an impossible task. 

Fall is great weather for tourism in New Orleans

September 21, 2012

Finally a break in this summer weather. How nice are these slightly lower temperatures and this lower humidity?  It's real nice for us and it's even better for our city. 

Stolthaven toxin release sends a bad message about the Louisiana DEQ

September 19, 2012

I'll never forget 1987 and the first and only term of former Governor Buddy Roemer. Roemer was trying to turn Louisiana around.  He was a reform-minded governor before reform was cool. 

In case you've missed it, the 2012 Saints are 0-2

September 17, 2012

I guess we've all heard the statistic by now: NFL teams that start the season 0-2 have only a 12% chance of making the playoffs. 

Protecting our coastline from future hurricanes is as easy as 1, 2, 3

September 14, 2012

The flooding of Plaquimines Parish, parts of Laplace and Slidell from Hurricane Isaac is a reminder of how far we still need to go when it comes to protecting New Orleans and South Louisiana. 

Education and opportunity is the key to improving New Orleans' violent crime problem

September 12, 2012

For about the last 40 years, New Orleans has been, and still is, one of America's most violent cities.  We've obviously accepted that as a community. 

Saints fans, please keep you shirts or jerseys on. It's just one game.

September 10, 2012

Yes, the Saints lost the season opener, but not the season. There are 15 more regular season games left.  Lots of football to be played. 

Why are we still dealing with power outages and flooded interstates?

September 5, 2012

The power outages from Hurricane Isaac were, and still are to some, a major inconvenience to say the least. 

Why do we accept power outages after a hurricane?

September 5, 2012

When hurricane Isaac hit the metro New Orleans area last week we all braced for the worst.  And for some, the worst came.  

Evacuating for Isaac? Don't repeat the same mistakes!

August 27, 2012

I'll never forget riding in a boat in about 6 feet of water through a Gentilly neighborhood.

Why is a public courthouse hosting a private wedding & reception for Judge Lynda van Davis?

August 24, 2012

In about an hour a special wedding is taking place.  Special, because it's taking place at the courthouse on Tulane and Broad.   Special, because that facility is not available to the public.   Special, because Judge Lynda van Davis has decided to use a public building to have her wedding. 

Republicans are doing the right thing by staying away from celebrities during the election

August 22, 2012

November's race for President is heating up.   Barack Obama is the incumbent and is the favorite to win but that doesn't mean that Republicans aren't trying. 

Taking New Orleans' noise ordinance too far

August 20, 2012

There's been a lot of talk about New Orleans' noise ordinance for restaurants and bars in the city. It's pretty simple: New Orleans is a nearly 300-year-old city. We've got neighborhoods and restaurants and bars sharing the same space, a delicate balance.  But sometimes the neighborhood or bar goes too far. 

Saints Alive!

August 17, 2012

How good will this years Saints team be? I'd have to say pretty good. And I'd also have to say this team will go as far as its defense will take it. Yea, the defense!

Should Tyrann Mathieu focus on school or football?

August 15, 2012

It's been a crazy few days in Baton Rouge.  Back on Friday, the pre-season #1 ranked team, LSU, released All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu from the football team. 

Longer School Zone Hours in Orleans Parish

August 6, 2012

Well, today is the official day that Orleans Parish extends school zones from a little over an hour to a full 2 hours.  The 20 mph speed limit in schools zones is obviously a good thing.  No one's arguing over that.  But to extend the period by almost double is a typical quick fix by the New Orleans city council and doesn't really address the problem properly. 

CB&I acquires The Shaw Group of Baton Rouge

August 1, 2012

One of Louisiana's few Fortune 500 companies is going away.  The Shaw group out of Baton Rouge was aquired by the Dutch company CB&I.  CB&I, formerly known as Chicago Bridge & Iron, has it's U S operations based out of Houston, meaning dozens, if not hundreds of high paying, 6 figure salaried employees will be gone.  At least from Baton Rouge. 

Are two hospitals in the same area necessary?

July 30, 2012

Mayor Mitch Landrieu has recently said again that a hospital will be built in New Orleans East, and I guess that's a good thing.  "Guess" being the operative word. 

Real help is finally coming to the NOPD

July 25, 2012

Real help is finally coming to the NOPD.  The federal government, more specifically the justice department, is coming in and cleaning house at the police department. 

World's largest single hospital construction site currently in Downtown New Orleans

July 23, 2012

Katrina wasn't all bad for New Orleans. The old Delta Towers building on Canal and Claiborne is no longer   the 50's era building that was an eyesore on the New Orleans landscape for decades, and was imploded yesterday morning. Nothings left now but a pile of twisted metal and debris. 

Jon Johnson: Another one bites the dust

July 20, 2012

When the rock band "Queen" wrote the song "Another one bites the dust," I doubt they were thinking about Jon Johnson.  That's Jon Johnson, ex-new Orleans councilman and now, convicted felon. 

Why the fear of gays within the Boy Scouts?

July 18, 2012

Don't ask, don't tell.  I thought that ill-conceived policy was history.   Well, apparently not with the Boy Scouts. If you want to be a Scout or be a Scout leader and you're gay, you better be quiet about it if you want to remain with the Scouts. 

Why is a little rain still a problem in New Orleans?

July 16, 2012

Yesterday afternoon a band of thundershowers rolled into Greater New Orleans.  Nothing out of the ordinary. As a matter of fact, about a half inch of rain fell in about an hour or so. 

Individualizing, not extending, school zone hours is the answer

July 13, 2012

The New Orleans City Council often seems to have the appearance of a group that has absolutely no idea what it is doing. Yesterday, the council proved me right once again. 

New Orleans Schools are the Best in the Country?

July 11, 2012

It was great news when President Obama's education secretary praised the New Orleans public school system.  That, of course, is the new, post-Katrina new Orleans public school system. 

It's hard to believe it's been 30 years since Pan Am flight 759 crashed in Kenner

July 9, 2012

One of the worst aviation disasters in U.S. history and it happened right here in our city. 

NOAH's final profiteer is about to fall

July 6, 2012

New Orleans affordable ownership or NOAH for short. It sounded like a good idea in 2008, but it ended up being another bad one for the Ray Nagin administration. 

No more panhandling in New Orleans

July 4, 2012

It's time for authorities in New Orleans to enforce a law that's already on the books.  Panhandling in the city needs to stop and it needs to stop right now. 

It's painfully obvious New Orleans has no plan for the future of Louis Armstrong International Airport

July 2, 2012

In the last two years alone, there have been no less than 3 plans floated for the airport in Kenner. 

New Orleans may be growing the fastest, but Texas is the real winner

June 29, 2012

The census bureau this week declared New Orleans the fastest growing city in America.  The Crescent City outpaced some other fast growing metro areas from right next door in Texas.   

Feds are finally setting up to nab former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin

June 27, 2012

If there was any doubt the Feds are zeroing in on ex-mayor Ray Nagin, and an inevitable indictment, that doubt is all but gone now. 

Diana Bajoie and her baggage was the wrong choice for New Orleans City Council

June 25, 2012

When Mayor Mitch Landreiu appointed Diana Bajoie as interim city council member, he mentioned how important political experience was. He didn't want a business person, he wanted a politician.  

