Latest news with #AxiosNewOrleans


Axios
3 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
New Orleans mayoral hopefuls pitch big change at town hall
New Orleans voters got their first in-depth look Thursday at some of the candidates vying to succeed term-limited Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Why it matters: Residents are looking to the next leader to fix ongoing struggles with infrastructure, economic inequality and public safety. The big picture: Arthur Hunter, Helena Moreno and Oliver Thomas squared off for more than two hours at the town hall hosted by nonprofit Voters Organized to Educate. The public interest was intense, with the event reaching capacity before it started. Dozens were turned away at the doors, including Tyrell Morris, who is also running for mayor. Renada Collins and Ricky Twiggs were in the audience and told Axios New Orleans they were not invited to participate, even though they are campaigning. The latest: State Sen. Royce Duplessis on Sunday night said he will seek the office too, reversing course from his January decision that cited fundraising concerns. His formal announcement is expected Tuesday. Frank Scurlock, who made a bid for mayor in 2017, also says he is entering the race again. Between the lines: The on-stage candidates were chosen because they had a longstanding relationship with the organization and had filed campaign finance reports, said Devin Davis, the nonprofit's political operations director. Inside the room: It was packed, with 150-plus people sitting, leaning on walls and cramming in to every corner. Attendees were a mix of longtime residents, campaign supporters and community activists. Moderators with the nonprofit asked questions and the candidates had 60 seconds to respond. The questions focused on fixing the city's infrastructure and improving quality of life issues. What we learned: The candidates' platforms were similar, with each saying they want drivable streets, reliable power, good schools, safe neighborhoods and improvements for residents, not just tourists. The main difference seems to be their leadership styles. Oliver Thomas Thomas, a current councilmember, described himself as a middle-class native New Orleanian who will help people who he says have been "disrespected," "overlooked" and "forgotten," especially in New Orleans East. He also painted himself as a strong advocate for Black New Orleanians and formerly incarcerated residents. Thomas, who served three years in jail on bribery charges, touted his efforts with strengthening " Ban the Box," which prevents public employers from discriminating against job applicants with criminal backgrounds. Plus, he took credit for recent developments in New Orleans East: Lincoln Beach and the demolition at the former Six Flags. Arthur Hunter Hunter, a former criminal court judge, portrayed himself as a connector, saying he sees the mayoral position as one that brings everyone to the table. "That's what I've always been about — doing the work," he said. "Taking control, bringing the right people together and coming up with a solution and results." He brought success stories from his time on the bench and talked about how he would expand the New Orleans Recreation Department's role to help improve life for youth and families. He also talked about career training programs he started that are geared at creating a skilled workforce. Helena Moreno Moreno, another councilmember, painted the picture of herself as someone with good ideas who has been ignored over the years. "When I'm your mayor, I'm no longer going to be ignored and pushed aside," she said, especially with short-term rental regulations. She talked about her wins during her time on the council and in the state Legislature, citing her efforts regulating Entergy New Orleans, helping create NOPD's mobile crisis unit and working on mental health and homeless outreach services. She also talked about her work creating the housing trust fund, which is dedicated to affordable housing projects. Zoom in: They were all prepared and seemed comfortable talking on stage. Their comments often elicited applause and vocal support from the audience. Of the three, Moreno was the most critical of Cantrell, blaming her for her "absent leadership" and misaligned infrastructure priorities. Hunter took subtle shots at Moreno and Thomas, saying the council has had the power to change things and they haven't done it. He portrayed himself as an outsider who can make it happen. But in general, the candidates were civil and friendly with each other on stage as they shared a microphone. They got loud on a few issues, but not at each other. And, no one interrupted one another.


