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[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Jen Michalski"
] | 2016-08-26T12:50:17 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcp-feature-fiction-possessions-michalski-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bcfcf2/turbine/bcp-feature-fiction-possessions-michalski-20160824 | en | null | Possessions | null | null | www.citypaper.com | I will take the way you folded the towels and looped the toilet paper under and the way you made eggs, not because I believe in the rightness or wrongness of your technique but because of the muscle memory of these acts seems silly to change now.
I will take the good sex to remember I was once desirable to you. I will leave you the bad sex, the times I didn't come or said her name instead of yours, framed on the night table so that when you pick up the phone late at night, drunk or horny, maybe you'll think better of calling me.
I will take your nasty e-mails, the accusing voicemails, the letters in which you told me you weren't in love with me anymore, in case the urge to romanticize you during the aforementioned times rears its ugly head.
I will take your advice, when you told me to look people in the eye, to shake hands firmly, to never give anyone the satisfaction of knowing that they hurt you.
I will leave being beta, mousy, insecure, my default mode of placing myself second. You will not want these, either, although for a time, stripped of your power, you will think I have put them in the side zipper of your suitcase or in the air-conditioning vent or some other place in which they will be hard to find, and you will carry them with you like the smell of garlic on your fingers. I will take my voice, discovered almost too late, from where it was shoved in the utensil drawer next to the never-used batter scraper from a Pampered Chef party.
I will leave your family. I will block you after you text to invite me to your grandmother's funeral, your grandmother who I loved as my own. Although it will be hard, I will not wonder, five years later, if your sister is still in remission. When I see your asshole brother at Starbucks, it will be an earthquake that only the two of us feel, shaking our cups and hands, vibrating our vocal cords like rigging on a sailboat, that I will fight, not alter my course and cross the café to lay empty pleasantries by his scone or to have the last word about something.
I will take our friends—who were my friends first—and I will feel secretly angry and betrayed that although I have told them how you treated me, what a narcissistic bitch you were, they still like your Facebook posts, answer "maybe" to the events in which you invite them, sometimes actually see you.
Because of them and because of you, I will take suspicion and fear of commitment. Fool me twice, shame on me.
You will take the television, the stereo, the bedroom furniture from IKEA, the expensive hiking gear.
You will take all the times you were right, because they were always the most important thing to you.
You will take our dog, even though I am home more often, am better prepared to care for her. For some reason, I do not fight you on this; maybe I want you to have someone who will always love you because, after ten years of living with you, I'm not sure anyone else will.
You want me to take the blame for the relationship ending because, technically, in the vacuum of your logic, I was the one who left.
And you will insist I take your regrets, that you shouldn't have been so critical, so quick to anger, so jealous and controlling. That you wish you had appreciated me more, that you hadn't cheated. You will press them on me when I leave, like a missionary tract or a Jehovah's Witness pamphlet. You will hope I examine them later, in some moment of reflection, and convert back to your way of thinking.
Neither of us will take the photos, those memories, the ones before we got the iPhones, the thousands of our relationship over the years, visiting the coasts, the Sears Building in Chicago, sipping margaritas at some Puerto or Villa, toasting at weddings, family birthdays, holidays. The photos that seemed so certain, like mercury on a cut or a radical mastectomy or morning in America, of our happiness but now feel so dated, not just our clothes and hairstyles and smooth, unlined faces, but our belief that love conquered all even in the face of diametrically opposed outlooks. The ones that will sit on the curb, with audiocassettes of U2 and VHS tapes of "Friends," the things that other people don't want, either. The things we thought, at some point, we absolutely needed.
Jen Michalski's second novel, "The Summer She Was Under Water," was just released by Queens Ferry Press. She is the editor of the journal "JMWW" and host of Starts Here! | http://www.citypaper.com/bcp-feature-fiction-possessions-michalski-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/9fb57be1ce2ca6a678154806d7ae317b763ab3e91a45eaff8401212fec0e2905.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"D. Watkins"
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:17 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Farts%2Fvisualart%2Fbcp-083116-ae-larry-luv-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5eab1/turbine/bcp-083116-ae-larry-luv-20160830 | en | null | HUEY Brand's Larry Luv makes fly shit for dark days | null | null | www.citypaper.com | You are a square if you're in Baltimore and don't know Larry Luv.Thanks to his addictive Sunny Day parties and the whirlwind of high-energy designs flying out of his Huey Brand flagship store, the Douglass Housing Projects native has crafted a simple yet complex cocktail of innovative fashion and the illest events ever. The mix is beaming a much needed light of positive energy over one of the darkest summers in the history of our city.
Summer 2016 has been tougher than those rip-off-online college placement exams. We lost Scoota and Truz, endured the tragic videos posted by Korryn Gaines before she was killed by police, and watched our trash legal system cosign police brutality and murder—allowing all six of Freddie Gray's killers to walk.
It's hard to find hope, especially if your source of information comes from a mix of local news and social media. Every story involves murder, murder, and, of course, murder. The surviving scene is petty beef over the same goals, a bunch of disconnected cops, and talk centered around Port Covington, lack of opportunity, the ever-increasing crime rate, and a bunch of other issues that seem unsolvable.
I don't understand how people can go more than a day without tipping a bottle.Especially if you are in the trying-to-inspire-with-hope-and-change-making business. You plan, you pray, and you strategize, throwing 50 shots up at A-Better-Baltimore basket—watching them all brick, building a new house of problems. And then there's Larry Luv, "The Curator, The Designer, The Creative Director, and The Smooth Operator," as described on his Instagram.
Larry's different. He's like an activist, but not really. He doesn't march, run a youth center, or pair dashikis with cutoff jeans and open toe sandals––no. He's a businessman, and a huge component of his business is fun—exactly what our city needs, especially now.
About two years ago, a friend of mine named Josh came through with a black cap. It had a white X on the left side and a red heart on the right. "Yo that's dope," I said to him, pointing at the hat, "Where'd you get that from?"
"Yo Larry make these! He gotta bunch of fly shit coming out! Get down with him!"
Josh is fly so I listened. I borrowed his hat and purposely forgot to return it, followed all of Larry's social media accounts, and ended up buying a few of his shirts.
My closet is emo; it's dark as summer 2016—all black tees and all black jeans like I'm funeral-ready all of the time. Larry's designs stick out like a sixth toe in my pile of hoodies. HUEY (Helping Us Enjoy Youth), the name of his brand, is full of flavor, life, and inviting imagery like loud muscle cars and cool but real quotes. One reads "A dollar makes a difference."
Larry "Luv" Davis, 27, was born stylish.
"My mom always kept me fresh; I stayed in the latest everything" he says, eyeing an off-green mezcal cocktail on a night at Clavel. "But basketball was my first love."
East Baltimore nostalgia hits when I see him. I think of the dudes we looked up to back in the day, the smooth OG's that owned all of the stores on Monument Street like Milton and Nose—you know; the ones that set the trends. They brought Coogi's, Fila denim, and triple Fat Gooses to town—they were Baltimore fashion and also smart enough to supply it.
Like a lot of us east Baltimore kids, Larry started out on the blacktop. He put countless hours of work in on the court. Eventually, he made it to Carver High School, where he excelled as varsity basketball player, but begin losing interest in the sport.
"Fashion became my thing—not necessarily brands but fabrics and how they felt when I put them on or when other people put them on," Larry explains with a rare burst of enthusiasm. Rare for him because he's a laid back dude, real cool with an old soul. He listens like he's been here before; he lives in a cap, thinks before he speaks, and his eyes disappear when he smiles.
"I always wanted to make my own clothes," Larry says. "My high school had a design class that was full of women and gay dudes—no disrespect to them, but I was a child in Baltimore city where we are taught to be hyper masculine. There were no straight men out here designing clothes, at least not in my neighborhood. Luckily I got over that phobia and launched my first line, HOJAon."
Luv started his first clothing line at 16. Initially HOJAon (Hold Your Own) featured exclusive customs that Larry made for himself, then his friends wanted to buy some and then their friends, which came with more and more referrals that eventually spiraled into a business. Larry made a ton of money and created a buzz that stretched all the away across the city: "It didn't really hit me until I went to a City-Poly game and 50-plus people were wearing my clothes. My clothes. I didn't even care about the money, I was just happy that the city coming together and supporting something that I made."
The HOJAon custom collection was full of the creative part of Baltimore that we don't hear enough about, the Baltimore that us real Baltimoreans are trying to hold on to. Larry ran the company, stacked his money, and continued slanging custom apparel after graduating and being accepted into the University of Maryland at Eastern Shore.
"Eastern Shore made me feel even more comfortable as a designer. I met so many different types of people from all over who were doing great things," Larry says. "They were really into the craft like me, unlike a lot of the brands back in Baltimore who only focused on the business side of fashion, which is the reason why five clothing lines could look exactly the same. My college experience showed me that my designs had much more than a local appeal."
Larry enjoyed his time at UMES, but it really wasn't for him. He only attended to make his mom happy. He was already living in his purpose, coming home and selling loads of clothes every weekend.
"I told my mom that I was ready to be serious and go into business full time as a fashion designer," he says. "She gave her blessing and I left school."
