Pitt shows N.O. love with tattoo

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Brad Pitt must really love New Orleans.

He bought a home here. He has helped build houses in the Ninth Ward. And now he’s taking his admiration for the city to a whole new level with a tattoo in honor of the Crescent City on his lower back, according to news reports.

Contactmusic.com reports Pitt was spotted showing off the tattoo recently.

Here’s an excerpt from their story:

“The movie star was spotted showing off a new tattoo over the weekend (May 10-11) but left those who saw it puzzled about what the black lines and boxes represented. Experts told Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper, which ran with the photos taken in Monaco, that the markings could be inspired by a map of the levees in New Orleans, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.”

(Photo illustration by Deon Roberts)

Nagin jumps on the Obama train

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Mayor Ray Nagin today threw his support behind Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for president, passing over Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Nagin, a Democrat, is a so-called superdelegate for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, which gives his endorsement even more weight. Nagin is the 283rd superdelegate to endorse Obama, who is 148 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination, according to Obama’s Web site today.

But is Nagin’s endorsement something Obama should be enthused about? Will it help or hurt his campaign?

This presidential campaign has become nasty at times, which is to be expected in such a tight race. As a result, anything and everything becomes fodder for a political attack, as in the case of Jeremiah Wright, Obama’s former pastor, whose controversial remarks have dogged the senator.

Will Nagin’s past remarks haunt Obama, too? Will “chocolate city” be resurrected by Clinton or John McCain? Will the infamous photo of Nagin smiling and holding an M-4 rifle become a political weapon for Obama’s opponents?

Based on how this race is going, these and other controversial Nagin moments could be brought back to life. For New Orleans, that could mean bad publicity all over again.

Or perhaps Obama’s rivals will not go down that road and New Orleans will not have to face the ridicule. As someone told me today, Nagin does not have the same relationship with Obama as Wright did. Wright, as a pastor, is someone Obama would have, ostensibly, looked up to for guidance. Nagin and Obama apparently don’t have such a relationship.

Obama apparently isn’t too concerned about Nagin’s endorsement harming his campaign. In fact, he has embraced the mayor’s endorsement.

Here’s what Obama said about Nagin’s endorsement:

“I want to thank Mayor Nagin for his support. I share his commitment to renewing the great city of New Orleans, which is one of the great national challenges of our time. I look forward to working with him and all New Orleanians to prepare for the storms that may come while advancing opportunity and prosperity for the people of this great American city.”

(Photo illustration by Deon Roberts)

Too many items can spoil the bill

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Congress’ bundling of unrelated items into one spending bill is a risky move: If one item becomes too controversial, the entire bill can be killed, and the other items won’t get funded, either.

Right not, about $8.7 billion in Gulf Coast recovery funding is in jeopardy, because it is included in a more than $193 billion supplemental spending bill for the war in the Middle East. The bill has split lawmakers over the issue of giving veterans 15 years to use GI scholarships rather than the current 10-year limit. Bush is threatening to veto the bill over the veterans issue.

Louisiana needs the funding in this bill, which includes $5.8 billion for 100-year flood protection, among other items for the state. It would be a shame for Louisiana to lose out on this crucial flood-protection funding just because lawmakers disagree over the GI scholarships, an unrelated issue.

More scratch wanted for the Legislature

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Some members of the Louisiana Legislature want legislators to make more money. But do they need it?

For the current session of the Legislature, Sen. Ann Duplessis, D-New Orleans, filed a bill to give legislators a higher annual salary and increase the amount they are paid per day when they are in session.

Duplessis has called for legislators’ annual pay to be increased from $16,800 to $70,000. The speaker of the House and the president of the Senate, who each earn $32,000 a year, would be paid $80,000. The speaker pro tempore of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate would have their salaries increased from $24,500 to  $75,000.

Also, lawmakers currently are allowed a monthly expense allowance of $500. Duplessis wants that raised to $1,500 for members of the House and $3,000 for members of the Senate. (It’s interesting that she wants more for senators, considering that she is one.)

Duplessis argues that lawmakers put in long hours and deserve to be compensated better.

But if lawmakers need more money, how have they been able to get by on the pay they already receive? Is it kickbacks? Is it because many lawmakers are already wealthy and politically connected, which is how they got elected?