Axios
6 days ago
- General
- Axios
United Houma Nation seeks federal recognition
The United Houma Nation, which is Louisiana's largest recognized tribe, continues to seek federal recognition as the group gears up for its annual powwow. Why it matters: Federal recognition unlocks funding, protections and land and water rights, in addition to sovereignty as a native nation. The big picture: The process is long and complicated, Principal Chief Lora Ann Chaisson tells Axios New Orleans. They've been pushing for recognition since before World War II, according to the Associated Press. They were denied in 1994 and have been appealing ever since. The application requires extensive historical documentation, which the nation continues to research, Chaisson says. State of play: The United Houma Nation has 19,000 tribal citizens, according to information from the Houmas. The majority live in Terrebonne, Lafourche, Jefferson, St. Mary, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. The Houma people established what is known today as the French Market in New Orleans. Bayou St. John and the land at Congo Square were also important to them, according to information from the tribe. They can trace their history in New Orleans back to 1675. Go deeper. Zoom out: The state has worked on exploring the indigenous history of Louisiana, with more hopefully to come, according to Carrie Broussard, the assistant secretary for the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development. There's the self-guided ancient mound tour, she said. And, there's a museum with guided tours at Poverty Point, the state's only World Heritage Site through UNESCO. What's next: At the tribal level, Chaisson said they want to move forward with a program to teach their youth the native Houma language.


Axios
25-06-2025
- General
- Axios
New Orleans City Park wants to add nature play area, "grand" water feature
New Orleans City Park leaders will unveil the park's new master plan on Wednesday. The big picture: Plans include a children's play area and a shallow reflecting pool, City Park Conservancy President and CEO Rebecca Dietz tells Axios New Orleans. The water feature is meant to be a "grand entrance" to the park near Dreyfous and Marconi drives. It will be on the site of the former pool that closed in the 1960s rather than integrating. "This feels to us like an opportunity to welcome everyone in the community back to enjoy water in the park," Dietz says. The specifics will be worked out in the design phase, Dietz says, and the timeline will depend on funding. Zoom in: The ideas came from a series of community meetings with hundreds of attendees. The plan also includes elevated overlooks (hills!), fields with native plants and walking trails, Dietz says. Plus, there are new boathouses and sports fields, along with better access to the islands and lagoons. Restrooms, water fountains, parking, shade, trashcans, way-finding signs and other "givens" will be priorities throughout the park too, she says. What she says: The plan will be "somewhat transformational without changing the backbone of City Park, which is already so special to so many people," Dietz says. Zoom out: Residents will be able to weigh in Wednesday at two public meetings at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park. The meetings are at 11:30am and 6pm. The same information will be presented at both. RSVP. Catch up quick: The City Park Conservancy, the nonprofit that began managing the park in the 2022, is creating a roadmap for the next 20 to 25 years. The last plan, which was approved after Hurricane Katrina's devastation in 2005, focused on the southern half of the 1,300-acre park. This one focuses on the northern half: Couturie Forest, the golf courses, the lagoons and the acreage on the lakeside of Interstate 610. The process started in 2023 and was expected to finish last year. Yes, but: The planning was put on hold after pushback over the future of Grow Dat Youth Farm. Grow Dat and the park eventually reached a long-term agreement, and the park scrapped plans to relocate the youth farm to make room for a new road. City Park then rebooted its planning process with more voices involved, including Grow Dat staffers and a youth committee. By the numbers: The plan will cost millions to implement. Dietz said the park will pursue federal money when available, but will rely heavily on grant money from private foundations and donors. The funding will guide the timeline and which elements are prioritized, she said. What's next: The two boards that govern the park will vote on the plan at their August meetings. Go deeper
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials brace for hurricane season ahead of 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina — here's how they're preparing