Judge Ethel Julien's ruling in favor of former educators erases everything good that's happened in Orleans Parish Schools since Katrina

June 22, 2012

Earlier this week, Civil District Judge Ethel Simms Julien issued a ruling over a year after she heard a month long trial.

The Fed's strong case against ex-mayor Ray Nagin just got a lot stronger

June 20, 2012

Reportedly Frank Fradella, a city contractor while Nagin was mayor, has decided to plead guilty.  Fradella joins former deputy mayor Greg Meffert who also has plead guilty. 

Those who oppose Tulane's proposed stadium are just opposed to change in general

June 18, 2012

As we speak, a few hundred folks are at the Audubon Park Tea Room on Magazine Street discussing the proposed Tulane on-campus stadium. 

Sal Perricone's online rants continue to cause problems

June 15, 2012

Former assistant U.S. Attorney Sal Perricone continues to cause problems for Jim Letten's office, even though Perricone has been relieved of his duties. 

The Times-Picayune's changes are just capitalism at work

June 13, 2012

A few weeks back, the local newspaper, the Times-Picayune, announced that come fall the paper will only be produced 3 days a week.  Come fall, New Orleans will no longer have a daily physical paper.  And in typical New Orleans fashion, we are trying to save something that's not ours to save. 

When it comes to college athletics, it's hard to find a better overall program than LSU

June 11, 2012

When one wants to find one of the finest athletic programs in the country, they need to look no further than about 75 miles up I-10 at the Dalrymple exit.  There, you'll find the Tigers of mighty Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College ... or LSU for short. 

We are truly blessed to have the Louisiana SPCA, and they need our help

June 8, 2012

Ever wonder who takes care of the stray animals that are running around greater New Orleans?  Ever wonder who is in charge of animal control in Orleans Parish? 

Be scared of anything from Louisiana politician Jeff Landry

June 6, 2012

Sometimes the message could be correct but the messenger is wrong. Or in this case, maybe the message is wrong too.  Cooky Louisiana representative Jeff Landry is proposing some new legislation.  Problem with Landry and his bills is they usually tend to be more about helping him get reelected instead of helping the citizens of Louisiana.

Better not die in Louisiana, unless you want to pay a premium for your coffin

June 4, 2012

I was shocked to learn that when someone dies and wants to be buried in a coffin in Louisiana there is only one group of people you can buy that coffin from: members of the Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.  

Who will fill the vacant City Council seat from District B?

June 1, 2012

Or maybe the better question is: who will make the recommendation to fill the vacant District B seat? 

Here is how we can change New Orleans' murder problem

May 30, 2012

Another day in New Orleans, another shooting. Well, that might be a little bit of a stretch but not by much. 

Remember the reason for Memorial Day

May 28, 2012

For most of us, Memorial Day is the official start of summer. The kids are out of school and the summer heat is here.

Just like New Orleans' other festivals, Greek Fest shows the world how it's done

May 25, 2012

Just when you think the party's over in new Orleans, you realize there's a lot more fun to go. 

Archie continues the Jefferson embarrassment saga

May 23, 2012

Apparently the Jefferson family loves the spotlight. The crazy fun just never seems to stop. I wish I was talking about George and Weezy but I'm not. No, I'm talking about our own Bill Jefferson and his wacky extended family. 

Why have we turned our backs on Pontchartrain Beach?

May 21, 2012

It's almost summer time again in New Orleans and for another season Pontchartrain Beach is closed. I'm not talking about the old amusement park, although I do miss it. I'm talking about the real, natural sand beach at Elysian Fields and Lake Pontchartrain: Pontchartrain Beach.  

The New Orleans City Council is moving backwards once again

May 18, 2012

In case you haven't noticed, the New Orleans City Council hasn't been working much lately. The Council is down to just 6 members, and 2 of the 6 haven't been showing up for work. 

$30 million in French Quarter improvements is long overdue

May 16, 2012

It was great news to hear that the New Orleans Convention Center has pledged $30 million for street, sidewalk, and infrastructure repairs in and around the French Quarter. 

Jefferson Parish is for sale (according to one watchdog group)

May 14, 2012

The Bureau of Governmental Research, a local watchdog group, evaluated Jefferson Parish's process of awarding public contracts and found out that essentially, Jefferson parish is for sale. 

Driving laws to get a big enforcement later this month

May 11, 2012

Later this month, thanks to a federal grant, police all over Louisiana will be cracking down on drivers not wearing their seatbelts. 

Tolls, ferries and bridges ... Oh my!

May 9, 2012

What a simple question: should the tolls on the Crescent City Connection be allowed to expire at the end of the year?  Very simple question, not such a simple answer. 

Tourists and tickets

May 7, 2012

It's been a wild two week run in New Orleans for the tourism industry, led by 7 days of Jazz Fest and multiple late night concerts.  I went to a few of them, mostly with friends from out of town. 

It wasn't a good day for Tulane University

May 4, 2012

The New Orleans city council voted Thursday to form an interim zoning district that would prohibit Tulane University from building their new on-campus football stadium. The $60 million stadium, scheduled for completion in time for the 2014 football season, is now on hold indefinitely.

Let Tulane build their stadium

May 2, 2012

Only in New Orleans would a city council member want to pass an ordinance prohibiting our local universities from expanding. 

Big "trashy" weekend in New Orleans

April 30, 2012

That was quite a 4 day run in New Orleans. The Zurich classic golf tournament had another exciting finish and Jazz Fest 2012 had a successful first weekend.  10's of thousands of tourists are in town, including thousands of doctors, for a convention downtown. 

What a weekend!

April 30, 2012

Hard to top New Orleans this weekend. Not only are we the hosting the world's best golfers, but we're also hosting the worlds best musicians, too. Plus it's ground zero for the best festival food on the planet. No corn dogs and spiral cakes here. And who else gives over $1 million to kids charities?

Saints enduring one PR nightmare after another

April 25, 2012

Another week, another bad Saints story. That might be a little bit of a stretch, but the Saints certainly aren't short on bad news lately. 

Stacy Head's razor-thin victory over Cynthia Willard-Lewis is the start of something good in New Orleans

April 23, 2012

I've never seen anything like it, ever. Maybe the tightest, significant election ever. At least in New Orleans. At least in my lifetime. Stacy Head narrowly defeated Cynthia Willard-Lewis for the New Orleans City Council at-large seat. 

The Bill Jefferson era is finally coming to an end

April 20, 2012

Earlier today Judge T.S. Ellis III ordered William Jefferson to report to a federal prison in just 2 weeks.

Steve Gleason is an amazing person

April 18, 2012

We all know about the former Saints special teams ace and fan favorite, Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with the incurable disease ALS. The body slowly goes while the brain functions normally. It is an unusually cruel disease. 

Benson, Saints do an about-face to acquire Hornets

April 16, 2012

What's worth nearly $1.5 billion? That would be the major pro sports teams in New Orleans owned by Tom Benson. 

French Quarter Fest is your last chance to "enjoy" the outdoors until the fall

April 13, 2012

The summer heat and humidity are right around the corner.  Our 3-4 week spring is almost over.  Time to take advantage of this wonderful weather we're having and head down to French Quarter Festival 2012. 

How much do you think you know about Trayvon Martin's death?