Many in the public don’t like the idea of more money for Louisiana lawmakers. Almost 70 percent of voters to a CityBusiness poll say a raise is not needed.

If there is any state lawmaker in financial distress because the Legislature does not pay them enough, we’d love to hear from you. Send me an e-mail at deon.roberts@nopg.com. If you can’t afford a computer, call me at (504) 293-9210. If you can’t afford a phone, send me a letter (make sure you expense your postage):

Deon Roberts
New Orleans CityBusiness
111 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70005

Does N.O. need another economic development group?

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Greater New Orleans Inc.

The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.

The city’s economic development department.

Those are three groups that many count on to grow the city’s economy.

But there could be one more entity focused on economic development in New Orleans, according to a story in this week’s CityBusiness.

Officials with the chamber, GNO Inc. and the New Orleans Business Council say the city has not had a committed economic development agency, according to the story by reporter Jaime Guillet. So, City Hall and the private sector are seeking advice from the International Economic Development Council, a Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to helping economic development professionals.

IEDC is finishing its draft report on how New Orleans can establish a new nonprofit, public-private economic development entity.

Does the city need another economic development group? Is this good news or bad?

‘Green’ talk grows since Katrina

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Green this, and green that.

Ever since Hurricane Katrina, hardly a day goes by where I don’t hear about rebuilding “greener,” or environmentally friendly, homes in New Orleans.

Many groups, and even actor Brad Pitt, have spearheaded the construction of green homes in the wake of the storm. Such homes usually feature more efficient appliances and heating and cooling systems, tankless water heaters and solar panels, among other fancy components.

But outside of these organizations, many of which are building green homes for low-income families, how many middle- and upper-income residents are taking it upon themselves to rebuild their homes greener? For the middle class, especially, the cost to rebuild with green materials can be high, although experts say the costs are recouped in energy savings down the road.

Have you rebuilt your home using green techniques? How much did it cost? And is it paying off?

Honk if you want higher auto insurance

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Do you remember last year when the Legislature tried to raise the minimum amount of auto insurance drivers must carry in Louisiana? Former Gov. Kathleen Blanco killed that legislation.

But the idea has come back from the dead, as lawmakers are trying again to pass such a bill in the current session of the Legislature.

Rep. Erich Ponti, a Baton Rouge Republican, is behind the bill, which Ponti said would increase minimum coverages in the state to the level in nearby states.

In a 6-2 vote, the bill has won the support of the House Insurance Committee. It goes to the House floor now.

Questions arise from Benson’s TV buy

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Who dat say Tom Benson’s purchase of WVUE-TV raises concerns about the objectivity of the station’s reporting?

Since the Saints owner’s $41 million purchase, which must wait for federal approval, was announced Monday, some people are concerned that the station will be biased whenever it covers the Saints or Benson’s activities.

Will the station go easy on Benson and the Saints if there is negative news to report? Will the station report anything but positive news about Benson and the team? Those are the kinds of questions some people are asking today. Here are one person’s thoughts on the issue.

What do you think?

Paint the town … beige

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Beige is all the rage when it comes to painting a house in New Orleans.

That’s according to a story in this week’s CityBusiness by reporter Emilie Bahr.

Since Katrina, flesh-toned houses have been springing up in a city known for colorful - and sometimes outlandishly so - homes.

Apparently, the beige trend, which has infected Uptown, Old Metairie and high-end condos of the Central Business District, is upsetting some New Orleanians who prefer a spicier palette.

Realtor Cynthia Sciortino of Prudential Gardner Realtors said she’s noticed the “beige trend” taking off in the New Orleans area within the past five years.

“Basically, it’s a fairly inoffensive color, easy to paint over, makes decorating very easy and generally no one has an objection,” Sciortino said. “In my opinion, it is rather lackluster and everyone has it.”

To helmet or not to helmet?

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

The Louisiana Legislature is considering getting rid of the state’s law requiring adult motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

Those in support of the bill say the helmets limit bikers’ vision and, therefore, can lead to crashes.

Preventing crashes apparently is big on the Legislature’s list for this session. In separate legislation, state lawmakers want a cell phone ban for drivers.