HUEY Brand launched in 2012 and instantly became popular amongst the who is who in Baltimore. The original shirts, hats, and sweats were unique, making people want more. Each design bleeds energy. Some are minimalist, stamped with The Huey logo; others have retro cartoons and playful fonts. The look is catching on, his clothes are starting to generate interest in other states as the designs are only getting better.The vibe is youthful and the brand provides a break from the chaos we adults face daily and, magically, Larry does the same with his parties. | http://www.citypaper.com/arts/visualart/bcp-083116-ae-larry-luv-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/8352698e45b4f58127a5be9226e9abd5547a7bbf2d4675f67296d36287d9d472.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:42 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcpnews-saturday-maryland-renaissance-festival-20160823-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bd1e15/turbine/bcpnews-saturday-maryland-renaissance-festival-20160823 | en | null | Saturday: Maryland Renaissance Festival | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Aug. 27
You know how ladies at Renaissance Festivals let their bosoms kinda overflow out of their corsets? That's a good thing; you don't want those getting suffocated. I recently learned from an experienced friend that this is called "beaching the clams." So what does that make wearing a codpiece—retacting the conch? Whatever it's called, make sure you do that, or beach your clams, for the return of the Renaissance Festival, where overpriced unidentifiable fried food on sticks and goblets full of ale are in abundance. Don't miss the jousting tournament. Through Oct. 23, 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, (410) 266-7304, rennfest.com, $8-$24. (Maura Callahan) | http://www.citypaper.com/bcpnews-saturday-maryland-renaissance-festival-20160823-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/f378c6f91b401f08f133a48fc4edc2e6069d758c4bdedcc819626bf843387787.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:12 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcpnews-saturday-these-eyes-20160823-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bd1e57/turbine/bcpnews-saturday-these-eyes-20160823 | en | null | Saturday: "These Eyes" | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Aug. 27
Shane McCallum was convicted of killing John Perkins when he was a young adult, and he spent the next 37 years of his life in a Maryland prison. During his time in prison, he threw himself into his art. He painted portraits of his fellow inmates' loved ones, worked on murals in the visitors rooms, and donated his art for occasional shows, such as the Maryland Inmate Art Exhibit to Benefit Victims of Crime, held at the Eubie Blake Cultural Center in 2005. McCallum was released on parole last year, and was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after. He passed away in July. His first solo show, organized in part by Dave Eassa (of Free Space, an art program in Maryland correctional facilities, where the two met), celebrates McCallum's life and vision as an artist, and any proceeds from artwork sales will go towards funeral costs and donations to the hospice center where he spent his last days. Opening reception 7-10 p.m., through Sept. 4; Gallery Four, 405 W. Franklin St., fourth floor, galleryfour.net, freespace-md.org, free. (Rebekah Kirkman) | http://www.citypaper.com/bcpnews-saturday-these-eyes-20160823-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/3d4f941591f5d0e5524c7dc80d4f5950753e07507f561af30c7a53849d7c2e22.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Andria Nacina Cole"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:53 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcp-082416-feature-andria-like-bees-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bcf35a/turbine/bcp-082416-feature-andria-like-bees-20160824 | en | null | Like Bees Wanting Out the Terrible Hive | null | null | www.citypaper.com | It was Thursday already, and anyway you knew he was itching by the way he tapped his feet double time. He said, "Don't nobody wanna take a ride? Don't nobody wanna taste that sweet air with they tongue? Hunh? Stuffy in here, ain't it Lin? Pam, you not hot? Roy Jr.? Marian? Sugar, what about you?" And he coughed some, threw his shoulders forward into the sound, because it was insincere and the color yellow, not thunder like he liked it. But no one—especially not Carolyn, listening from the kitchen (eyes two opened-up stupid questions)—needed scaring. He'd turned them all to tin or soup some years back. "I ain't crazy. It's hot in here." He fanned himself with a newspaper and then a magazine, and finally with his hands big as New York. "I'm sweating." But when he pushed his corduroy thighs open and then shut them, lovingly, to squish his dick into a firm beige heap between them, then mercy unraveled all the way out. He said, "Y'all got to be hot!" Made his eyes wide as the threat. "Uh uh, Daddy, we fine." That was Pam. Oldest and meanest. "We like it this warm, right y'all? Too cold outside." But those words weren't filling. He swallowed them and was hungry still. He sat a spell, sure; everything had its pace. Was quiet five, six minutes. Watched Marian whisper something to Sugar: "Let's wish he die, count of three…" and then Sugar whisper back: "One, two, three…". Hummed My Sweet Lord the Savior, told his dick Whoa now, whoa now between verses. He slid his stinking feet out his stinking shoes and helped himself to too much forgiveness. He hummed louder. Then lower. He hummed louder then lower then wider. Then sweeter. But that song only disturbed where he was hunting violence. Somewhere inside him things said "now" and he put his shoes back on, in case. He pressed his fat lips so close they blended with his chin, and he became just two eyes, a nose, and fury. He told them, "Y'all gon have to take a ride! Shit!" And Pam gave her lap her hands. She looked left and right and then left for Linda. Standing barefoot in the middle of the den with her thumb shoved to the hot middle of her mouth, Linda might as well have been a woman with all that ass stretched out behind her like forever and those breasts bubbling up over her bra like beer. Only she twisted her hair with one finger like a young girl does; she let her shoulders take her over; she stood there hunched and silly like young girls do. Marian and Sugar had stopped altogether their whispers and wishes. Despite the routine they were shocked as two fresh-cut trees. When they finally closed their hanging mouths, one (Sugar) fell into a useless habit—calling on old ordinary Jesus, and the other tried talking her out of it: "Hush." The other children only counted to a hundred. Or started mourning (might as well). Or longed (bad) for a bowl of fruit cocktail, six cherries please. "I work hard for y'all and I'ma need some time or something…for myself. Can't I spend one hour of one day alone? Without a sorry wife and lazy kids hounding me? That's a bunch of bullshit if that's what you telling me! A man big and grown as me, working hard as I work one day after the next, can't get a minute!" So they collected their fear, quick, and ran. Even Pam, stubborn as she was. Even Pam was swayed. But the mother stood still. It was long enough before she tore her hands out the dishwater, like for war, but then on top of taking her time and faking tough, she only gripped her skirt. She said, "Please God, please God," in circles, for at least a minute. Like this wasn't ritual. All that time standing there shaking and singing, she pretended her husband's voice unordinary. God wasn't coming, and she knew it, and since Roy Sr. was king behind Him, it was time to gather things. When she did move, it was without order. She snatched up hats and coats and earmuffs, yes, but accidentally: toilet paper and barrettes, Tupperware. Only when she grabbed a limp pair of purple panties did she think anything. The thought was: bubble gum. Only when she flung the panties into a corner did her soul stir. It went chasing after them. Her feet just brush, brushed the floor she moved so fast. And even Roy Jr., for whom the world had spun only a thousand times, for whom the excitement meant nothing yet, stayed out of her way. He pretended he was busy when all he was doing was licking new teeth with a young tongue. Big Roy went on hollering from his seat by the window to speed things along, and because he was ready all over. There was his dick fixed to bust, his mind all done with shame, his fingers blind as worms. He spelled out a list of everything new any one of them had. All Sugar's socks were nestled like eggs in a sturdy oak dresser, for instance. Roy Jr. wouldn't shut the fuck up about that dumb electric train. And where was it? Right there on his bedroom floor. Between them they had notebooks and postage stamps, coloring books…motherfucking toothpaste. All because of him. All because he had worked "37 and a half BACKBREAKING hours of gotdamn overtime." He reminded them: "If I don't buy it, you tell me who the fuck will?" And asked them in a voice so steep they could climb it, twelve times, twelve ways, "Am I asking too much? For just a stingy snatch of privacy, a square of space where I could just sit and breathe and not hear bigheaded children questioning, farting, fighting…fucking with my head?" Fucking was out his mouth, and Carolyn and the children were in Linda's room. It was biggest, bone colored. It could hold all six of them, plus wonder, plus secrets. The mother held her arms in a crooked, wobbling circle, with all their winter things taking up its uneven insides, and the children stood against a wall, lined like stitches, like jury. She tried passing the clothes on, but they hid their hands. She said, "Come on now," but they about cried. And they were all so alive. Those questions nearly tripped out their mouths. Carolyn said, "I'm trying, ain't I?" And gave them another chance at the coats. "I'm trying! If one don't make it, well, I think that's better than none. That's basic math. Ain't it?" And eight brown eyes searched Linda's face. She was third in line either way you counted. Big as a plum among raisins. Pam hooked her lips to call her mother "bitch" and then "damn dummy", but got no chance to spin either. "Don't you answer that," Carolyn said. "I'm not asking that for no answer. I don't want to hear nothing right now. All I need to hear is my own mean-nothing prayers and y'all running to that car. Stop looking at me."
But they didn't. And all she had was her face to tell the story with. The clothes used up her hands and her knees were too busy knocking to help. "This bigger than me," she said, whining. Then tilted her head to meet a shoulder. "He bigger than me. His fist'll eat me whole. One punch to my head and y'all won't have no mother. And who gonna clean after you then? Make you dinner when you want it? I'm just saying there ain't nothing I can do. I'm trying hard to get us outta here. Y'all see that. But if y'all don't all go, well, shit, just be happy it ain't you. And if it's you, well…well then…" And her hands, useless as the rest of her, loosened a bit, but did not risk their grip on the clothes; and one thing became two in her sight, and now she was the mother of ten blurry, bushy-headed things, not five, whose features she could not make out. Her heart, typically ungenerous with its blood, beat against itself so hard its pulse slammed through her neck and her wrists, and if she was studied, through her dry, hardly ever kissed lips. She rushed the children using that tone of voice, the chopped up one that made them bite the insides of their cheeks 'til there was just enough blood to haunt the teeth. Told them, "Get it together. Get it together!" And they did. She tossed what she held on top of Linda's feet, so the girl was a bit buried, and poked the other children in their stomachs to say, "Go on." They grabbed their coats and things with cross hands and either swallowed the blood or let it live. Linda, the second oldest, the prettiest, the one with the bread-soft breasts and ass filled to the verge of her panties, always dressed fastest. She was like lightening such evenings. So much so she missed a button, guaranteed, and absolutely always stood lopsided, eyes dumb as a deer's, hands palm open. She was just this way when Carolyn pointed at her—"Your coat, Lin…you coat on wrong." "It don't matter!" Pam hollered out her mean mouth, but the mother snatched those words out the air like they were one single worker bee and said, "Don't you try it. Don't you try it 'less you want all our heads bashed in the ground." And was not stung. The six of them made their way to the living room, where Roy Sr. was still grinding his dick and fanning his squat face. "Come on kids. Roy Jr., Linda, Marian, Sugar, Pam." Carolyn just almost gathered all four girls in her arms but couldn't. Roy Jr. stood before her, leaned backward into her knees, a flower already picked. And the family posed for its father. An awful bouquet. "Let's give your daddy a minute to breathe and collect his thoughts. Working so hard for us, don't he deserve it? "I tell you Roy, I know what you mean, needing a minute to yourself. Sometimes I need a minute too. I'm just gon take the girls and Roy Jr. to that ice cream parlor around the way, and we'll just set there for an hour or so. You think it's too cold for ice cream, Roy?" They held six breaths. Didn't breathe a sip waiting on Roy. Those plump Down coats were buttoned to the collars and their damp hands were fat from the heat, and eating up all the space in their mittens. No matter it was one degree outside, they suffocated waiting on that answer. And for all the seconds before the father spoke (dozens of them), they worked hard at being bigger and browner and more beautiful. They rocked from their left feet to their right, wanting hard to disguise Linda among them. But Linda was so tall and so dark, she might as well have been ink. She might as well have been ink burped and bled 'cross the page. They didn't say one word watching that man in his chair with his newspaper making unsatisfying wind for his fat face. They lost their language faced with those lips decorating that horrible mouth, forever filled to its pink roof with all those foul words. "I don't care if you go to the motherfucking moon," he told them. "Just get the fuck outta here." And the color red rushed down the mother's cheeks and along her jaws, as if for revolution, but only gathered in a stain at her chin (for nothing). Her heart might have knocked her chest open, but she gasped and interrupted it. Everybody, she and Linda included, turned and nearly ran to the front door. They shoved against themselves like bees wanting out the terrible hive. Their voices sped up to keep pace with their hearts: "Let's go," and "hurry up," and "move." And even Pam, mean as the devil, was on the margin: even she just nearly tipped over into tears. Then Big Roy, from that corner way over there with the newspaper and violence, and the firm beige triangle between him said loud enough to be heard over all the commotion and near-crying and heartbeats put together: "Linda? "Won't you stay here with me? Hunh? Sit a spell and talk?" And fine Linda, eyes dumb as a deer's, coat plenty warm, but buttoned all wrong. With those dumpling-soft breasts and ass wide, wonderful, mysterious as the noon sun. Too pretty Linda. Tall enough to pinch her lips closed, and almost, just almost kiss God. Linda. Linda, Linda. Linda Tichelle Grant. Miss Linda Tichelle Grant, big in all the wrong places, a flower un-bloomed, yanked, her palms open, palms asking, palms pleading, palms begging, turned to take her seat next to the corduroy lap. Its zipper stripped back easy, so well-used. The sound, a dying bee, in the family's ear. First no one could lift her knees. All their feet were heavy, their shoes stuffed from their beginnings to their ends with bees. Pam held Roy Jr. on her hip, and he cried to be there; kept reaching for Carolyn and calling her first name. And when they managed the weight of the bees (only because the cold had hit) and finally fit themselves into their seats—the oldest sister in the front, the other children behind her—then they could not raise their arms for seatbelts for a good while. Pam asked Roy Jr., in a voice tidy as a pat of butter, to hush, and he did; fell asleep quick. To go with the new silence was wonder. They had never ever wondered before. Roy Sr. had never got started in their presence and Carolyn had always sped away so fast their necks snapped. Normally, they'd be searching the car for their heads. By the time they'd realized they still had them, there was no sense worrying over Linda. They were long gone. So in general, with their heads in tact, the wonder was rushed. Everyone was braced for the leaving. Sugar's wonder was generic: Whole families harm? Pam's particular: If your father looks at you that way and if God allows it and if your mother is the wrong kind of ruthless and your strongest sister only a dinky girl, then what, pray tell, are your chances? Marian's wonder was somewhere between, but Carolyn's was on the rim, a circle of things: some begging, some questions, some sentences with "kill me." And then some of it was just a scent, feminine. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcp-082416-feature-andria-like-bees-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/d565794d27935ba08cf235f54ba815be0dab7896127a4488cac3d49306547a71.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Edward Ericson Jr."