April 11, 2012

The Trayvon Martin killing in Florida continues to dominate the headlines, and understandably so.

Crawfish boil trash is still trash

April 9, 2012

It's crawfish season. Wanna know how I know it's crawfish season? Even though I went to a crawfish boil yesterday that's not the reason why I know it's crawfish season.  After leaving the crawfish boil I noticed at least 3 other families boiling crawfish in the neighborhood. But that's not the reason I know it's crawfish season, either.

Sean Payton's "bounty-gate" story doesn't add up

April 6, 2012

Saints head coach Sean Payton is appealing his suspension to the NFL. Yesterday in New York at the NFL offices, Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis, and assistant head coach Joe Vitt were all pleading their cases, essentially saying former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is the culprit in this "bounty gate" scandal. 

Why won't Tiger Woods come to New Orleans?

April 5, 2012

It's Masters week in the golf world. The masters golf tournament starts Thursday from Augusta Georgia. 36 year old Tiger Woods, fresh off of his first PGA tour win since 2009, will be playing in his 18th Masters. 36 years old and his 18th masters?!? That's amazing.

'Good Idea, Bad Idea' in the Louisiana Legislature

April 2, 2012

The Louisiana legislature is considering a bill that would make it your obligation to report to authorities any sexual abuse of a minor that you know exists. The bill would impose a 5-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $10,000 for any adult that witnesses the sexual abuse of a minor and doesn't report it. 

The Superdome doesn't belong to Mercedes-Benz

March 30, 2012

Have you driven by the Superdome lately?  I'm sorry, I mean the Mercedes-Benz Superdome? From the view from the Pontchartrain Expressway it would be hard not to know it's the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. You see, some genius with the state - or the Saints - thought it would be cool to have the new naming rights sponsor's name scrawled across the 'Dome roof.

Why do we wait for special events to clean up our city?

March 28, 2012

I've often talked about the dirtiest, most filthy city in America. It's not Detroit or New York; it's New Orleans. And now, because of the Final 4 basketball championships coming to town, we are all about cleaning it up. 

New Orleans is ready for the Final 4

March 26, 2012

It's a good week for the city of New Orleans. Actually, it's a very good week for the city of New Orleans.  For the first time in 9 years, our city is hosting a men's basketball Final 4.

Here's who you should blame for the stiff penalties the Saints face from "Bounty-gate"

March 23, 2012

Who's to blame for the stiff penalties inflicted upon our heroes in black and gold?

We should replace, not remove, the I-10 section over Claiborne Avenue

March 22, 2012

Tonight on Tulane's uptown campus, transportation experts will discuss the possibility of removing the I-10 over Claiborne Avenue. The 2-mile stretch of interstate from the Superdome to Elysian Fields would be removed. Ground level streets would be improved, as would the remaining I-10 and I-610 system.

New taxi cab regulations in New Orleans are a good thing

March 20, 2012

The Landrieu administration has come with a proposal that only cab drivers aren't going to like.

Let's hope Sal Perricone's comments don't cost Jim Letten his job

March 16, 2012

New Orleans crime fighter Jim Letten is a local hero. The U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Jim Letten, is a tireless law man. From putting Edwin Edwards and David Duke behind bars; to Mose, Betty, and Brenda Jefferson; Letton is relentless. 

It's not right that people like Thomas Robert Harter drink and drive, but don't pay the price

March 14, 2012

We've all heard the expression "go jump in the lake." We didn't think someone would actually take that literally, but that's exactly what Thomas Robert Harter did late Saturday night. 

The Mayor's dilemma in the upcoming City Council election

March 12, 2012

The New Orleans City Council At-Large election is right around the corner and some New Orleanians are waiting to see who Mayor Mitch Landreiu endorses. 

Better to please Governor Jindal than to speak your mind

March 9, 2012

Martha Manuel was Governor Bobby Jindal's director of the Office of Elderly Affairs until she spoke before a House Committee earlier this week. Manuel told those state legislators that the Governor's plan to have the Department of Health and Hospitals absorb the Office of Elderly Affairs would eventually lead to cuts in senior programs and that the state would provide worse services to seniors than what they receive now. 

It's time for Drew Brees to break his silence about the Saints "bounty" controversy

March 7, 2012

Yesterday, Saints head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis came clean. At least somewhat.

I guess our Saints aren't so saintly

March 5, 2012

According to the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell, for the last 3 seasons, the Saints had an illegal "bounty system" set up to encourage their players to knock the opposition's players out of the game. 

The New Orleans traffic camera system is a nightmare

March 2, 2012

The city of New Orleans' traffic camera system has caused quite a bit of controversy since ex-mayor Ray Nagin had them installed during the 2nd term of his disastrous administration. The cameras, which the city claims are there to protect us, are clearly a money grab and have very little, if anything, to do with safety.

LSU needs a booster club for academics

February 29, 2012

The Tiger Athletic Foundation, or TAF for short, has announced plans to add another upperdeck to Tiger Stadium. 

Don't expect much from the upcoming Louisiana legislative session

February 27, 2012

Another year in Louisiana and another legislative session. Another legislative session with arguably the most inept group of political leaders in America. And who could argue with me? The only people offended are some thin-skinned legislators that need to realize their limitations.

Hornets deal is done

February 24, 2012

It looks as if our New Orleans Hornets will stay ours for a while longer. 

New Orleans' anti-litter campaign was the right message, but the wrong approach

February 22, 2012

Right message. Wrong approach. That's how I'd describe the latest effort to keep our city clean. 

There's no bad reason to like Mardi Gras

February 20, 2012

Mardi Gras means a lot to so many different New Orleanians.

Chief Serpas' initiatives are alienating New Orleans citizens

February 18, 2012

Ronal Serpas is New Orleans' Chief of Police. He got the job from the Mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu. 

New Orleans interstate improvements are poorly designed, underfunded and 2nd rate

February 15, 2012

It seems to be going on forever. It never ends. They've been at it for over a decade with no light at the end of the tunnel. I'm talking about the widening and modernizing of much of the I-10 in parts of New Orleans and most of Jefferson Parish. 

A Nagin indictment would be welcome news

February 13, 2012

Is it officially the end for ex-mayor Ray Nagin or will it be officially the end when he actually gets indicted?  No matter, things aren't looking good for ole C. Ray. 

New Orleans is truly an amazing city

February 10, 2012

Last night, I went down to the brand new $275 million Hyatt Regency on Loyola avenue. Inside the new hotel is  master chef John Besh's brand new restaurant Borgne. 

New NORD director Vic Richard needs to concentrate on our children, not politics

February 8, 2012

They say the fix was in for a while. The mayor getting his guy to run the new NORD instead of ex-councilman Arnie Fielkow's choice. After the city narrowed the selection process to a final 5, the mayor selected the individual who most insiders thought he'd choose, interim director Vic Richard. 

A little New Orleans Super Bowl history

February 6, 2012

A year from now the city of New Orleans and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome will be hosting Super Bowl XLVII.  Superbowl 47 will be The city's 10th Superbowl, tying New Orleans with Miami for most ever.  The Superdome will host it's 7th Super Bowl, more than any other stadium. It all seems appropriate considering New Orleans is arguably the best city for hosting the game. 