‘D.C. Madam’ death inspires conspiracy theorists

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

The death of Deborah Jeane Palfrey, the “D.C. Madam” connected to Sen. David Vitter, has set the blog world on fire.

Palfrey was found hanged in a shed Thursday near her mother’s home about 20 miles northwest of Tampa, Fla.

Police have labeled it a suicide, saying Palfrey left a suicide note. But some bloggers are suggesting she was murdered, and they say foul play should not be ruled out until there is a thorough investigation.

I foresee books and at least one movie.

ICF CEO gets nice bonus … really nice

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

It’s fair to say that the Fairfax, Va.-based company that runs The Road Home program, ICF International, could have a better reputation in Louisiana.

In Louisiana, the company has been criticized for a sluggish pace of Road Home grant awards and too much bureaucracy that is slowing the state’s recovery from the 2005 hurricanes. On top of that, ICF garnered more criticism when, in March, it said it may have overpaid as many as 5,000 Road Home applicants. A story by The Associated Press from April 11 points out that “neither the state nor ICF has said how many overpayments are believed to be the result of company error, and how many might have been due to applicant fraud.”

Despite ICF’s reputation in Louisiana, the company gave its top executive a $1.5 million performance bonus in 2007. CEO Sudhakar Kesavan’s total compensation last year was just under $3.2 million, up from about $2.7 million in 2006, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

AP reported that most of the increase was because of a 50 percent increase in a performance bonus, according to the SEC filing. Kesevan’s 2007 bonus was $500,000 higher than in 2006.

Kesevan’s bonus has upset some Louisiana officials.

“I wouldn’t have recommended a $1.5 million bonus for ICF’s CEO when the company’s largest client is displeased with its performance,” said Paul Rainwater, executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority.

Trans fat transparency

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Just how unhealthy are gravy-soaked french fry po-boys? Louisiana restaurants are not required to tell us.

But some members of the Louisiana Legislature wanted to change that by requiring restaurants to tell us that their items contain trans fat, the stuff that clogs arteries. On Wednesday, the House health care committee found the bill unpalatable and voted against it

I guess ignorance is still bliss when it comes to dining in Louisiana. So pass the bread pudding - extra rum sauce, please.

N.O. not giving up on debate dreams

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

After being passed over last year as a site for a presidential debate, New Orleans is not giving up.

Mayor C. Ray Nagin and Gov. Bobby Jindal appear in a video posted Tuesday on YouTube inviting the presidential candidates to a debate that will involve Google and YouTube.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 18 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Using Google’s technology and YouTube’s video platform, people from across the country will be able to ask the candidates questions during the forum.

Jindal said the forum will spotlight “the top issues facing our nation.”

So far, no candidates have accepted the invitation.

Senate: Get rid of Louisiana income taxes

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

It’s no joke.

On Tuesday, the Louisiana Senate voted unanimously to do away with state income taxes, according to a story by The Associated Press.

What started off as a bill to reverse changes in tax brackets resulting from the “Stelly Plan” five years ago turned into a proposal to eliminate state income taxes altogether.

With the state deriving more than 30 percent of its revenue from income taxes, this bill is sure to be amended or killed by the House or Gov. Bobby Jindal, AP reported.

Morials angry over Convention Center name decision

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

The Morial family is upset over a recent decision by the board of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to begin marketing the center by a new name: the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

The center’s president, Bob Johnson, said the name of the facility has not changed. Rather, the new name will be used in marketing materials to let the world know the city is back open for business, he said, adding that the name will not be changed on the sprawling building.

Morial was the city’s first black mayor. He died in 1989. His son, former Mayor Marc Morial, is especially mad about the decision. Marc Morial, in a letter to Johnson this month, called it an “unauthorized and illegal name change.”

What do you think? Should the Convention Center use the new name or old one in promotional materials?

(Photo from http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/3134949/2/istockphoto_3134949_hello_my_name_is.jpg)

At least we don’t live in Dallas

By Kelly W. Brown, Associate Editor

Sometimes its really easy to get frustrated with the civic non-function of New Orleans. Streets have potholes a hobo could live in, recycling is but a hippie dream and the city seems to have an official policy of not giving out information to reporters and residents alike. Sometimes it seems like you should maybe move to a place where people don¹t get murdered all the time and the tap water doesn’t taste like it came straight from the Mississippi.

