The latest biennial New Orleans Quality of Life survey shows some significant shifts in opinions about public safety. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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The group Leaders for Better Louisiana has released its analysis and recommendations for the ten constitutional amendments that appear on the November 3rd ballot. Jeff Palermo has more.
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Saints Owner Gayle Benson had strong words about her team’s 1-and-4 start. Kace Kieschnick has more.
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The latest biennial New Orleans Quality of Life Survey by LSU New Orleans shows that people in the city feel much safer than before. LSU New Orleans political science professor Ed Chervenak, who conducted the survey, says the biggest concern among people in Orleans Parish is streets and infrastructure, which is a significant departure from recent surveys.
Cut 4 (09) “…the parish anymore.”
Crime, however, is the biggest concern among those living in neighboring Jefferson Parish, although Chervenak says the percentage of those feeling that way is down. Chervenak says most people in New Orleans feel that bright days are ahead.
As for Mayor Helena Moreno’s job performance, Chervenak says his survey found that two-thirds approve of it, while only 14-percent disapprove.
Cut 6 (08) “…facing next year.”
For comparison, Moreno’s predecessor, LaToya Cantrell, had a 57-percent approval rating and a 30-percent disapproval rating at this juncture of her first term in office. Amid scandals, however, Cantrell’s approval rating cratered to below 20-percent by the time she left office and Moreno succeeded her.
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Louisiana will soon be offering Medicaid services to prison inmates before their release dates. This, after getting approval for a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says it helps inmates transition back into society upon their release.
Cut 7 (12) “…jail and prison.”
Dr. Croughan says the waiver will allow the state to provide the inmates with the prescriptions they need.
Croughan says the inmates will have access to other Medicaid services as well.
The demonstration will launch early next year at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, with the remaining state prisons and parish jails to follow.
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The group Leaders for a Better Louisiana is recommending that voters approve five of the ten constitutional amendments that will appear on the November 3rd ballot, but the group opposes amendments six, eight and nine. Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says amendments six and nine could reduce the tax base for local government.
Amendment Eight would prohibit the expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary.
Better Louisiana supports amendments one, two, five, seven and ten. Erwin says they are understand some voters have constitutional amendment fatigue, but it believes these amendments represent smart policy choices.
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Better Louisiana did not take a position on amendment three and four. The latter one is the amendment that would prohibit a governor who has already served two terms from running for a third term after sitting out for four years. Erwin says it leaves the term limit debate up to the individual voter.
Cut 12 (12) “…one out themselves.”
Erwin says the ten amendments are the most we’ve had since 2014, and it’s important that citizens take some time to understand what the amendments do.
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Saints owner Gayle Benson did not mince words at the Greater New Orleans Quarterback Club yesterday. Benson says she will not make excuses for the Saints’ 1-and-4 start to the season.
Cut 13 (10) “…improve this team.”
Benson says she was truly disappointed by the Black and Gold’s loss to Atlanta in the Domecoming anniversary game. Since that nationally televised blowout, fans have been vocal about their frustrations with the team and head coach Kellen Moore.
Benson says the organization’s obligation to deliver better football remains very clear. She says the responsibility falls on her to do what is best for the team, and it will take results to win back the confidence of the fan base.
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LSU will have to bounce back from a tough loss to Kentucky quickly as they prepare to host 16th-ranked Mississippi State Saturday. Quarterback Sam Leavitt says sometimes it can be hard to mentally rebound from a close loss because there aren’t always a lot of coaching tips to work on.
Cut 16 (19) “…keep getting better.”
One area Leavitt says he will have to improve is ball security. He leads the nation with eight interceptions this season and had a crucial fumble late against Kentucky.
Cut 17 (12) “…getting better at.”
Kickoff in Tiger Stadium is set for 11 a.m.
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ULM and Louisiana Tech face off Saturday in the first I-20 Rivalry clash since 2000. Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent expects an electric atmosphere in Monroe. He says Northeast Louisiana will thrive off of the conference matchup.
Cut 18 (14) “…see this environment.”
The Warhawks are 0-and-5 and have not won a game since September of last year. The Bulldogs are 3-and-2 to start the season and got a big win over UL Lafayette last week. Vincent says his team still believes in itself and there is a lot of football left.
Kickoff between ULM and Tech is at 7 p.m.
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LSU guard Mikaylah Williams is taking charge of the LSU women’s basketball team in her senior season. The Bossier City native has been a star since her freshman year; but after two trips to the Elite Eight and a Sweet 16 elimination, she has more to prove in Baton Rouge.
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