City leaders in New Orleans are prepared for the 2025 hurricane season, which has officially begun. They said they have learned their lessons from Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago, as well as other extreme storms, and have new and improved disaster preparedness measures in place. As Axios New Orleans reported, New Orleans officials are ready to promptly open shelters and cooling centers for residents to handle extreme summer heat. These efforts can help people avoid suffering from heat-related conditions following power outages and blackouts that can take out residential air conditioning systems. New Orleans now has solar-powered "community lighthouses" at churches and community centers to address fragile grid issues. Meanwhile, the city has strengthened levees and the power grid while improving storm forecasting and communication with and among residents. However, officials still emphasized the need for individuals and families to take disaster preparedness into their own hands and build their own resilience when strong storms hit. Human-induced climate change intensifies and escalates extreme weather events like hurricanes. Storms are becoming more powerful than ever before, posing increased risks to New Orleans and other vulnerable coastal communities. It is encouraging to hear that New Orleans has taken additional precautionary measures to prepare for storms. However, there are also concerns and uncertainties about the future of the national FEMA disaster response under the Trump administration. Although the National Hurricane Center noted in its first daily tropical outlook of the season on May 15 that all was quiet, as Axios shared, the most active hurricane period in the Gulf is typically in August and September. City disaster preparedness actions are undoubtedly helpful, but they might not be enough to keep you and your family safe during an extreme storm. Creating your own personal emergency plan and discussing it with your family members, friends, and neighbors is critical. What would you do if natural disasters were threatening your home? Move somewhere else Reinforce my home Nothing This is happening already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. One thing you can do in advance to boost your storm resilience is to install solar panels. If you generate your own energy rather than relying on the grid, you can keep your appliances and cooling system on to remain safe and healthy during a blackout. EnergySage makes saving up to $10,000 on solar installation costs easy with its free tool to compare quotes from vetted local installers. Due to the upfront costs required, purchasing solar panels isn't a feasible option for everyone. To reduce your initial investment, consider leasing solar panels. If panels are connected to the grid without a battery system or grid disconnection switch, you will generally lose power if the grid goes out, but they still offer plenty of benefits. Beyond being better for the environment than relying on dirty fuels, they can help protect homeowners from fluctuating electricity prices. Palmetto's LightReach solar panel leasing program helps homeowners install panels for no money down while locking in low energy rates. Meanwhile, weatherizing your home makes it more capable of withstanding dangerous conditions. Hurricane prep, such as packing a go-bag, stocking up on non-perishable food, and keeping a supply of fresh water, is also important, while evacuation orders must be followed. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.


Axios
11-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Bullet's Sports Bar owner looking to sell
One of New Orleans' most beloved 7th Ward bars is on the market. Why it matters: Bullet's Sports Bar has been a cornerstone of New Orleans drinking, second-lines and live music for three decades. What he says: "This industry is gone," Rollins "Bullet" Garcia Sr. tells Axios New Orleans. "The young people don't want this." But, he says, "my son is mad because I promised him this place. But why would I give him something where I don't see a future?" Zoom in: Garcia is looking to sell the business as well as the A.P. Tureaud Avenue building that's been its home since 2020. The intrigue: The decision to sell, however, endangers another example of what New Orleans artist and photographer L. Kasimu Harris calls " Vanishing Black Bars." Harris first started documenting Black-owned bars in 2018, and his photography of the community, camaraderie and culture that New Orleans' editions offer has landed his work in museums around the country. He first wrote about it for The New York Times in 2020. "I think a lot of people are unaware and taking it for granted" how much these establishments mean to the city, Harris says. "These places are closing. … But it's not all lost." Fun fact: Bullet's is one of the city's remaining bars where you can order a set-up — a classic Black bar order where the bartender gives you a cup of ice, a pint of liquor and a cup of your favorite mixer. That, too, is becoming less popular, Garcia says, but his back-bar is still stocked with hundreds of palm-sized bottles of tequila, vodka, whiskey and gin. The order's origin is hard to pin down, but it's a win-win for customers (who can easily pace their drinking) and bartenders (who don't have to pour drinks for the same person over and over). A set-up, Harris says "says I'mma be here for while." "You order a set-up, you're truly lounging," Harris says. The fact is, Garcia says, the neighborhood around Bullet's has changed a lot since he first got into business, which has made it harder to keep things going. Post-Katrina gentrification is a big part of that. "When I first got in, in this area here, we had a lot of customers that were craftsmen, carpenters, bricklayers, plasterers," Garcia says. Many of them have, over the years, been memorialized on a poster near the door that honors customers who have died. What's next: There's no exact timeline for the sale as Garcia looks for a buyer, he says, who can do right by the business and the people who have supported it for so long.