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:20 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fblogs%2Fthe-news-hole%2Fbcpnews-private-eye-in-the-sky-sees-half-the-city-police-see-no-problems-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57be18db/turbine/bcpnews-private-eye-in-the-sky-sees-half-the-city-police-see-no-problems-20160824 | en | null | Private eye in the sky sees half the city; police see no problems | null | null | www.citypaper.com | A Texas-based hedge fund operator has funded more than 300 hours of surveillance flights over Baltimore by a private company. The Baltimore Police Department neglected to inform the public or most elected officials, and insists this is routine.
"This is effectively a mobile Citiwatch camera," BPD Spokesman T.J. Smith told a gaggle of reporters at a hastily-convened press conference at police headquarters this afternoon. "An additional tool that works with our 700 Citiwatch cameras to increase our chances of catching a suspect."
The presser was called in response to a story in yesterday's Bloomberg News.
The piece—which was quickly picked up by The Sun and other news organizations—called the program "secret" and raised civil liberties questions. The police department says the donor, who gave the money through the Baltimore Community Foundation, is anonymous. The Bloomberg story identifies him as "John Arnold, a former Enron trader whose hedge fund, Centaurus Advisors, made billions before he retired in 2012," and his wife, Laura.
Persistent Surveillance Systems is the company operating the small plane. It flies a Cessna at 8,000 feet, equipped with an array of high-resolution cameras which together can see about 35 square miles at a time—about half the city. When a 911 call comes in about a shooting or other serious crime, the plane flies to or focuses in on the area. It can then rewind the video footage to see what or who arrived at a scene just before the event, and then track vehicles and people from the area.
The "plane goes where the calls for service go," Smith said, adding that it helped capture Carl Cooper, the alleged shooter in the February case in which a 90-year-old and 82-year-old brother and sister were shot in Walbrook.
"He is off the streets and was off the streets in a much quicker manner" than he would have been without the technology, Smith said.
Cooper was captured on March 4 in North Carolina.
Smith said other large cities are also testing the technology. But Ross McNutt, the founder and president of Persistent Surveillance Systems, said his company is not working with any other cities currently.
The system will help with natural disasters like floods, sinkholes, and missing persons cases, according to Smith. He said the plane helps track illegal dirt bikers without the need to chase them in the street, which is dangerous.
"The bottom line is, we aren't surveilling or tracking anyone," Smith said. "We are responding to calls for service."
The ACLU and other civil liberties groups have raised concerns. David Rocah, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, told The Sun that Persistent Surveillance's technology is "virtually equivalent to attaching a GPS tracker to each and every one of us every time we walk out of our house or office building."
He said it was "beyond astounding" that the program was implemented without public input.
Common Cause of Maryland called the program a "deeply troubling practice by Baltimore Police that raises questions of transparency and accountability within the Department."
At the press conference, Smith was asked repeatedly why the department did not inform the broader public about the system when it was first deployed. "We don't have announcements when we add cameras" to the Citiwatch program, he said.
The system was active for 100 hours in January and February, and then 200 more hours between May and now. Smith and McNutt said there is some time left on the contract.
The footage is reviewed by people McNutt hires. He said they work cheaper than sworn police officers.
McNutt said his team prepared 102 "investigation briefs" for detectives. He did not say how many of these led to arrests; Smith said there were "a couple of instances."
During the time the aircraft was flying the police received 18,500 calls for service, of which 560 were top priority.
The department released a two-page legal analysis titled "Memorandum of Law in Support of the Constitutionality of Wide Airborne Motion Imagery." The document cited two cases from the 1980s in which pot growers were busted by low-altitude overflights in which police officers could identify the plants with their naked eyes.
But the rulings turned in part on how common aircraft overflights were, and did not contemplate high-resolution camera arrays. In each case, the plaintiff was a targeted individual and the surveillance was short-term.
A longer-term surveillance with better technology could be problematic.
In 2012, in U.S. v. Jones, the Supreme Court decided that police could not slap a GPS tracker on a suspect's car and track its movement without a warrant. Because police had "trespassed" on the defendant's property, the conviction was overturned. The court did not take up the question of whether Jones has an "expectation of privacy" while driving on a public road, but the ruling did say that 28 straight days of constant tracking was over the top, constitutionally.
The government argued that Jones should have assumed his movements would be monitored because GPS is nearly ubiquitous.
And that is the way the Fourth Amendment works in practice. Because "privacy" is a vague concept determined in large part by social norms, the court has ruled that those norms—the "reasonable expectations" of ordinary people—control whether or not a given surveillance is legal. It's a moving target, and it hasn't moved since the 1980s, when a pair of court cases in Florida and California—Florida v. Riley and California v. Ciraolo, the main cases cited in the memo—decided that if cops in planes can see the pot farm in your back yard, they can get you. | http://www.citypaper.com/blogs/the-news-hole/bcpnews-private-eye-in-the-sky-sees-half-the-city-police-see-no-problems-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/382c24e771b506c7b2f068c1d15ae532c975a1265821971d000461a03032f473.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Edward Ericson Jr."
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:16 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fmurderink%2Fbcp-083116-murderink-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5e952/turbine/bcp-083116-murderink-20160830 | en | null | Murder Ink 8/31/16: 9 murders this week, 200 murders this year | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Baltimore passed a grim milestone this week, clocking its 200th murder of the year while police made two arrests for attempted murder and one for murder. They also found skeletal remains in Wyman Park (pending autopsy it is not, yet, listed as a homicide). There were nine non-fatal shootings recorded and eight gun seizures.
Monday, Aug. 22
3:40 p.m. Willie Boyd, a 21-year-old African-American man, was near the intersection of Belair Road and Mayfield Avenue in Belair-Edison when someone shot him. He died soon after that in a hospital. Police say he resided on the 3400 block of Woodstock Avenue, about two blocks from where he was murdered.
9:15 p.m. Eric Burke, a 25-year-old African-American man, was on the 5300 block of Sinclair Lane in Frankford when someone shot him in the chest. Patrol officers heard the gunfire and rushed to the scene, where they found him dying. He made it to the hospital but didn't last long after that. Burke had lived on the 5100 block of Goodnow Road, about a quarter mile from where he was killed. The murder occurred about 2.5 miles east of the one earlier in the day.
11:00 p.m. Domonick Parker, a 31-year-old African-American man, was near his home on the 2400 block of Brentwood Avenue in the Barclay neighborhood when someone stabbed him in the torso. He died. His murder occurred 2.5 miles west of Willie Boyd's.
Tuesday, Aug. 23
6:25 p.m. Minesh Tyler, a 28-year-old African-American man, was in a car on the 200 block of S. Augusta Avenue in Irvington when someone shot him in the upper body. Police came and medics got him to a hospital, where he lingered for five days before dying on Sunday morning.
Wednesday, Aug. 24
12:20 p.m. Kion Frisoen, a 26-year-old African-American man, was on the 4400 block of Daytona Avenue in Towanda-Grantley when someone shot him in the torso and legs. Police found him there and medics got him to a hospital, where he died. He had lived on the 6800 block of Townbrook Drive.
10:20 p.m. Kristopher Pompey, a 25-year-old African-American man, was on the 600 block of Hillview Road in Cherry Hill when someone shot him in the chest. He died there, a six-minute walk from his home on the 200 block of Bridgeview Road, which is where Kevin Kernes was gunned-down on Aug. 20. Pompey was the fifth person murdered in Cherry Hill this year. Last year there was one murder in the neighborhood.
Friday, Aug. 26
7:50 a.m. Franswhaun Smith, a 42-year-old African-American man, was on the 700 block of Murphy Lane in the Heritage Crossing neighborhood. Someone stabbed him in the back, and he died at the scene.