It's time for St. Bernard Parish leaders to abandon their racist housing practices

February 3, 2012

St. Bernard parish is getting sued by the federal government over it's crazy attempt to limit rental property to black people.The parish has been trying since Katrina to stop blacks, primarily from Orleans Parish, from moving into St. Bernard, or at least that's the perception.  

Is Tulane football back?

February 1, 2012

Today is national signing day for college football.  That means the nation's best high school football prospects sign their national letters of intent and essentially pick where they plan on playing their college ball. 

"The Louisiana Seafood Arena" is a brilliant use of BP money

January 30, 2012

The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Boards' job is to obviously promote and market Louisiana seafood. They are the industry's number one friend when it comes to letting the rest of the world know about the best seafood anywhere.

It's our fault there's violent crime in New Orleans

January 27, 2012

When good Samaritan Bill Ainsworth was gunned down and killed the other morning in Algiers trying to stop a car jacking, many New Orleanians asked, "Why?" Why was he murdered? Why do we have such violent crime? Why would someone shoot and kill someone right in front of their kids? The answer is surprisingly simple.

Girl Scout parents solved a problem they didn't have

January 25, 2012

If you ordered Girls Scout cookies recently on the North Shore you may not be getting your cookies anytime soon, if at all. A Girl Scout troop in St. Tammany has been dissolved strictly because of politics.  

Louisiana's failing infrastructure needs attention now, not later

January 23, 2012

Are you shocked that a group of engineers found Louisiana's infrastructure to be below average? 

No driving in the left lane

January 20, 2012

Why do Louisianians have so much trouble with the state law that prohibits driving in the left lane of a highway? If you're one of the folks that frequently drives in the left lane of an interstate or any multi-lane highway, you are breaking the law and now State Troopers are issuing tickets for the violation. 

Ed "Flakely"

January 18, 2012

Question: where can you get a part time gig that'll pay you over a third of a million dollars, for doing nothing? Zero results, and you can even brag, embellish, and exaggerate about your faux accomplishments? Even write a book about it? Answer: the City of New Orleans after Katrina. It also helps if you are egomaniac Ed Blakely.

If the Saints want to star in their own Super Bowl, the time to rebuild is now

January 16, 2012

The New Orleans Saints are in trouble, and its not for losing the NFC divisional playoff at San Fransisco on Saturday night (although that one hurts, especially since Eli Manning and the Giants disposed of Green Bay Sunday, meaning if the Saints would have won against the Niners, New Orleans would be hosting this weekends NFC championship game). 

New Orleans curfew is not racist, it's protecting our children

January 11, 2012

Officials with the city of New Orleans have decided to enforce a curfew time of 8 p.m. in the French Quarter for juveniles. That means any kids 16 or under can't be in or around the French Quarter without adult supervision after 8.

LSU Again

January 9, 2012

I just did my Friday commentary on LSU and for the life of me a couldn't think of anything else to write about tonight. 

A win against Alabama will make LSU the most accomplished college football team, ever

January 6, 2012

We all know LSU is the number one team in college football and have been since the first BCS poll was released earlier this season. 

Levee breach sites ARE historic

January 4, 2012

One thing the city of New Orleans has had to overcome post-Katrina, besides rebuilding our city, is a constant fight over the truth - the facts - about Katrina and what it did to our city. Specifically, many Americans believe that the storm itself flooded New Orleans and not a series of levee and flood wall breaches.

New Orleans is number one in the worst way

January 2, 2012

Being number one at something is usually a good thing.

2011 was an interesting year in New Orleans

December 30, 2011

2011 was an interesting year in New Orleans. As usual, a lot of stuff was going on.

Some Road Home participants need to pay back their Federal grant money

December 28, 2011

Louisiana's post-Katrina solution to help get people back in their homes is known as the "Road Home" program and for many, it's been a long, long road. For some, just getting through the paperwork and getting the grant money was a challenge. For others, getting the grant money wasn't the problem, figuring out how to spend it on rebuilding apparently was.

Time to get rid of New Orleans' traffic court 'CPA'

December 26, 2011

I remember the old Orleans Parish public school system pre-Katrina when one specific janitor was making more than $70,000/year. 70K a year - for doing a terrible job keeping schools clean.  Great money, if you can get it but probably around $40,000 too much for a janitor.  

The film industry is Louisiana's shining star

December 23, 2011

Its very rare when Louisiana does something right. When we do it better than anyone else. When we are the trend setter, the leader that everyone else follows. But that's exactly the case with Louisiana's film industry. 

The New Orleans City Council at-large race is set

December 21, 2011

The candidates vying for Arnie Fielkow's old spot on the council have qualified and are ready to roll. There are several candidates that plan to run but really only 3 that have any kind of chance of winning.

Drew Brees is a once-in-a-lifetime addition to New Orleans

December 19, 2011

Drew Brees is the greatest professional athlete we've ever seen around here.  And a good guy who truly loves New Orleans and us as much as we love him. I can go on and on, because with Drew Brees it's easy.

Vikings' Jared Allen makes a good point

December 16, 2011

Was Vikings defensive end Jared Allen right when he went on a Minneapolis radio station and said New Orleans is like a "3rd world country?" He seemed to insinuate that New Orleans had the appearance of a bombed out city. That New Orleans is a little crusty.  Well, he's probably a little right. 

EPA says Louisiana is horrible

December 14, 2011

The Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency says Louisiana's water and air are dirty.  As a matter of fact, the EPA report says Louisiana has not only dirty air and water, but we do a terrible job of enforcing the existing laws and regulations to protect citizens. 

The two most important developments to get New Orleans East back on track

December 12, 2011

I doubt the east will ever get back to the glory days of the 70's when the place was growing like Metairie, but there's no reason to think the east can't be viable again. Re-doing the Six Flags park is a must, but re-doing the old Humana Hospital is much more important.

The only person former Congressman William Jefferson has to blame for the mess he's in is himself

December 9, 2011

Could you imagine growing up in a small rural north Louisiana town? How about growing up in a small rural north Louisiana town in the 60s? How about growing up in a small rural north Louisiana town in the 60s and being black? How about overcoming it all and attending Harvard? How about overcoming it all and attending Harvard and being elected as a United States Congressman 9 times? How about overcoming it all and sending your daughters to Harvard too? How about overcoming all of that and then blowing it all because in the end, you're just a simple crook? Well, how about a complex crook? That's the story of Bill Jefferson. 

Pampy Barre's link to Armstrong International finally cut

December 7, 2011

If you've ever wondered why the food at Louis Armstrong is terrible and lacks choices, look no further than Stan "Pampy" Barre.

Aaron Broussard indictment is the tip of the iceberg in Jefferson Parish

December 5, 2011

The indictment of former Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard last week for parish payroll fraud appears to be just the beginning of the Feds' crackdown on political corruption in the parish. Broussard, his ex-wife Karen Parker, and former parish attorney Tom Wilkinson are all accused of bilking the parish out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

LSU is playing Georgia for more than just a W

December 2, 2011

When #1 LSU takes the field tomorrow afternoon in Atlanta for the Southeastern Conference championship, they'll be playing for slightly more than another SEC title. They continue on their path of not only securing another national title - their 3rd in 9 years - but they also could secure the most accomplished college football season in the history of the game.