But if you ever find yourself plagued by these thoughts, there’s a simple solution: spend one day in Dallas. When you return, you’ll want to get down on the ground and kiss the toxic lands surrounding the refineries.

I had the privilege of going to Dallas this weekend, and it certainly was something. Dallas is so very rich in concrete; there’s just so much of it, everywhere you look, and it’s often painted in rustic desert colors. While I imagine this was a program designed to promote civic pride, the overall effect seems to be the child of an eight-lane highway and a Mexican chain restaurant.

You can enjoy these views as you move sloooowly through the city’s 8 million highways and interstates. Beyond the seven-layer overpasses one can glimpse mile after mile of Class B office space interspersed with Ye Olde Towne Square-style strip malls and Cadillac dealerships. The downtown (or the main downtown, at least; there seem to be five city centers) certainly has a great deal of shiny buildings, but so does Pyongyang.

As a friend and I were getting lost trying to find our hotel, we passed a subdivision with a road called Deforestation Lane, so at least the city has a wry sense of humor. But accurately named streets aside, Dallas is ugly as sin, a deathtrap to drive through and has the George W. Bush Turnpike.

New Orleans has never looked so good.

IG still waiting for the basics

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

In a CityBusiness story this week, reporter Jaime Guillet writes about New Orleans Inspector General Robert Cerasoli’s struggles to get the basics for his fledgling office.

Cerasoli seems to be having trouble getting phones, computers and staff. He blames the problem on City Hall bureaucracy.

“I’m not satisfied. I’ve been here seven months and I don’t have computers and phones,” said Cerasoli, the city’s first IG.

Anybody got two tin cans and some string?

(Photo from http://www.wizkidzcreches.co.uk/images/tincans.jpg)

Talking politics gets FBI chief reassigned

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

The head of the New Orleans FBI office has been reassigned to the agency’s national headquarters after publicly flirting with the idea of running for New Orleans mayor.

James Bernazzani, on TV news in New Orleans last week, said he was considering running for mayor. Then, in the blink of an eye, the FBI reassigned him Friday.

The FBI, in describing its decision to reassign Bernazzani, said the news that he might run for mayor could create the appearance of a conflict of interest.

“Even the appearance of a conflict must be avoided for the public to have the highest confidence in the FBI,” the FBI said.

Some in the New Orleans area are concerned about the loss of Bernazzani, who oversaw a campaign against corruption of public officials.

(Photo from http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L10215586.jpg)

How to repair floodwalls: Use newspaper

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Newspaper is often used to wrap presents on the cheap, line bird cages and make nifty paper hats.

But it also has another application I didn’t know about: plugging openings in floodwalls.

According to a story by WWL-TV Thursday, workers have filled expansion joints in a St. Bernard Parish floodwall with newspaper instead of the rubber joint that is normally used.

When asked about the work, Kevin Wagner with the Army Corps of Engineers said, “If you look at the repairs we made to the joints, there’s not really a safety issue with the joints at all,” according to WWL.

What do you think?

Check out WWL’s report here.

(Photo from http://www.thegreenhead.com/imgs/boat-drain-stopper-2.jpg)

FBI agent eyes mayor’s office

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

James Bernazzani, the top agent in the FBI’s New Orleans office, said he is considering running for New Orleans mayor.

This week, on WDSU-TV, Bernazzani said he has the skills to run city government. But he apparently has not made up his mind.

With the FBI, he has overseen high-profile investigations into corruption cases involving elected officials.

Is the city better served with him at the FBI or at the helm of the city?

(Photo from http://www.dcgiftshop.com/Product_Images/Clothing_and_Hats/FBI_Hat_LG.gif)

Nagin ready to get rid of trailers

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Mayor Nagin’s administration said Wednesday that its goal is to have no more FEMA trailers in New Orleans by Aug. 15.

Unlike some other parishes, Orleans has not cracked down on FEMA trailer dwellers. In Jefferson Parish, for example, it has been illegal as of March 31 to possess a FEMA trailer in unincorporated areas of the parish.

But is it too early to force residents in Orleans Parish, which was harder hit than Jefferson in Katrina, to move out of trailers? Some hurricane victims are still waiting on The Road Home program, which has not doled out all of the rebuilding grants to homeowners whose property was damaged.