Lisa Studley, a 36-year-old Caucasian woman, was in a wooded area behind the 1100 block of Edwight Court in the Brooklyn neighborhood when someone killed her. At 3:40 p.m. Baltimore police got a call from Howard County Police, who put Jerome Arnold on the line. According to police, Arnold told them he had just killed a woman in the woods near the 4000 block of W. Bay Avenue. Police searched and found Studley, who was dead with "trauma to her upper body." Arnold was charged with first-degree murder.
Saturday, Aug. 27
2:30 a.m. Tykim Fisher, a 23-year-old African-American man, was near his home on the 1300 block of Cliftview Avenue, in the East Baltimore-Midway neighborhood when someone shot him. He died soon after at a hospital. He is the sixth person to be murdered in the neighborhood this year. There were six last year. | http://www.citypaper.com/news/murderink/bcp-083116-murderink-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/146019f2cfbd4a4f9d908dc43375db7870ab7f25058189e83dfc6f64f4ffdc1b.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"James Magruder"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:24 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcp-082416-feature-magruder-story-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bcf23d/turbine/bcp-082416-feature-magruder-story-20160824 | en | null | Milestone | null | null | www.citypaper.com | It was early October and I still had no friends to present to my father, who was coming up for my eighteenth birthday and a National Dairy Board Conference in Syracuse. "Biff, Scooter, Tripp and I got plowed at the big game last weekend" was the kind of shit my brother used to sling over the wires from his frat at UVA, the kind of shit to send my father out to the driveway hoop to play horse with my stepbrothers. All my life news from my vicinity sent his hand checking for his half-glasses in his vest pocket. I couldn't conjure any Scooters to pal with for his visit, and worse, I had used up valuable conversation over the phone.
"Daddy, it took me the longest time to figure out the difference between an elastic and inelastic good. Demand constant with price fluctuations. I graphed it out." It sounded idiotic, but I crashed on. "So I would guess that milk, being a staple, would have an inelastic demand."
He caught my hook. "You'd be surprised, son."
"What?"
"How much milk we have to destroy."
"Why is that, sir?"
"The government makes us dump it. Dairy farmers grow too much. People don't drink more milk just because it costs less. Think about it."
"But it's milk. How can you destroy milk?" It's true I hate to see half a glass go down the drain. Unfortunately my sympathy stopped our dialogue in microeconomic theory.
"You need money?"
"No."
"What about your birthday?"
"No."
He laughed and said he'd see me Saturday.
After hanging up, I looked at my French reader until a knock at the door reminded me I had one friend. Coming in, Spencer Mercer hissed that his roommate, Josh Aranow, had imported Jan Shrader over for more giggly lasciviousness. I could hear early James Taylor warming her up through the cinderblock wall that separated our rooms.
Spencer dealt our three-thousandth hand of gin rummy, his fingers moving like crabs over the cards. The Cornell Hotel School could not have produced a more dissimilar twosome than squat, gummy Josh and ruddy, freakish tall, hornbilled Spencer Mercer, who could not appreciate his likeness to Ichabod Crane, as he was from Bermuda. Spencer's fidelity to cards and cultural exchange discharged me from the roll call of the untouchables. We always played facing my open door and turned up our volume when others walked by, a desperate ruse we chose not to acknowledge to one another.
Spencer was also my first experience in gauging how rich people might turn out to be. After a week of rummy, I asked him whether he was part of the ruling class of Bermuda.
"The Queen rules Bermuda, silly."
"But I'll bet you help. Don't you?"
"We have some lovely property. And Dads is in the government. Bermuda doesn't need much looking after, actually."
"Have you any servants?"
"Excuse me."
I rephrased. "Have you many servants?"
"As many as are needed to keep the place up."
"That many," I nodded.
No one else was up as I stood at one end of the corridor, looking out the window for my father's car. We'd buy a Cornell sticker, maybe a shot glass, but then hours of what? He stepped out of the Buick, picked once, twice, at the right side of his crotch—a standard post-drive gesture of his—and I rushed down the stairs. The fifty-dollar birthday transaction happened during our embrace in the parking lot. The check poked out of my shirt pocket all day. I couldn't think of a subtle way to remove it.
"I don't know this place very well, sir."
"Elliott, don't get anxious."
He did have a clue, and that kept me from clutching. I let him talk. He told me about the new house he was going to build, a house big enough to hold the steps, the halfs, and me. He would be the chimney holding up its center.
He bought a pile of sweatshirts, a set of brandy snifters with the school crest, and when I nonchalantly let him know I'd played eighteen holes of golf with this guy from Bermuda (Spencer would never again sound so rugged), he pressed a pair of golf shoes on me with such vigor I thought he left cleat marks on my chest. I stopped him at the pitching wedge.
My father had it in his mind to get his son drunk on his eighteenth birthday. Muggsy's in Collegetown was the first place we spotted that served with lunch. I couldn't pretend I'd been in there before, so he ordered. I kept up my end by having one to his every two. When he overdid it with the waitress, I couldn't hide my embarrassment.
"Son," he said abruptly, "let me tell you about Lily Anne."
Wow. For turning legal in New York State, I was getting new facts of life.
"I know about Lily Anne."
"You know your mama's version of Lily Anne."
Looking outside, I saw an enfilade of streamers, pennants, and plaids heading for the Cornell Colgate game.
"You met Lily Anne."
"I never did."
"Do you remember going to a restaurant called the Ram, up in Richmond? I took you and Kennie there."
"I was only ten," I said in defense.
"If you remember you were ten, then you remember." It was unusual to have my Daddy feeding me cues.
"The bathrooms said Rams and Ewes and that is why"—I stopped. "She must have brought you your scotch."
"She brought you your meal too."
"It came late. I used to take off for the john when I got tired of waiting for my food. I must have really had to pee at the Ram because when I got back you told me to wait until I got into the bathroom to unzip. Did Lily Anne see me undo my fly in front of everybody?"
My father was giving me this look like having our dicks hang out was an endearing family trait. "She pointed it out."
"Great with kids, huh?"
"She had her own. She wanted to meet mine."
"You told Mama about their report cards."
He said shit son, drink up. Then a long long pause, the two of us swiping looks and making little man noises after chugs, a pause so long that for an instant I thought he was going to grab my hand. Finally, he half-laughed himself into wondering why I never asked him questions.
Instead of asking whether he wanted to go to the football game, I said, "What did Lily Anne say I was?"
"She talked to you. You had a conversation. You charmed her.
"That I don't remember."
"I didn't marry Lily Anne."
"Why are you telling me about her?"
"She's having a hysterectomy next month." | http://www.citypaper.com/bcp-082416-feature-magruder-story-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/690130a1ffed0f3b4be302dc96ba2e256f29d2c6630ff181a4a32d03e2e1c6f8.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:21 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcpnews-wednesday-advanced-legislative-advocacy-101-20160823-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bd201e/turbine/bcpnews-wednesday-advanced-legislative-advocacy-101-20160823 | en | null | Wednesday: Advanced Legislative Advocacy 101 | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Aug. 31
Noon-2 p.m., Open Society Institute-Baltimore, 201 N. Charles St., Suite 1300, (443) 524-2558, aclu-md.org, free (RSVP to KWallington@justicepolicy.org).
It’s easy to feel that your vote is not enough to bring the change you want see. Still, you gotta vote (yes, really). But if you’re not satisfied by that civic duty, get involved in legislative advocacy. Learn about legislative process, bill tracking, and more from expert Jennifer Bevan-Dangel so you can get shit done. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcpnews-wednesday-advanced-legislative-advocacy-101-20160823-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/fde342a9ed02394efadbbd95ddddfa7e086e4c94c2a996b08650be783e3e0043.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:27 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcpnews-saturday-hope-floats-a-jones-falls-valley-flood-benefit-20160823-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bd1f34/turbine/bcpnews-saturday-hope-floats-a-jones-falls-valley-flood-benefit-20160823 | en | null | Saturday: Hope Floats: A Jones Falls Valley Flood Benefit | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Aug. 27
7-10 p.m., Union Craft Brewing, 1700 Union Ave., Suite D, (410) 467-0290, unioncraftbrewing.com, $25.
Last month, Meadow Mill businesses suffered serious damage as a result of the flooding of the Jones Falls. Being good neighbors, Union Craft Brewery is hosting a fundraiser to help the businesses get back on their feet. Kick back to live music from Books Long, Joseph & The Beasts, and DJ Who while guzzling beer and gorging on food from Woodberry Kitchen and Well Crafted Pizza—all proceeds go to the businesses affected by the flood. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcpnews-saturday-hope-floats-a-jones-falls-valley-flood-benefit-20160823-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/a96c6539ed6394143c514923b7263cc1d08374b4210fdbaf1fc68380bd68368d.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Thea Brown"
] | 2016-08-26T12:50:50 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcp-082416-feature-thea-brown-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bcf576/turbine/bcp-082416-feature-thea-brown-20160824 | en | null | 'The Tour Guide' and 'The Scientist' | null | null | www.citypaper.com | The Tour Guide
Help, I said help I said. Help, retreating. To the historical replica mercantile vessel. My body does things that I hate, like, accept. Other. Objects. The sails of which are unexposed, masts axed, plugged into the dock with a long, dirty, yellow cord.
What else is you listen to me through the slap of the harbor on the hull. What else is repainted forest. Green. When I seamed the sails I was Appalachian. Unaccepted. Gratuities. For the tour guide, this is a cage. This a rope and a bed built into the wall in the cabin.
This is where the fish go. And the sugar. This harbor town inviting, us we seal our shutters against the heat. The boat follows me home on a string, floating, sluggish, asleep through the alleys. You taught me to know everyone I. Talk to. But the years tickertape, and I don't. I tie my replica, loosely, to you.
The Scientist
Standing, back to harbor wind, weather-beaten pastel teacups and carousel rattle across the waterway when I'm not sure I'm hearing music, or cloud, or what I'm hearing's music, phantom sound becomes my expectations for a moment, drifts back out into white noise, red metal, air, is composed, then is not. Recognition accompanied by brief disappointment, then turned away from. How to go about a life inside, perpetual discordant electronic hum. Unless in expectation resides the only music I can love, how to love what one cannot expect, how to create a space to trap, enclose whatever approaches, omni-capable receptors, mutation damned or made obsolete, made into buzzing structural unease or leaf caught in radiator, whirring. Recognition ushers in both love and distraction, and isn't that the point, the place moved toward across the event horizon. What is unrecognizable, in becoming recognized, gains status but also form, an expected form, for future love, for time run backward. For remembering how in advance. And for this, keeping secrets close, even those that would only provide solace, and for this keeping love on the edge of recognition. Is it music, a sound at all.