Jefferson Parish shenanigans

November 30, 2011

Jefferson Parish is going through an interesting period in it's history.

The Uptown controversy surrounding Newcomb Boulevard

November 28, 2011

A controversy is brewing in Uptown concerning the privatization of a street by Tulane University. 

Armstrong Park

November 25, 2011

It was great to see Armstrong Park finally reopen earlier this week after being shuttered for so many years. 

Remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving

November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving day is tomorrow and should mean a lot more than a holiday from work and turkey and football. Thanksgiving is a day where friends and family come together and celebrate how fortunate we all are. 

New Orleans welcomes the Bayou Classic

November 21, 2011

There's a college football game being played this Saturday in the Superdome that's a lot bigger than the game.  The annual Bayou Classic takes place this weekend between the Grambing State Tigers and the Southern Jaguars of Baton Rouge. Both of these historically black universities are over 100 years old and are known nationwide.

It's time for Louisiana to join the car manufacturing revolution in the south

November 18, 2011

The southern United States is home to several foreign car manufacturing facilities. In fact, during the last decade or so, southern states took advantage of the huge expansion of foreign car plants built on domestic soil and they are almost exclusively in the south.

The race for St. Bernard Parish Sheriff is getting ugly

November 16, 2011

The sheriff's race in St. Bernard Parish is getting ugly. Actually, it's beyond "getting ugly." It's been ugly for the last few weeks.

A new football stadium for Tulane

November 14, 2011

Something good is coming to Uptown New Orleans.  Although Tulane won't make it official until early next month, the Green Wave athletic department just eclipsed a $40 million fundraising goal and will proceed with an on-campus football stadium. 

'Complete Roads' policy will have multiple benefits for New Orleans

November 11, 2011

Later this month, the New Orleans City Council will consider an ordinance that would dramatically change the way the city will repair streets in the future.  The concept is called "complete roads" and it entails implementing multiple uses into basic road reconstruction. 

It's time for Joe Paterno to do the honorable thing and step down

November 9, 2011

It appears the Joe Paterno era is over. The legend has been the head football coach at Penn State longer than I've been on the planet.

Why Mayor Landrieu running the NYC marathon is good for New Orleans

November 7, 2011

Mitch Landrieu can run for more than political office. Apparently the Mayor of New Orleans can run for miles and miles, literally. Over the weekend, he ran for over 26 of them. 

It's time for LSU's academics to catch up to our football program

November 4, 2011

When LSU and Alabama go at it Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, there is no doubt in anyone's mind that these two are college football's premier programs.  It's #1 vs #2.  We all know that to be true.  

It's time to stop ignoring the murder problem in New Orleans

November 2, 2011

How do you explain 16 people shot and two murdered on Holloween night in New Orleans? That's exactly what happened back on Monday night.  And the worst part? 11 people were shot and 1 killed in the French quarter with huge crowds of tourists around ... and that is inexcusable. 

NOLA Satellite Government website sheds light on unchecked agencies

October 31, 2011

For anyone that's a fan of transparent government for New Orleans, there is a website you are going to love.

Alario for Louisiana Senate President is a step in the wrong direction

October 28, 2011

Earlier this week, Bobby Jindal, fresh off of his landslide win in the governor's race, announced that he is endorsing John Alario for Senate president.  Jindal, the reform governor and Alario, a democrat for 4 decades (up until late last year), are now alies, working together?!?  

RSD to lose Superintendent John White?

October 26, 2011

We might be losing our new school superintendent before he even gets his feet wet. 

LSU vs Alabama will be a clash of the titans

October 24, 2011

One of the most highly anticipated football games in the history of LSU football will be played a week from this Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  #1 LSU, 8-0 for the first time since 1973, travels to Nick Saban country to take on #2 and 8-0 Alabama. 

Go Vote!

October 21, 2011

Saturday is election day all around the state of Louisiana. From local elections to the governor's race, Saturday is a day to go vote. 

Tulane's Football Future

October 19, 2011

Tuesday monrning, Tulane essentially fired head football coach Bob Toledo. Although Toledo officially resigned, the writing was on the wall after the Green Wave lost their last 4 straight games to fall to 2-5 on the year. 

A New Orleans interstate loop is long overdue

October 17, 2011

Did you know New Orleans is one of the few major cities in North America that doesn't have an interstate loop around it's city? Most cities, even smaller ones than New Orleans - like Mobile, Alabama or even Lake Charles, Louisiana - have an interstate loop.  

Establishing a Jefferson Parish Inspector General is a no-brainer

October 14, 2011

Every election is important and we should always take advantage of our right as Americans to vote come election time. But a week from tomorrow, voters in Jefferson parish have an especially important decision to make - actually one of the most important they will ever make in their lives in a voting booth.

NBA owners & players need to get back to the bargaining table

October 12, 2011

Back in the summer, when the NFL owners locked out the players, and the start of training camp and the preseason was being threatened, the players and owners got together with a sense of urgency and worked out a new collective bargaining agreement. No training camp or games were missed. Apparently the NBA is not as fortunate. 

Hyatt Regency grand opening is great news for downtown New Orleans

October 10, 2011

By next week, one of New Orleans' biggest hotels reopens: the Hyatt Regency - located next to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome - has been re-born into a brand new, nearly $300 million new Hyatt Regency. With nearly 100 new suites and almost 1200 rooms overall, the downtown Hyatt will once again take it's place with the city's other 1000-plus room hotels.

We're missing an opportunity with our levees

October 7, 2011

Has the city of New Orleans and the greater New Orleans area missed yet another opportunity post-Katrina, this time with our flood protection system surrounding our city?

Mercedes-Benz Superdome is a win-win-win

October 5, 2011

The Mercedes-Benz Superdome.  Its official. The German automaker has purchased the naming right for 10 years for the Superdome. 

Remembering Archbishop Philip Hannan

October 3, 2011

The greater New Orleans Catholic community lost one of it's leaders last week. Former Archbishop Philip Hannan died at the age of 98.

Jordan Jefferson is Back

September 30, 2011

When news broke earlier this week the LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson's charges were being reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor and that he would be reinstated to the team, the sports talkshow phone lines lit up. 

Causeway bridge improvements are long overdue

September 29, 2011

Isn't it finally time for Improving the Causeway bridge? Actually 2 bridges.

What Steve Gleason is all about

September 26, 2011

The Saints' world got some bad news Sunday.  It wasn't a Saints loss or a star player suffering a season-ending injury.  No, yesterday was much worse.  One of our Saints heroes from yesteryear announced he has an incurable disease. 

Jeff Landry is a dummy

September 23, 2011

Representative Jeff Landry is at it again, doing what he does best: embarrassing the residents of the state of Louisiana.  

Meraux Foundation Foundation Board Shakeup Is Good news for St. Bernard

September 21, 2011

Residents of St. Bernard Parish received some good news Tuesday: long time Meraux Foundation board members Sal Guiterez and St. Bernard Sheriff Jack Stevens have stepped down from their positions on the not-for-profit board. 

NASA's new rocket has New Orleans East written all over it

September 16, 2011

Earlier this week, NASA announced ambitious plans to build an entirely new rocket that would bring man eventually to Mars. The massive launch vehicle will be more powerful than the shuttle and have much greater range than the old Saturn 5 rockets of the 60's.