On the other hand, Jefferson Parish has set its foot down, despite The Road Home’s pace. So, should Orleans do the same and impose deadlines and fines, too?

N.O. debate sprouts over flowers

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Flowers are supposed to make people happy, right?

For some people, though, flowers are the source of a debate about whether they can remove lead from New Orleans soil, which researchers say has high levels of the heavy metal.

Students from Dillard University have been planting sunflowers in the city to see whether they reduce the amount of lead in the soil. Those involved with the project say flowers, particularly sunflowers, have shown promise for removing lead.

The New Orleans Office of Recovery and Development Administration backs the sunflower project, according to The Associated Press.

But others doubt the project will be successful.

A senior research agronomist with the federal Agriculture Department, in Beltsville, Md., who has studied the use of plants in removing lead from soil for 25 years, said sunflowers “do not take up lead,” according to the AP.

A Tulane researcher also says research indicates that the project will not work.

(Photo from http://www.nps.gov/wica/naturescience/images/Annual-Sunflower.jpg)

Bush gets his groove on in N.O.

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

While in New Orleans this week for a summit, President Bush was captured dancing in the Crescent City.

Check it out by clicking here.

Feds look for Road Home applicant fraud

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Since Katrina and Rita, I’ve seen many press releases from the office of U.S. Attorney Jim Letten about people accused of defrauding FEMA.

Now, the feds apparently are interested in whether people tried to cheat The Road Home program.

The Associated Press said ICF International, the company running The Road Home, said federal investigators have asked the company to provide case files to assist a U.S. grand jury probe into applicant fraud.

AP also reports that “while Louisiana has thus far seen no federal indictments for suspected applicant fraud in the Road Home program, Mississippi has 50 on public record with only a fraction of the grants.”

(Photo from http://lifelockprotection.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/fraud.jpg)

Do-it-yourself boot removal

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

It’s never pleasant to walk back to your car and see a boot wrapped around your wheel. It’s kind of like the feeling you get when you see that bright-orange ticket on your windshield for an expired meter, except at least with the meter ticket you can drive away.

While New Orleans is not getting rid of the practice of booting, the city said it is trying to make it easier for drivers to have the devices removed.

Starting Friday, the city will switch to the SmartBoot, which drivers can remove themselves after paying off tickets over the phone using a credit card, debit card or check by phone.

What to do with the boot once you take it off?

The city expects you to turn it in to 200 N. Claiborne Ave. or face a $25 late fee.

(Photo from http://dcist.com/attachments/dcist_adam/2007_0328_boot.jpg)

Shepherd has trouble passing another bill

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Indicted state Sen. Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero, for at least the second time this month, has failed to win support from the Legislature for legislation he pushed.

This week, senators rejected Shepherd’s bill that would make it illegal to go out in public wearing low-riding pants.

Last week, the Legislature failed to support another Shepherd bill, one that would force some insurers to offer homeowners policies to active duty military personnel.

Does the Legislature’s lack of approval for Shepherd’s bills have anything to do with Shepherd being indicted this month for money laundering, among other charges?

Shepherd denies the charges.

This brings me back to a question I raised in a blog posting last week: Can Shepherd be an effective lawmaker with an indictment over his head?

(Photo from http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/vox/media/r_baggy_pants_criminals-722845.jpg)

Mexican consulate back

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

The Mexican consulate in New Orleans reopened today in a ceremony that featured President Bush and Mexican President Felipe Calderon, who were in town for the North American Leaders’ Summit.

Six years ago, the Mexican government closed it to focus on areas with larger Hispanic populations, according to The Associated Press.

According to www.mexonline.com, there are no other Mexican consulates in Louisiana.

New Orleans seems like the most logical place to open the consulate, considering the influx of Hispanics, some of whom are Mexican, to the city to help with the post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding.

Web site to feature N.O. homeless

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

A man from Memphis, Tenn., said he has come to New Orleans to do something about the homeless situation that has been exacerbated since Hurricane Katrina.

Back in Tennessee, Wayne Andrews runs a Web site, www.street-people.com, featuring photos and descriptions of the homeless there. Andrews has come here to do the same thing in New Orleans.

But some people might not appreciate Andrews’ methods.