Thea Brown is the author of the full-length collection "Think of the Danger" (H_NGM_N, 2016) and the chapbook "We Are Fantastic" (Petri Press, 2013). She lives in Mt. Vernon and will be the 2016-2017 Tickner Fellow at the Gilman School. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcp-082416-feature-thea-brown-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/c1cca90760fb2523b6d6748243b15052978e9664813626028a1a4587ed942632.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:23 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcpnews-monday-arliss-nancy-whale-show-golden-sombreros-20160823-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bd1fa7/turbine/bcpnews-monday-arliss-nancy-whale-show-golden-sombreros-20160823 | en | null | Monday: Arliss Nancy, Whale Show, Golden Sombreros | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Aug. 29
8:30 p.m., The Depot, 1726 N. Charles St., (443) 324-5190, depotbaltimore.com, $7.
Buying a ticket or a tape goes a long way in keeping live music alive in Baltimore. Feed The Scene helps to put an end to the “starving artist” trope by housing and feeding local and touring bands, so attending FTS-hosted shows takes that ticket a half-step further. Tonight’s show brings out Arliss Nancy’s gritty Americana all the way from Colorado, plus local flavor by Whale Show and Golden Sombreros. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcpnews-monday-arliss-nancy-whale-show-golden-sombreros-20160823-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/c46c99e6faf210cb8f882831aebd9a0a1e91b47705fb46a00e577f8955658949.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Brandon Weigel",
"Contact Reporter"
] | 2016-08-26T22:46:20 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fblogs%2Fnoise%2Fbcpnews-premiere-listen-to-new-schwarz-track-take-a-picture-20160826-htmlstory.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c0b853/turbine/bcpnews-premiere-listen-to-new-schwarz-track-take-a-picture-20160826 | en | null | Premiere: Listen to new Schwarz track 'Take a Picture' | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Nearly a year and a half ago, club producer Schwarz founded his own label, Nina Pop Records. Finally, he is putting out his own music on it.
"Everyday Is a Winding Road," Schwarz's proper debut EP, features an intro/outro and four original songs with some great guest spots, including TT The Artist, Blaqstarr, Greydolf, Kreayshawn, and Ecelectic. The hard-hitting single 'Shut It Down' got premiered over at The Fader last week.
Here, we have 'Take a Picture,' a Baltimore club thumper that also manages to feel a bit chilled-out, with guests spots from Blaqstarr, Greydolf, and Berko Lover over heavy beats and plinking keys. The repeated vocal hook of "Can I take a picture with my eyes?" is a kind of stony way of thinking about memory, but also, perhaps, a nod to Google Glass and a future of embedded technologies.
And given the Sheryl Crow-indebted name of the EP, I also have to wonder if it is a reference to '90s alt-rock group Filter.
"Everday Is a Winding Road" is due out Sept. 2. Catch Schwarz, who now lives in L.A., back in his "spiritual forever home" at The Crown on Sept. 16. Listen to 'Take a Picture' below. | http://www.citypaper.com/blogs/noise/bcpnews-premiere-listen-to-new-schwarz-track-take-a-picture-20160826-htmlstory.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/59f48f4942f3cd5c589e0f1ef86f1bd14f40845cf9accd3da7c51eb6f201f5af.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:24 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-monday-labor-day-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f10f/turbine/bcpnews-monday-labor-day-20160830 | en | null | Monday: Labor Day | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 5
All day, US of A, free.
And so, today, summer unofficially ends the way it unofficially began: you, stretched out somewhere cool, eating hot dogs and avoiding mosquitos. It’s been a long, hot summer, but we made it. Relax: it’s the American way. | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-monday-labor-day-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/6473342a0cdd39b748c127a7980d246ef77b19b87fc4cca1a971e7abf330773f.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:27 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-friday-the-elephant-man-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f024/turbine/bcpnews-friday-the-elephant-man-20160830 | en | null | Friday: “The Elephant Man” | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 2
Through Oct. 2, Fells Point Corner Theatre, 251 S. Ann St., (410) 276-7837, collaborativetheatre.org, $15.
It’s your classic circus-freak-meets-scientist-then-becomes-the-darling-of-Victorian-society tale. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, this production of the Tony Award-winning play comes out of a partnership between Collaborative Theatre and Fells Point Corner Theatre. | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-friday-the-elephant-man-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/38dd995e24a49fac4d805442f79ad211dff882fdf9ce20a4fa0492d2a2ba49d4.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Mejdulene B. Shomali"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:39 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcp-082416-feature-shomali-poems-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bcf7a1/turbine/bcp-082416-feature-shomali-poems-20160824 | en | null | 'Arab Men I Have Loved in Passing' and 'City Animals' | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Arab Men I Have Loved in Passing
Ayman at the Dallas Fort Worth Froyo
lets his fingers linger in my palms
smiles a secret when he hands back my change
the Yemeni cashier at my gas station
notices when I have been gone too long
urges me to enjoy my cigarettes
the on-call doctor at urgent care
treats my asthma and tells me he
wants to marry a nice Arab girl
beautiful Ali who sang with me on the Jett bus
driving back to Amman from the Petra
it has been years and I remember still his skin
millions of men I have loved in passing
brothers and lovers who have seen me
called me sister, called me home
City Animals
a family of raccoons
checked into my garage
like it's the ritz
living in the penthouse attic
pushing their dexterous paws
against the door
like a key card
rifling the garbage can
like a mini bar
imagine
a do not disturb sign
on the raccoons' door knob
when i park
i am waiting
for one to drop on me
in a rabid daze
bite through my hoodie
latch against my skin
at the ER rabies is pretty serious
you pass bleeders
and the broken
pass choleric babies
and toddlers draped
in fatigue across father's lap
pass right into a room
where a nurse treats cuts
drops your pants
a needle in your butt cheek
the first of five treatments
i park on the street now
do not evict them
their squabbles carry
into my bedroom
we keep each other company
wait out the night
sleep easy and quiet
when day breaks.
Mejdulene B. Shomali is an Assistant Professor in Gender and Women's Studies at UMBC. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcp-082416-feature-shomali-poems-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/fed543b70ef579dd6eb4b4cf8fdc470db7971abea8ab8864780c8ca3f351d92c.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:41 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fphotos%2Fbcpnews-fields-fest-2016-in-photos-20160824-photogallery.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57be0862/turbine/bcpnews-fields-fest-2016-in-photos-20160824 | en | null | Fields Fest 2016 in Photos | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Three days of straight partying. We hope there will be a Fields Fest 2018. And yeah. It poured on Sunday. Check out Fields Fest After Dark and The highlights and lowlights of Fields Festival. | http://www.citypaper.com/photos/bcpnews-fields-fest-2016-in-photos-20160824-photogallery.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/4c07ee2bb0b916429b25e368101b8d96f22df62b45bcac7922b4d592774ae1ff.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Brandon Weigel"
] | 2016-08-29T20:46:50 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fblogs%2Fthe-news-hole%2Fbcpnews-baltimore-blast-to-return-to-masl-ending-bid-for-new-league-20160829-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c486db/turbine/bcpnews-baltimore-blast-to-return-to-masl-ending-bid-for-new-league-20160829 | en | null | Baltimore Blast to return to MASL, ending bid for new league | null | null | www.citypaper.com | The city's arena soccer team, the Baltimore Blast, will return to the Major Arena Soccer League, ending a bid to create a separate league with a different structure.
As City Paper detailed in a cover story earlier this year on the team in the midst of its most recent championship run, owner Edwin F. Hale Sr. announced his intentions to pull out of the MASL to start a new arena soccer venture with a more centralized league office and sustainable business plan.
"That's just a fundamental business thing that I thought, and my attorneys think, has been wrong," Hale told City Paper in the winter. "That's a large part of the reason for me doing this."
In February, not long after the Blast sealed the eighth championship in team history, a web presence surfaced for the Indoor Pro League, the league started by Hale. In May, Hale announced the IPL had recruited the Harrisburg Heat and St. Louis Ambush to defect along with the Blast, as well as the start of a new expansion team, the Florida Tropics.
After that, updates were scarce, leading some fans to plead for news about the league on the Blast's Facebook page. Several inquiries regarding the IPL that City Paper sent during the summer were not answered.
Meanwhile, the MASL started implementing some of the changes Hale had called for, including naming a commissioner, Joshua Schaub, who worked as a scout for Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers and has experience in sports law, owning minor league baseball teams, and running a summer hockey league, and receiving tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(6).
This afternoon, it was announced that all IPL teams would be rejoining the MASL.
In a phone interview after the announcement, Schaub detailed plans for a two-tier league system—with the lower league serving as something of a minor league for the top tier—beginning in the 2017-2018 season, an expansion that would get the indoor game in more cities.
He also pointed to a more centralized, collaborative marketing plan, like those used in the major sports leagues and various minor leagues.
Those changes helped start the conversation about bringing the IPL teams back into the fold.
"I think that was really the catalyst for it, putting the commissioner in place, making those changes, and then actually sitting at the table and talking about it," Schaub said.
The return of the East Coast teams in particular makes the MASL "a true international league," Schaub said. And all of the sides involved realized a single league would better serve the growth of the game, especially given arena soccer's history of fragmentation and league changes.
"They really wanted one cohesive plan for how the league moves forward," said Schaub. "I think the IPL was just another iteration of: How do we make this thing more cohesive?"
According to a press release, "A final division alignment and schedule is being finalized and will be announced shortly after Labor Day Weekend."
The 2016-2017 season will begin in October and stretch into March.
Hale and team president Kevin Healey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. | http://www.citypaper.com/blogs/the-news-hole/bcpnews-baltimore-blast-to-return-to-masl-ending-bid-for-new-league-20160829-story.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/fc8dfea6aa81cd8e963ecfc2865224e2bde8e4bcef03258e2a68f4c48647ecb9.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:37 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-sunday-raiders-of-the-lost-ark-35th-anniversary-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f0bf/turbine/bcpnews-sunday-raiders-of-the-lost-ark-35th-anniversary-20160830 | en | null | Sunday: “Raiders of the Lost Ark” 35th Anniversary | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 4
10 a.m. Sept. 4, 1 p.m. Sept. 5, 8 p.m. Sept. 7, The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Road, (410) 323-4424, thesenatortheatre.com, $7.