TS Lee's aftermath brings up bad BP memories

September 14, 2011

Another hurricane season is almost over in south Louisiana.  Just a few more weeks and we can rest easy for another season.  

9/11

September 12, 2011

It was a tough day for most Americans yesterday.  Chances are, if you watched any TV at all, outside of NFL football, you saw a lot of programming remembering the tragedy of September 11th, 2001.  

The Saints are America's Team

September 9, 2011

What a great football game last night.  At least that's what America thought.  Over 17 million people watched the Green Bay Packers edge the Saints in a game that literally went down to the wire.  Went down to the last play with no time on the clock. 

River Birch situation gets stranger

September 7, 2011

Just when you thought the Feds investigation of the River Birch Landfill couldn't get any stranger, it just did. 

Best foot forward for LSU

September 2, 2011

Tomorrow night at "Jerry World" in Texas (that's Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones' new $1.5 billion NFL stadium outside of Dallas in Arlington) #4 LSU and #3 Oregon do battle.  It's the biggest game of the weekend in week one of the 2011 college football season.  

What Labor Day should mean to all of us

August 31, 2011

Labor Day is a lot more than the end of summer or the last day women wear white for the year. Labor day is a federally recognized holiday celebrated the first Monday in September. It's here to recognize the American laborer. 

The REAL Cause of the Marsh Fire: Remember Orlandia?

August 31, 2011

How could the oil bust of the early 80's indirectly be responsible for the marsh fire burning in New Orleans East that has caused our air quality to suffer immensely?  

Irene's silver lining. For us!

August 29, 2011

Is there a silver lining for hurricane Irene? Probably not much of one for the East coast. They've got over 4 million people without power, a few dozen deaths, and some flooding they've never seen before.  But there is a silver for us down here and it's a lot more than dodging another storm.

LSU's Problems

August 26, 2011

The first 5 seasons of the Les Miles era up in Tigertown were relatively controversial free, at least off the field. They were a few on field controversies, like the time management issues toward the end of some ball games that drove fans nuts.  But no real off-the-field problems.  Nothing self inflicted.  Miles has run a relatively clean program.  That was until just a few short weeks ago when the wheels started falling off the wagon.

Arnie Fielkow

August 24, 2011

We lose a great civic leader on October 1st. Arnie Fielkow's last day as councilman in New Orleans is a little over 5 weeks away. 

Airport Upgrades

August 22, 2011

A few years before Katrina, a group of political, civic, and business leaders from New Orleans went to visit then-Chicago mayor Richard Daley.  The former Chicago leader had a message for all mayors in America about maximizing their city, making it the best it can be: 3 fundamental things that should not be neglected. 

Football season

August 19, 2011

South Louisiana in the fall.  You know what that means: football.  And this fall it should mean some high quality football around here. 

All shoring companies aren't legit

August 17, 2011

Before Katrina hit south Louisiana, New Orleans was the home to just under 20 shoring companies.   Actually, it was only a handful of companies that did shoring work exclusively and about a dozen more that were construction companies that did some type of shoring and elevation work.  So around 20 shoring companies in New Orleans pre-Katrina.  

End of the Jefferson era

July 27, 2011

When former State Representative and City Council President Renee Gill Pratt was found guilty for conspiring to loot Central City Charities this week, it marked the end of an era.  Not so much the Gill Pratt era, but the era of Bill Jefferson and his Progressive Democrats. 

Property rights

July 25, 2011

A very interesting occurrence is taking place in a neighborhood outside of Shreveport. The Burr family of Bossier City have a 20 year old son fighting in the war in Afghanistan. The Burrs are like most American parents, extremely proud of their son. So proud in fact that they've displayed a big 4x8 foot sign in their front yard acknowledging their son's military service. Problem is, the sign violates the bylaws of the subdivision they live in. The subdivision homeowner's association wants the sign to come down. The Burrs are refusing to remove the sign. Now the homeowners association is suing the Burrs, essentially forcing them to remove the sign.

Gentilly is coming back

July 20, 2011

The city of New Orleans and the Landreiu administration rolled the dice when they put up over $4 million to purchase the shuttered Gentilly Woods mall.  Now the risk is apparently paying off.

Forts Deserve to be National Park

July 18, 2011

It was great news to hear that Louisiana officials are pursuing a new national park for the area in and around the mouth of the Mississippi River. The "Lower Mississippi River National Park", as it’s being dubbed, could become a reality.

Let's play ball

July 15, 2011

By this time next week the NFL owners and players should have their labor dispute hammered out. The 32 NFL team owners and over 1,800 players are ready to end the 3 month old lockout. Besides nearly $10 billion at stake for owners and players, the fans of the NFL are ready for another professional football season.

UNO is free from LSU

July 13, 2011

Back in the 20's, populist governor Huey Long, moved the LSU campus from the state capital grounds and the old Pentagon Barracks, downriver a few miles to the present day campus site.  Long took the 1,300 acre site in south Baton Rouge and transformed it into the new LSU.   Modeled after the Stanford campus, Long's baby became the new Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. 

Michoud's Past, Present, & Future

July 11, 2011

Back on Friday the last Space Shuttle mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center. It was the 135th Shuttle launch and not only ended the Space Shuttle era but ended an era here in New Orleans as well. For over 35 years, the Michoud manufacturing facility built the Space Shuttle's massive fuel tanks at it's nearly 850 acre complex.  Michoud's world class manufacturing facility has over 43 climate controlled acres under one roof. The Superdome roof is less than 10.  

What Was So Inappropriate?

July 8, 2011

What did former NOPD Commander Eddie Selby's say last week? What did one of police Chief Ronal Serpas' 16 commanders say that initially caused him to be reassigned by his superiors and eventually led to his resignation/retirement? 

Edwards, Duke, & Roemer Making Headlines Again

July 6, 2011

Edwin Edwards last day of house arrest is today.

True Meaning of Independence Day

July 5, 2011

For most folks, the 4th of July is a holiday from work, an extended weekend for shooting off fireworks and throwing down charcoal and barbecuing with friends and family. And it should be. 

Where Essence Belongs

July 1, 2011

For the 17th year, the Essence Music Festival is taking place. The largest black music festival in the country is back for another weekend of fun. Since 1995, Essence Fest has brought the world's best artists and speakers together for the 4th of July holiday. 

Positive Post-Katrina Changes

June 29, 2011

If you ask me, if I could go back in time and stop Hurricane Katrina, my obvious answer would be “yes.” Of course I wish Katrina didn't hit our city and that the flood wall and levee failures never occurred. The suffering of people, especially the poor and elderly, was beyond tragic. Thousands lost their lives because of the storm and the flooding of our city and thousands more lost their livelihood. Too much suffering. 

The Superdome is All New

June 24, 2011

When the Louisiana Superdome opened in the summer of 1975 it was a state of the art facility, one of the best sports venues in the world, 27 stories tall. The world’s largest unobstructed room. A roof that covered nearly 10 acres. And room for 80,000 fans.  

Too Many State Jobs

June 22, 2011

The Senate and House in Baton Rouge have approved a $25 billion state budget. The bill sits on Governor Bobby Jindal's desk waiting on his signature. 

Does New Orleans East Need a Hospital?