His Web site features some unflattering photos and sometimes cruel descriptions of the homeless in Tennessee. In one post, “The Trash Lady,” a photo shows a woman digging in a garbage can in Nashville. The accompanying description refers to her “top notch bum skills.”

Needless to say, Andrews’ arrival in New Orleans has angered some advocates for the homeless.

To read more, check out CityBusiness reporter Richard A. Webster’s story about Andrews and his New Orleans plans.

(Photo from http://www.photographyblog.com/images/photo_of_the_week/28030405/Homeless%20Dinner.jpg)

Jindal takes stab at labor department overhaul

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Louisiana’s work force is on the brain of Gov. Bobby Jindal, who is proposing an overhaul of the Louisiana Department of Labor.

Jindal’s proposal comes as the state reportedly faces an estimated 100,000 vacant job because of a lack of skilled workers.

Jindal’s overhaul idea is not new, though. The Associated Press reported that former Gov. Mike Foster also revamped the labor department in 1997 but, 11 years later, “the complaints remain unchanged and thousands of Louisianians remain too unskilled to fill the 100,000 estimated jobs in the state.”

What do you think? Will Jindal’s administration get more done that Foster’s did in overhauling the labor department?

(Photo from http://www.mbi-inc.com/images/timeclock.jpg)

Trying to unravel the gas price puzzle

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Gas prices are becoming more painful every day, as they come closer to $4 a gallon, a price that makes me shudder.

So why are gas prices going up, up, up? Our overall economy seems to be a contributing factor.

Our dollar has been weak, causing investors to turn to oil as a safer bet. So what makes our dollar weak? One reason is the recent slew of interest rate cuts that were meant to help our economy.

This seems to have the potential to create a snowball effect. The higher gas prices go, the less money people spend, which hurts the overall economy, possibly leading to more interest rate cuts, which weaken the dollar and drive up the price of oil. Doesn’t this seem like a vicious cycle that can’t end?

Then there are analysts who say a weak dollar is not the sole reason for high oil prices.

Still, there’s no question our struggling dollar is affecting oil prices. Perhaps the stimulus checks will be the ladder to help the nation climb out of this hole and, therefore, put the brakes on oil prices. Then again, I know people, myself included, who plan to save most of their rebate.

What do you think?

Legislature: Hang it up while driving

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

Driving while gabbing on a cell phone would be illegal for anyone younger than 18 if the Legislature passes a bill by state Sen. Donald Cravins.

What do you think of his bill’s application to people younger than 18? Should it apply to all drivers, regardless of their age?

Also, should the Legislature ban other distractions, such as putting on makeup and reading the newspaper while driving?

Levee lurch

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

I can imagine the shock that people in East Jefferson and St. Charles Parish had this morning when they picked The Times-Picayune off their lawns.

“EJ, St. Charles levees’ strength in question” read the headline.

The problem, according to the newspaper, is a new analysis by the Corps that shows the levees could be at risk for catastrophic failure because fabric at the base of the levees is not wide enough to stand up to a 100-year storm.

This is not exactly the news you want to hear with hurricane season just around the corner.

A sign of Shepherd’s waning power?

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

What happens when a lawmaker is charged with a crime? Do they become ineffective? If they are a member of the Louisiana Legislature, for example, can they expect to win support from other lawmakers for bills they want passed?

This is the question facing state Sen. Derrick Shepherd, D-Marrero, who was indicted last week for money laundering, among other charges. Shepherd denies the allegations.

This week, Shepherd failed to win support from other members of the Legislature for a bill that would force some insurers to offer homeowners policies to people who are active duty military personnel, according to The Associated Press.

Is that a sign of Shepherd’s waning power?

It’s hard to say, because Shepherd has failed in previous years to have the bill passed.

What do you think?

Social Insecurity

By Deon Roberts, Online Editor

To my unborn grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sorry for the no-name brand graham crackers.

You see, your grandpa would love to buy you the good stuff, but, well, his Social Security payments are just not high enough.

This is the conversation I’m afraid I’ll have with my grandkids one day, thanks to an expected shortfall in the Social Security Program, which I think should be renamed Social Insecurity.

It stinks to be told that unless something is done about the shortfall, the program is expected to not be able to pay full benefits beyond 2041. At t