Speaking of you being old, it’s been 35 years since Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones first swept into theaters on his search for the Ark of the Covenant. See if it stands up to the test of time by watching it all over again. Awesome Indy-inspired adventure hats encouraged (by us), but not required. | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-sunday-raiders-of-the-lost-ark-35th-anniversary-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/e37f487726057d63cb5bdf245579793774b20e89a5acbd3e65256cbc431d16f4.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:39 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-saturday-fat-city-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f30c/turbine/bcpnews-saturday-fat-city-20160830 | en | null | Saturday: "Fat City" | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 3
John Huston's "Fat City" is one of those lonely, scrappy '70s flicks that has slowly picked up an audience over the past several years after the New York Review Books Classic reissued the Leonard Gardner novel it's based on. A Stockton, California-set movie about two boxers whose friendship gets messed up when one becomes very successful and one is on the way out—total beautiful losers-type stuff with a desperate tone—the film is best summed up by the Kris Kristofferson song that acts as the movie's theme, 'Help Me Make It Through The Night.' Stacey Keach and Jeff Bridges are quite good, but Susan Tyrell, as Oma, a hard-edged alcoholic, is particularly devastating—it's one of the most harrowing perfomances in movies, up there with Marie Falconetti in "The Passion of Joan Of Arc," Mbissine Thérèse Diop in "Black Girl" (which recently screened at The Charles), and Tilda Swinton in "I Am Love." The Charles Theater, 1711 N. Charles St., (410) 727-3464, thecharles.com, $9.50. (Brandon Soderberg) | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-saturday-fat-city-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/b8b4527845a2691f78d7b7af663db2b7a570a6d7864ecbb719e81435aa72a754.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Maura Callahan",
"Rebekah Kirkman",
"Brandon Weigel"
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:25 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fmusic%2Fmusic-features%2Fbcp-083116-music-fields-20160831-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5e12b/turbine/bcp-083116-music-fields-20160831 | en | null | The highlights and lowlights of Fields Festival | null | null | www.citypaper.com | null | http://www.citypaper.com/music/music-features/bcp-083116-music-fields-20160831-story.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/1bec1e252b0d2c589d7a184b4b25751d492c5a77a5250fee009a16fcdcf032fc.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:32 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-tuesday-rabia-chaudry-adnan-s-story-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f15f/turbine/bcpnews-tuesday-rabia-chaudry-adnan-s-story-20160830 | en | null | Tuesday: Rabia Chaudry: “Adnan’s Story” | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 6
6:30 p.m., The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Westminster Hall, 519 W. Fayette St., theivybookshop.com, free.
In her new book, writer and attorney Rabia Chaudry offers new interviews with Adnan Syed, subject of the first season of the wildly addictive podcast “Serial,” and gives readers access to some of his previously unpublished letters. Chaudry, like Syed, is Muslim, and says she can offer insights the mainstream media might miss. It’s perfect timing, as a Baltimore Circuit Court judge ordered Syed’s homicide case to be re-opened back in July. | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-tuesday-rabia-chaudry-adnan-s-story-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/ee7476be92c3270444d18cfb45735ecffa4917545f2927e1fb3f86beec290018.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Lisa Snowden-Mccray"
] | 2016-08-26T22:46:16 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fblogs%2Fthe-news-hole%2Fbcpnews-scott-council-needs-to-know-more-about-surveillance-program-20160826-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c0b610/turbine/bcpnews-scott-council-needs-to-know-more-about-surveillance-program-20160826 | en | null | Scott: Council needs to know more about surveillance program | null | null | www.citypaper.com | City Councilman Brandon Scott, who represents the 2nd District and serves as vice chair of the council's Public Safety Committee, said most council members don't know enough about a surveillance program that flies a plane mounted with cameras over the city—and that's the problem.
"Just talking to some of my colleagues, the big issue is that no one knew about it," he told City Paper over the phone Friday morning. "We don't even know enough about the actual program to make an informed decision. People want us to make an educated response."
The program only came to light on Tuesday after Bloomberg published the cover story "Secret Cameras Record Baltimore's Every Move From Above."
Scott said that he's currently bouncing dates back and forth with the police department so that he can sit down and learn more about the program. "I'm going to try and meet with the commissioner to be briefed as much as possible about the plane," he said.
Scott said the issue points to something that's already been a hot topic here in Baltimore – how to deal with race and crime.
In the Bloomberg piece, writer Monte Reel notes that the planes have mostly flown over places with high concentrations of black residents—Compton, for one.
Scott says that he actually hears from constituents who are looking for more surveillance, as a way to stop crime.
"We have this report that says our police department has a lifelong history of treating African-American citizens in the wrong way," he said, referring the Department of Justice report released earlier this month.
"At the same time, I also have constituents and black people who are constantly asking me for more police and more CCTV cameras. How do we get to the happy medium? There is a way to do all this stuff without violating civil rights," he said. "It's a delicate balance that those of us in elected office have to strike."
"Listen," he continued, "we need police but we have to make sure that everything is done the right way. I think the reality gets lost in the sensationalization of everything. We have to break down so many other barriers.
"The truth is, a lot of time when those officers are showing up to talk to young African-American men, nine times out of 10, they were called by somebody black. Those relationships are not there. It's a deeper conversation." | http://www.citypaper.com/blogs/the-news-hole/bcpnews-scott-council-needs-to-know-more-about-surveillance-program-20160826-story.html | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/2cbee14d523ee5ce61d04f495a8dedafba9857bac004e402ad6243a73fae5001.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Edward Ericson Jr."
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:20 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fmobtownbeat%2Fbcp-083116-mob-surveillance-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5e9ad/turbine/bcp-083116-mob-surveillance-20160830 | en | null | Police see no problem with secret surveillance | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Baltimore public officials scrambled last week to learn about high-altitude surveillance after Bloomberg Businessweek revealed that a private company funded by a wealthy Texas couple was flying a plane in service of the police department that could spot and follow everything that moves in a 30-square mile area.
The company, Persistent Surveillance Systems, had flown nearly 300 hours since the new year, and the police department had neglected to tell the mayor, other elected officials, or the public defender's office. They said the flights were a routine extension of existing efforts.
"This is effectively a mobile CitiWatch camera," BPD Spokesman T.J. Smith told a gaggle of reporters at a hastily-convened press conference at police headquarters on Aug. 24. "An additional tool that works with our 700 CitiWatch cameras to increase our chances of catching a suspect."
He insisted it was not secret, and not "surveillance." It was a bizarre scene.
Anthony McCarthy, the spokesman for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, stood by silently. He later told reporters that the mayor "recently became aware" of the program, but declined to be more specific.
Ross McNutt, the founder and president of Persistent Surveillance Systems, would not say the name of his company's benefactors, even though the Bloomberg piece identified them as "John Arnold, a former Enron trader whose hedge fund, Centaurus Advisors, made billions before he retired in 2012," and his wife, Laura.
Persistent Surveillance Systems flies a single-engine Cessna at 8,000 feet, equipped with an array of high-resolution cameras which together can see about half the city at a time. When a 911 call comes in about a shooting or other serious crime, the plane flies to or focuses on the area. It can then rewind the video footage to see what or who arrived at a scene just before the event, and then track vehicles and people from the area.
The "plane goes where the calls for service go," Smith said, adding that it helped capture Carl Anthony Cooper, the alleged shooter of a 90-year-old woman and her 82-year-old brother who were shot in Walbrook in February.
"He is off the streets and was off the streets in a much quicker manner" than he would have been without the technology, Smith said.
Cooper was captured on March 4 in North Carolina.
Smith said other large cities are also testing the technology. But McNutt said his company is not working with any other cities currently.
The system will help with natural disasters like floods, and things like sinkholes and missing persons cases, according to Smith. He said the plane helps track illegal dirtbikers without the need to chase them in the street, which is dangerous. He and McNutt denied that the system was used to track protesters after the verdicts in the Freddie Gray cases, in which police officers were charged and acquitted in the 25-year-old's death.
"The bottom line is, we aren't surveilling or tracking anyone," Smith said. "We are responding to calls for service."
Common Cause of Maryland called the program a "deeply troubling practice by Baltimore Police that raises questions of transparency and accountability within the Department."
Open Society Institute-Baltimore called for "a complete disclosure of the program so that it can be reviewed by the community and experts in civil liberties."
The ACLU of Maryland called the secrecy "beyond astounding" and called for public hearings by the city council.
Councilmember Brandon Scott (2nd District), Vice Chair of the city council's Public Safety Committee, said he was working to schedule one soon.
"Just talking to some of my colleagues, the big issue is that no one knew about it," he told City Paper as news of the surveillance broke. "We don't even know enough about the actual program to make an informed decision. People want us to make an educated response."
Scott said that he's currently bouncing dates back and forth with the police department so that he can sit down and learn more about the program. "I'm going to try and meet with the commissioner to be briefed as much as possible about the plane," he said.
Scott said the issue points to something that's already been a hot topic here in Baltimore—how to deal with race and crime.
The Bloomberg piece notes that police surveillance planes have mostly flown over places with high concentrations of black residents like Compton, Los Angeles.
But Scott says that he actually hears from constituents who are looking for more surveillance as a way to stop crime.
"We have this report that says our police department has a lifelong history of treating African-American citizens in the wrong way," he said, referencing the Department of Justice report released earlier this month. "At the same time, I also have constituents and black people who are constantly asking me for more police and more CCTV cameras. How do we get to the happy medium? There is a way to do all this stuff without violating civil rights. It's a delicate balance that those of us in elected office have to strike."
At the press conference, Smith was asked repeatedly why the department did not inform the broader public about the system when it was first deployed. "We don't have announcements when we add cameras" to the CitiWatch program, he said.
The system was active for 100 hours in January and February, and then 200 more hours between June and now. Smith and McNutt said there is some time left on the contract.
The footage is reviewed by people McNutt hires. He said they work cheaper than sworn police officers.
Smith did not immediately answer reporters' questions about who has access to the footage, who owns it, or how long it's kept. He did suggest that the system had not been especially useful so far.
McNutt said his team prepared 102 "investigation briefs" for detectives. He did not say how many of these led to arrests; Smith said there were "a couple of instances."
During the time the aircraft was flying, the police received 18,500 calls for service, of which 560 were top priority.
City Paper asked Smith if police might considered using the surveillance capabilities as a way of being able to suss out allegations of police officer misconduct. "If information can be gleaned from the technology that would assist in an investigation of that nature it would be used," Smith said. "But again, you have to understand what this technology can glean. It is not showing you anything more than images being there and what direction the images move into. So if a dispute in something like this exists and the technology is available, yes, it would be used." | http://www.citypaper.com/news/mobtownbeat/bcp-083116-mob-surveillance-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/7e6cb9a1d1dc89baf07554a535e900d6e107334bc626fa85ff7e637d8e7a5342.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T20:46:59 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcpnews-mckeldin-plaza-timeline-20160830-htmlstory.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5e7bc/turbine/bcpnews-mckeldin-plaza-timeline-20160830 | en | null | McKeldin Plaza Timeline | null | null | www.citypaper.com | McKeldin Plaza Timeline
1940s
The Inner Harbor's steamboats, which once carried goods and passengers up and down the East Coast, begin to close during World War II.