June 17, 2011

Mayor Mitch Landrieu has promised New Orleans east residents a full service hospital, up and running, by 2013. So in less than 2 years, New Orleans east will finally have a hospital again, according the mayor. Well, according to the governor and the legislature, that might not be happening and that might be a good thing. 

Travel & Leisure Magazine is Right

June 15, 2011

Travel and Leisure Magazine just released their annual publication ranking America's best cities. The categories ranged from food and restaurants to culture and night life, shopping, people, and quality of life.

St. Aug Paddling Debate Continues

June 13, 2011

The St. Augustine High School paddling controversy has grown into something bigger than the just the school trying to save corporal punishment.  It’s now about the school self-governing itself; about controlling its own matters. It's about autonomy.

Gentrification of the 9th Ward

June 8, 2011

The city broke ground on a new street car line yesterday. The new Loyola Avenue line will run from the Union Passengers Terminal to Canal Street and should be operational in a year or so. Back in January, additional plans were announced to eventually expand the Loyola line down South Rampart Street and St. Claude Avenue, literally connecting the CBD, French Quarter, Fauberg Marigny, Treme, and the Bywater with new public transit.

Snubbing The President

June 6, 2011

What’s wrong with Louisiana's Republican Party? Well, not all Republicans but definitely a select few who's main concern is getting re-elected and not helping citizens.    

Take Advantage of a Rare Event

June 3, 2011

When I was a kid growing up in New Orleans, we were all taught in school that the only state in country that was actually growing in land mass was Louisiana, the only state in the union that was actually increasing in size. It was because of the Mississippi River and its delta building capabilities. 

WWII Museum Getting Better

June 1, 2011

One of New Orleans shining stars is the National World War 2 Museum downtown in the Arts District of the city.  

Greece On the Bayou

May 27, 2011

They opened the gates about an hour ago at the 38th annual Greek Fest on Bayou St John.  Here in New Orleans we really never need an excuse to throw a party or have a celebration and obviously the Greek community is no different. They live life to the fullest, eating, drinking, music, and dancing. It’s what they do and they do it well. 

Abolish State Income Tax

May 25, 2011

The only state in the South to see no real population growth over the last decade was Louisiana.  But that might all change if a couple of state legislators get their way.  House Ways and Means Chairman Hunter Greene and Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Chairman Rob Marionneaux are proposing legislation to eliminate Louisiana's income tax.  Greene's bill eliminates all state personal income taxes while Marionneaux’s bill goes further and eliminates all state personal and corporate income taxes.  That's means no income taxes for both individuals and corporations. 

Nagin's Crooked Campaign

May 23, 2011

The Marc St. Pierre federal trial has been quite revealing and not only for St. Pierre.  The testimony from the corruption trial of the former city vender has really given us an inside look into the Ray Nagin administration, especially Nagin's 2nd term as Mayor of the city of New Orleans.  More specifically, how Nagin's 2nd term election campaign was funded by a large percentage of illegal contributions. 

Golf Course is Ready, But Just Sits

May 20, 2011

New School Leader

May 18, 2011

It's a very important time for education in Louisiana.  A major void needs to be filled and it might just be the most important decision state education leaders will make in their lifetime.  I'm talking about filling the state school superintendent’s position which was previously held by Paul Pastorek. 

New Orleans' 300th Birthday Planning

May 16, 2011

Last week New Orleans quietly celebrated it's 293rd birthday.  Quietly, because most folks didn't know it was the city's birthday, and quietly because who celebrates a city's 293rd birthday? You don't.  But you do celebrate a city's 300th!  And now, that date is less than 7 years away.  Which means now is the time for city, state, and federal officials to start planning for it. 

Why Louisiana is last

May 13, 2011

If you've ever wondered why Louisiana is last in everything good and first in everything bad, look no further than this past week.

Small Louisiana towns will take the brunt if the Morganza Spillway is opened

May 11, 2011

For only the 6th time in last 40 years and only the 3rd time in last 30, the Bonne Carre spillway is open, sending fresh Mississippi River water into Lake Pontchatrain. 

Ex-mayor Ray Nagin should keep quiet

May 9, 2011

Just when you thought he was gone for good, ex-New Orleans mayor C. Ray Nagin has penned a book. Katrina's Secrets: Storms after the Storms.  I'm pretty sure that the book, considering the job Nagin did as mayor, especially post-Katrina when the city was deserpate for leadership, is a coloring books for kids.  The self published book is a must for anyone under the age of 7.

What a week for President Obama

May 6, 2011

President Barack Obama's legacy is set.  He may or may not get elected to a 2nd term, but he has cemented his legacy as the president who got the Hitler of his time.  Of our time.  This president bagged the number one terrorist on the planet; America's public enemy number one: Osama bin Laden.

Osama bin Laden is Dead

May 2, 2011

What a great day to be an American.   Finally, Osama Bin Laden is dead.  And America is alive.  Alive and kicking. 

Serpas is in a no-win situation

April 29, 2011

NOPD head man Ronal Serpas should have known better.  Or did know better. It can only be one of the two.

Big week, big events in New Orleans

April 27, 2011

This is another good week for New Orleans.  A big event week.  A big economic impact week.   PGA golf, NBA playoffs, Jazz Fest and even the NFL draft.  The direct and indirect spending and economic impact are significant. 

Banning speed & traffic cameras is a good idea

April 25, 2011

If one area legislator has his way, New Orleans speed & traffic cameras could be turned off as soon as June.

The birthers in Louisiana

April 20, 2011

Looks like Louisiana is trying to become the only state in the country that would have it's own "birther" law. 

The Louisiana seafood industry needs our help

April 20, 2011

Louisiana's seafood industry needs our help.  That's right, the world leader in seafood needs our help.  It's now been a full year after the Deepwater Horizon disasters and our seafood industry is still reeling.

Short sighted in New Orleans

April 18, 2011

Last week was a bad week for New Orleans.  It was one of our embarrassing "get in our own way" moments.  We "cut off our nose to spite our face."  We showed some folks, who apparently like us, how short sighted, small minded, and thin skinned we can be down here in New Orleans.  It was one our worst moments and most of us are guilty.

Redistricting

April 15, 2011

Back on Wednesday, the State House, soon followed by the State Senate, approved the new Congressional Districts for Louisiana.  Yesterday governor Bobby Jindal signed the legislation into law reshaping the states political boundaries.  Controversial redistricting is done.  At least for a decade.

There's no going back now on new Charity

April 13, 2011

It's amazing.  Only in New Orleans.   Its more than 5 and a half years after Katrina and we're still talking about the new Charity Hospital.  Some folks are even talking about going back into the old building again.  

St Bernard mixed income housing

April 11, 2011

The Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation, set up to benefit the citizens of St. Bernard, sold a piece of property back in 2008 to a Dallas developer.

The Hornets are a blessing

April 8, 2011

Later this evening, the Hornets tip off at the New Orleans Arena.  It's one of the final regular season home games of the year.  But after last Wednesday's win at the Hive over the Houston Rockets, the Hornets have clinched a playoff berth.  That means at least 2 more home games this season.  At least 2 playoff home games!  Just one of the many benefits of having an NBA team in our city. 