1962
The last steamboat company, the Old Bay Line, closes its final run.
1963
Theodore McKeldin is elected Mayor of Baltimore for the second time. He had served for two terms as governor in between his two mayorships. McKeldin was an early champion of racial integration in Baltimore, and an early proponent of redeveloping the Inner Harbor. His last term as mayor ended in 1967, and he remains, to date, the last Republican mayor of Baltimore.
1964
The first version of the Inner Harbor Master Plan is complete, commissioned by Charles Center - Inner Harbor Management, and designed by Wallace McHarg Roberts and Todd.
1968
Al Copp performs an experiment in real time traffic engineering to demonstrate the utility of the Calvert Street spur and the skywalks to the Light Street Pavilion.
1974
Work begins on the earliest part of the promenade.
1976
Tall ships dock on a newly opened public wharf in celebration of the Bicentennial. This event raises the visibility of the Inner Harbor for both Baltimore residents and tourists.
1978
Agreement is reached between Baltimore City and the Rouse Company to design and operate Harborplace. The Rouse Company's plans are approved by a public referendum.
1980
Grand opening of Harborplace.
1982
McKeldin Plaza and McKeldin Fountain open, designed by Thomas Todd of Wallace McHarg Roberts and Todd.
1991
Charles Center - Inner Harbor Management is merged with the Baltimore Development Corporation by Mayor Kurt Schmoke.
2004
Mayor Martin O'Malley announces a plan for the Inner Harbor, including measures that would turn Pratt, Light, and President streets into tree-lined pedestrian and bicycle-oriented boulevards.
2004
General Growth Properties takes over management of Harborplace after spending $12.6 billion to buy the Rouse Company.
2007
Master planners Ayers Saint Gross present their winning design competition entry for Pratt Street that includes restoring two-way car traffic, adding a giant video wall at the site of McKeldin Plaza, and removing the historic ship USS Constellation from the Inner Harbor.
2008
Pratt Street: Avenue of the Inner Harbor master plan is released, sponsored by various groups. This plan is never formally adopted by the Baltimore City Department of Planning.
2010
General Growth Properties fights bankruptcy and a hostile takeover bid.
2011
Occupy Baltimore camps in the plaza and fountain from October until December.
2011
Over 100 trees are removed from the Pratt Street corridor as part of setup for the Baltimore Grand Prix, planned by landscape architects Mahan Rykiel Associates. Baltimore Racing Development, the company in charge of the event series, promises to replace them, but most are still gone when the company's contract goes unrenewed by the city after the first race. BRD's two successor organizations eventually pulled out as well, after only two more races.
2013
Baltimore Inner Harbor 2.0 plan is released, again, sponsored by many groups, but never formally adopted.
2014
Investment bank T. Rowe Price announces that it is committing $250,000 toward the demolition of McKeldin Fountain.
2016
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore completes the removal of the first of McKeldin Fountain's skywalks over Light Street. The Downtown Partnership also announces that is abandoning previous plaza replacement designs by Mahan Rykiel and Ayers Saint Gross with Ziger/Snead, and that it will hold a design competition for the plaza in conjunction with the Baltimore City Department of Planning. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcpnews-mckeldin-plaza-timeline-20160830-htmlstory.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/b595194d40d757aa2b9f0ffd6a99d41bd469a5b8af4c95042547f78303dd8e03.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:31 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-saturday-out-4-justice-free-break-out-festival-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f1f4/turbine/bcpnews-saturday-out-4-justice-free-break-out-festival-20160830 | en | null | Saturday: Out 4 Justice Free Break Out Festival | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 3
Out 4 Justice is an ex-offender and member-led organization that advocates for policy reform to better serve ex-offenders re-entering society. Most recently, the group was a significant part of raising the awareness for getting voting rights for felons in Maryland. It is a tight-knit member-oriented group that is particularly inviting to the public (they have meeting every fourth Wednesday of the month and anyone can come—you should). The group has now extended its outreach with the Break Out Festival. In its first year, the festival is a family-friendly community party and cook-out intended to entertain and also educate, complete with games that explain legislation. 1-6 p.m., Oliver Recreation Center, 1400 E. Federal St., out4justice.org, free. (Brandon Soderberg) | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-saturday-out-4-justice-free-break-out-festival-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/803813bac15204f01083f83f1e8a0594bdd2612dcfb197a94395a455c27bff64.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:55 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcpnews-sunday-baltimore-record-bazaar-20160823-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bd1f61/turbine/bcpnews-sunday-baltimore-record-bazaar-20160823 | en | null | Sunday: Baltimore Record Bazaar | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Aug. 28
Noon-7 p.m., Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave., (410) 244-8855, thewindupspace.com, no cover.
Sure, some hyper-obsessed record connoisseurs might come across as pretentious; but stigma aside, there’s really nothing like dropping the needle on a new old record and hearing undiscovered tunes, or listening to a longtime favorite like you’ve never heard it before. In addition to a wide selection of records, this bi-monthly record pop-up shop also has plenty of tapes and CDs to peruse alongside live DJ sets, food, and drink specials. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcpnews-sunday-baltimore-record-bazaar-20160823-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/5a8fd6557b7924fc0d273111fec64eecd83d67e7c06cc45e0685c8d17b58f6db.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:25 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-sunday-collective-minds-festival-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f33d/turbine/bcpnews-sunday-collective-minds-festival-20160830 | en | null | Sunday: Collective Minds Festival | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 4
The Paradox, Baltimore's prominent house club—and hey, one of the world's best—has been slow-to-go-away this year after it announced it would close. But it's true: it's pretty much done (last weekend there was the Demolition 4 party), which makes Basement Boy Thommy Davis' outdoors house music party, Collective Minds, even more important. Usually at Druid Hill Park, Collective Minds has moved over to Poly this year, but it's the same stalwart celebration of house. On the bill is the house vocalist and DJ Ultra Naté (just doing a DJ set, by the way), Thommy Davis himself, Magic 95.9's DJ Biskit, Neil Conway, DJ Cel, and DJ Kasper Burnstein and hosted by DJ Oji, one half of the duo who hosted "Underground Experience" house music show on WEAA from 1989-2002. Noon-7 p.m., Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, 1400 W. Coldspring Lane, collectiveminds.org, free. (Brandon Soderberg) | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-sunday-collective-minds-festival-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/485f70610bcc040248a95326ecb474cae33c29af8189f9f6492cabd6f8797b22.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Rob Brezsny"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:02 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcp-082416-astro-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bcf3be/turbine/bcp-082416-astro-20160824 | en | null | Free Will Astrology: 8/24/16 | null | null | www.citypaper.com | ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the coming weeks, I hope you won't scream curses at the rain, demanding that it stop falling on you. Similarly, I suggest you refrain from punching walls that seem to be hemming you in, and I beg you not to spit into the wind when it's blowing in your face. Here's an oracle about how to avoid counterproductive behavior like that: The near future will bring you useful challenges and uncanny blessings if you're willing to consider the possibility that everything coming your way will in some sense be an opportunity.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Oh how I wish you might receive the grace of being pampered and nurtured and entertained and prayed for. I'd love for you to assemble a throng of no-strings-attached caretakers who would devote themselves to stoking your healing and delight. Maybe they'd sing to you as they gave you a manicure and massaged your feet and paid your bills. Or perhaps they would cook you a gourmet meal and clean your house as they told you stories about how beautiful you are and all the great things you're going to do in the future. Is it possible to arrange something like that even on a modest scale? You're in a phase of your astrological cycle when you most need this kind of doting attention—and when you have the greatest power to make it happen.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I invite you to dream about your true home... your sweet, energizing, love-strong home... the home where you can be high and deep, robust and tender, flexible and rigorous... the home where you are the person that you promised yourself you could be. To stimulate and enhance your brainstorms about your true home, experiment with the following activities: Feed your roots... do maintenance work on your power spot... cherish and foster your sources... and refine the magic that makes you feel free. Can you handle one more set of tasks designed to enhance your domestic bliss? Tend to your web of close allies... take care of what takes care of you... and adore the intimate connections that serve as your foundation.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): It'll be one of those rapid-fire, adjust-on-the-fly, think-on-your-feet, go-with-your-gut times for you—a head-spinning, endorphin-generating, eye-pleasing, intelligence-boosting phase when you will have opportunities to relinquish your attachments to status quos that don't serve you. Got all that? There'll be a lot of stimuli to absorb and integrate—and luckily for you, absorbing and integrating a lot of stimuli will be your specialty. I'm confident of your ability to get the most of upcoming encounters with cute provocations, pleasant agitation, and useful unpredictability. One more tip: Be vigilant and amused as you follow the ever-shifting sweet spot.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): At the risk of asking too much and pushing too hard, my Guerrilla Prayer Warriors have been begging God to send you some major financial mojo. These fierce supplicants have even gone so far as to suggest to the Supreme Being that maybe She could help you win the lottery or find a roll of big bills lying in the gutter or be granted a magic wish by an unexpected benefactor. "Whatever works!" is their mantra. Looking at the astrological omens, I'm not sure that the Prayer Warriors' extreme attempts will be effective. But the possibility that they will be is definitely greater than usual. To boost your odds, I suggest you get more organized and better educated about your money matters. Set a clear intention about the changes you'd like to put in motion during the next ten months.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Suggested experiments: 1. Take a vow that from now on you won't hide your beauty. 2. Strike a deal with your inner king or inner queen, guaranteeing that this regal part of gets regular free expression. 3. Converse with your Future Self about how the two of you might collaborate to fully unleash the refined potency of your emotional intelligence. 4. In meditations and dreams, ask your ancestors how you can more completely access and activate your dormant potentials.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I hope you are not forlorn, shivery, puzzled, or obsessive right now—unless being in such a state will mobilize you to instigate the overdue transformations you have been evading. If that's the case, I hope you are forlorn, shivery, puzzled, and obsessive. Feelings like those may be the perfect fuel—the high-octane motivation that will launch your personal renaissance. I don't often offer this counsel, so I advise you to take full advantage: Now is one of the rare times when your so-called negative emotions can catalyze redemption.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): From what I can tell, your vigor is peaking. In recent weeks, you have been sturdy, hearty, stout, and substantial. I expect this surge of strength to intensify in the near future—even as it becomes more fluid and supple. In fact, I expect that your waxing power will teach you new secrets about how to wield your power intelligently. You may break your previous records for compassionate courage and sensitive toughness. Here's the best news of all: You're likely to be dynamic about bestowing practical love on the people and animal and things that are important to you.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The odds are higher than usual that you will be offered a boost or promotion in the coming weeks. This development is especially likely to occur in the job you're doing or the career plans you've been pursuing. It could also be a factor at work in your spiritual life. You may discover a new teacher or teaching that could lift you to the next phase of your inner quest. There's even a chance that you'll get an upgrade on both fronts. So it's probably a good time to check on whether you're harboring any obstacles to success. If you find that you are, DESTROY THOSE RANCID OLD MENTAL BLOCKS WITH A BOLT OF PSYCHIC LIGHTNING.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The cosmos seems to be warming up to your charms. The stinginess it displayed toward you for a while is giving way to a more generous approach. To take advantage of this welcome development, you should shed any fear-based beliefs you may have adopted during the recent shrinkage. For instance, it's possible you've begun to entertain the theory that the game of life is rigged against you, or that it is inherently hard to play. Get rid of those ideas. They're not true, and clinging to them would limit the game of life's power to bring you new invitations. Open yourself up wherever you have closed down. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcp-082416-astro-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/ac8e64b89683a4c56bda350af4fa77a38f3b73d9d8ee62241884222f3f52b22f.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Rebekah Kirkman"
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:20 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Farts%2Fvisualart%2Fbcp-083116-art-joyce-scott-20160831-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5e252/turbine/bcp-083116-art-joyce-scott-20160831 | en | null | Baker Artist Award winner Joyce J. Scott tangles up issues of race, class, and oppression in glass and beaded work | null | null | www.citypaper.com | In a 2011 video interview with PBS's "Craft in America," Baltimore artist Joyce J. Scott talked about how she confronts race in her work. "I do have anger about [racism] and one of the great ways I deal with it is to make artwork that allows, in fact beckons people, to come to it," she said. "I want it to be so beautiful that they can't stop staring at it and as they see it they have to figure out what that issue means to them. Crackin' the door just a little bit."