Deepwater drilling back online

April 6, 2011

It was great news to hear that the Obama administration is finally reopening the Gulf of Mexico to deepwater drilling. Most in Louisiana, Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, support deepwater drilling. Or more specifically, they are against the extreme moratorium or ban on all deepwater drilling.

Ready for New Orleans' Biggest Festival

April 4, 2011

This is the month New Orleans!  It's festival time.  One of the largest festivals in the south is now one of largest in the country, and I'm not talking about our beloved Jazz Fest.

Cronyism runs wild in Louisiana

April 1, 2011

Cronyism, by definition, is partiality to long-standing friends (or family), especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications.  We've seen this for far too long in Louisiana and it's time for it to stop.

Loyola asked to change name

March 30, 2011

I was very surprised to hear that North Carolina State University had sent a letter to Loyola University officials here in New Orleans.   It appears that the folks from Raleigh are quite fond of their own school's nickname and mascot.  So much so that they would like Loyola to stop using it.  Problem is Loyola thinks it's theirs!

We owe the "Japanese Louis Armstrong" thanks

March 28, 2011

Native New Orleanians are a different sort.  We are fiercely loyal to our city.  And when an outsider has the same appreciation for our city as we do, well, we kinda automatically love that guy.  Japan's own Yoshio Toyama is that guy, but there's a much better reason to love him than for just his love of our city. 

City Park is a Pleasant Surprise

March 25, 2011

New Orleans City park has raised and has spent nearly $80 million on park improvements since Katrina.  A combination of insurance proceeds, public and private donations, federal grant money, and city bond sales have helped transform the park back to it's glory days of over a half century ago.

Iberville's Gotta Go

March 23, 2011

It was great news to hear that New Orleans is a finalist for $62 million in federal grant money to transform the Iberville housing development into a more mixed income neighborhood environment.  And it was even better news to hear HANO will move forward with the mixed income redevelopment of Iberville regardless of whether New Orleans is awarded the grant money or not. 

St. Michael's Special School

March 21, 2011

It's been quite a week for St. Michael's Special School.  The lower garden district school has been educating kids from greater New Orleans since the mid 60s.  With an enrollment of nearly 200 today, it's mission and goals have never been more important.

Feds Find NOPD Unacceptable

March 18, 2011

Mayor Mitch Landrieu inherited a number of problems with the City of New Orleans when he took office last year.  Crime, poor public schools, slow Katrina recovery, outdated infustructure, lack of economic opportunity, just to name a few. 

UNO SUNO Merger

March 16, 2011

Next month's legislative session should be alot more interesting since the board of regents vote yesterday.  The 9-6 vote clears the way for the legislature to adopt (and I doubt they will) a consultant's plan to partially merge the University of New Orleans and Southern University at New Orleans into one entity, controlled by one administration and one board.

We can relate to what Japan is going through

March 14, 2011

We've had our share of natural disasters in south Louisiana and the Gulf coast.  From Betsy in 1965 to Camille in 1969 to Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike in just the last few years.  But nothing we've gone through compares to what Japan is going through right now.

Spaying and neutering is the law

March 11, 2011

Most pet owners in New Orleans don't realize there is an ordinance in the books requiring you to spay or neuter your pet.  That's cats and dogs, kittens and puppies. 

Mardi Gras Success

March 9, 2011

Yesterday, New Orleans showed the world what we do best. Better than anyone else, the world leader. I'm talking about throwing a party, the world's biggest free party, Mardi Gras. We pulled it off again.

St Aug's Highs and Lows

March 7, 2011

It was one amazing week on London Avenue.   Or I should say on A. P. Toureau, at St. Augustine High School, where boys acted like men and some men acted like boys.  All in one week!!!

VA site is almost cleared

March 2, 2011

There is an amazing transformation taking place off Canal and Galvez streets.  Land is almost totally cleared for the future $1.5 billion Veterans Affairs hospital, which will replace the old VA hospital on Gravier street. 

I wouldn't want to be Fred Heebe

February 28, 2011

I noticed a sign on a St. Charles Avenue neutral ground a few weeks back.  It was recognizing River Birch Landfill owner Fred Heebe and his wife, ex-Jefferson parish council person Jennifer Sneed, for their generous financial contribution to some beautification project on the avenue.  Some new trees or shrubbery or something. 

There's Still a Lot of Oil in the Gulf

February 23, 2011

I guess we could take the governments word on this one.  Or believe what BP is telling us.  Or even what Rush Limbaugh is saying: that there is no oil in the Gulf of Mexico from the BP oil disaster, arguably the largest accidental discharge of oil in the history of our planet.  And all that oil, well, it's all gone!  The Feds, BP, and Rush told us so.  So it must be true!

Delgado isn't to be overlooked

February 21, 2011

Of Louisiana's 30 colleges and universities, do you know which one has the 2nd largest enrollment in the state?   The 2nd largest?  LSU's main campus in Baton Rouge has the largest enrollment in the state with over 25,000 students. 

Need an IG for JP

February 18, 2011

Jefferson Parish is considering establishing an office of Inspector General.

Next 2 years, New Orleans will host some amazing sporting events

February 16, 2011

The city of New Orleans, and more specifically, the John McKiethen sports complex, will host 7 major sporting events over the next couple of years.  4 at the Superdome and 3 at the New Orleans arena.   And this amazing 2 year run starts now.

Billions Flowing into the Greater New Orleans Area

February 14, 2011

New Orleans infrastructure has long been neglected.  Year after year, decade after decade, little to no improvements or upgrades.  Now, half a decade after Katrina and the levee failures that flooded our city, progress is being made.  Things you can actually see and touch.  Real cranes in the sky.  Construction that surpasses the heady, pre-Worlds Fair days of the early 80's when the modern city skyline took shape.  

Why Sean Payton Is Moving to Dallas

February 9, 2011

Saints fans, relax.

Census Numbers Analyzed

February 7, 2011

The 2010 census numbers are in.

South Market District may become New Orleans' newest neighborhood

February 4, 2011

New Orleans might have it's first new neighborhood since the warehouse district came online following the 1984's World's Fair.

Education Reform Needed at the Top

February 2, 2011

The Louisiana legislature will once again engage in the discussion of merging the 4 boards that oversee higher education in the state. 

The Legacy of Edwin Edwards

January 31, 2011

Word broke last week that the family of former Governor, and convicted felon, Edwin Edwards is planning a dinner-roast this summer for Edwards’ 84th birthday. By then, he'll be out of the half-way house and back on the street - a free man.

World Trade Center: What's Next?

January 12, 2011

Mayor Mitch Landreiu's administration is making a positive step in trying to redevelop the nearly vacant World Trade Center building by buying out the lease of the final tenant. With a $2.2 million payment to the World Trade Center organization, the city of New Orleans will have full control of the building. Now it's up to the mayor to decide what to do next: have the city redevelop and market the building itself, like previous administrations have tried and failed to do, or let actual real estate developers do it. The building's location at the foot of Canal Street and Poydras at the Mississippi River is one of the premier real estate locations in the south. It was the right thing to buy out the lease so the city could gain full control of this valuable city-owned asset, but that's where the city's involvement should end. New Orleans does not need to be in the business of real estate development. Let the private real estate professionals do it on the open market. The mayor has enough on his plate. Real estate developer and speculator should not be one of them.