Surrounded by Scott's impeccable glass and intricate beaded sculptures, displayed on platforms or looming out from walls at the Baltimore Museum of Art, I cannot stop staring at the piece hanging on the back wall: the four-foot-wide 'Nuanced Veil,' made entirely of thousands of tiny, glinting beads. In it, people of varying ages—along with disembodied faces, arms, hands, and skeletons—overlap and topple over each other, connected by a subtle, thin web of beads. The scene's left half prominently features pearly white beads, while the right side is visually heavier, with beads that appear black, but on closer inspection are all different shades: purpley-brown, deep velvety green, and dark, ruddy purples and blues.
Scott won the inaugural $50,000 Mary Sawyers Imboden prize, the biggest award from the Baker Artist Awards (Scott's work, along with that of the other winners—Jen Grow, Matt Porterfield, Naoko Maeshiba, and Bill Schmidt—is on display at the BMA through Sept. 11), and her work showcases her strengths as a storyteller and master of materials, while toying with arbitrary distinctions between fine art, craft, and kitsch.
Here, in 'Nuanced Veil,' some of the sprawling, darker figures appear to be in distress, floating, hanging, and running; the white figures seem less chaotic, more at ease—a drop of gold drips onto one man's head, connoting, perhaps, the way that lighter skin is favored in a white supremacist society. But then, Scott uses a painterly language of color and light to reconcile that. When mixing black paint, the more colors you mix into it, the deeper, richer, and more interesting the shade becomes. Here, light passes through and bounces off of the beads, showing a similar beautiful multiplicity.
Issues of race (and, by extension, perception and prejudice) crop up in Scott's work in many complicated ways, especially in the pieces featuring black people with albinism. In 'Decapitated Tanzanian Albino Boy Head,' a white-beaded boy's head (with yellow cornrows and eyebrows) sits on a plinth, connected by a long metal chain to a ghostly glass-blown head. Though the idea of the severed head and the ghost of it—and the question of why this Tanzanian boy was decapitated—are all horrifying, there's a significant level of emotional remove from realism. It's more like a spectacle. The most viscerally unsettling part of this piece is actually that metal chain, the links so clunky, clean, and sharp that it might cut you if you were to pick it up.
'Nuanced Veil' Courtesy/Goya Contemporary 'Nuanced Veil' 'Nuanced Veil' (Courtesy/Goya Contemporary) (Courtesy/Goya Contemporary)
In 'Ancestry Doll: 3' a small figure attached to the wall wields long, thin, wooden Malawian figure sculptures rather than legs and arms. His face, also beaded white with yellow hair, is haunting. That Scott explicitly refers to Tanzania and Malawi—two countries in East Africa where albinism is prevalent, and where people with the condition are increasingly likely to be killed, maimed, or mutilated for it—in these works suggests she wants you to keep digging into it, if you didn't already know. "Superstitions feed myths that albinos are ghosts, sorcerers or demons who have been cursed and, when hunted and killed for body parts, bring good luck to others," wrote the Washington Post in 2015. There are also reports of albino body parts from some of these areas being sold on a black market, and the Post suggests that election season is a more dangerous time for those with albinism because some politicians consult witch doctors who use albino body parts for divination. It almost seems unreal, this set of messy, systemic problems coupling with superstitious fears, dire poverty, and a misguided hope for wealth.
Looking at the show as a whole, there are cyclical and circular repetitions: birth, growth, terror, death. Some of these play out in layers. The beaded veil that covers the white glass figure 'Milk Mammy' is a constricting shroud—and calls to mind the black wet nurse, a black female slave made to nurse white women's babies. Around the hem of this dark blue veil, like roots, are ancestors, perhaps, that dance around underneath the figure we can't see. Nearby, 'Pretty Girl Veiled,' a wooden Nigerian sculpture of a woman, wears a large beaded dress and a gauzy black fabric veil over her head. The veil hangs down the back of the woman, attaching a small white child figurine to the lower part of the dress, sort of an amniotic ball and chain.
In a nearby case sits 'War Baby,' a fiery red, gold-flecked Murano glass baby figure wearing a white beaded outfit (somewhat like a christening gown and bonnet). The baby sits with her head cocked to the side, a sort of weary confused expression. Her legs and arms are disfigured, backward, and on her dress are small old photographs of black babies. Exemplary of what Scott has said about how she uses anger in her work, the piece evokes a difficult response to the historic, domestic war of racism and oppression, which has not yet gone away. Things may look a little different now than they did 150 years ago, but we are still raising our children in similar conditions and, Scott seems to ask, when will we make it better for them?
For more info on the Baker Artist Awards visit bakerartist.org | http://www.citypaper.com/arts/visualart/bcp-083116-art-joyce-scott-20160831-story.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/303bd94ad97cdd68ac02fe0776dd5db9f7197e63c6a079396048fa0a2a5a869c.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-29T16:46:48 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fphotos%2Fbcpnews-variete-burlesque-in-photos-20160829-photogallery.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c4550a/turbine/bcpnews-variete-burlesque-in-photos-20160829 | en | null | Variété Burlesque in Photos | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Betty O'Hellno
Scott Bradley
Betty O’Hellno performing at Variete at The Crown
Betty O’Hellno performing at Variete at The Crown (Scott Bradley) | http://www.citypaper.com/photos/bcpnews-variete-burlesque-in-photos-20160829-photogallery.html | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/e36d4e468c72924b0387c86fb07a851f3a62df302e7ee332c5752d84f22b1d14.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Fred Scharmen"
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:12 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Ffeatures%2Fbcp-083116-feature-mckeldin-20160831-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5e44d/turbine/bcp-083116-feature-mckeldin-20160831 | en | null | A look at how McKeldin Plaza came to be, and the plans to undo it all | null | null | www.citypaper.com | It's hot and sunny in McKeldin Plaza at the Inner Harbor on a summer day between the mid-morning and late afternoon thunderstorms. Traffic slides past the plaza on three sides: at Pratt Street in front of us going east, on the left headed south on Light Street, and on the right, cars are peeling off on a spur to travel northbound on Calvert Street. Al Copp, one of the key people who helped make this place, is talking about an experiment with a traffic engineer in 1968. Copp had some ideas about rearranging the car and pedestrian traffic flows for the area. "[The engineer] and I went up on the roof of the building that housed the Department of Transit and Traffic, which used to be right over there where the World Trade Center is," Copp says. "It was a four story building; we could see this intersection from the roof, and all the way south to where Key Highway is now, traffic was flowing. He pulled out a radio and said to someone waiting inside at the stoplight controls, 'Okay, go ahead and change it over,' and we watched. Within about 10 minutes, traffic was backed up half a mile all the way down Light Street. 'Alright, change it back.' And then we watched again and traffic cleared up over the next several minutes. 'Okay, do it again.' Ten minutes later, the street was clogged. 'Alright, now back the way it was.' He did this three more times before I turned to him and said, 'You've convinced me.'" Aerial View of McKeldin Fountain Courtesy/Google Maps Courtesy/Google Maps A spur was added linking Light Street to Calvert Street. Copp is now retired, but from the 1960s through the '80s, he was the Executive Vice President of Charles Center - Inner Harbor Management Inc., a private nonprofit formed by Baltimore City to create and oversee a new master plan for redevelopment and public space at the Inner Harbor. This organization later morphed into what is now known as the Baltimore Development Corporation, the city's quasi public development agency. Copp's primary job as director of the team was working with designers to refine and implement the 1964 Inner Harbor Master Plan. Today, another nonprofit business development group, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, is leading an effort to revisit, redesign, and rebuild much of that work. McKeldin Plaza and McKeldin Fountain—both dedicated to the former Mayor and Governor Theodore McKeldin—are the focus of their most recent efforts. As the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, the Baltimore Development Corporation, and others push plans forward to redevelop McKeldin Plaza, it's clear that the process is no simpler than it was in the late 1960s. The original creation of this space was a long and complicated process, bringing together private philanthropists, public agencies, and an alphabet soup of groups and committees that exist somewhere in between. William Donald Schaefer, a strong mayor, was known for listening carefully to the experts before making clear decisions marked by his oft-quoted signature line: "Do it now." Today, the groups remaking one of Baltimore's major entry points and tourist destinations seem to have a different relationship with the experts in traffic, urban design, art, and architecture than the previous generation of planners. While they still have to jump through certain bureaucratic hoops, the parties with the power and money to influence the fate of McKeldin Plaza are steamrolling ahead with their vision, even if it counteracts some of the thoughtful design choices of Copp and his peers. The Downtown Partnership's efforts to redesign began in 2008, with the "Pratt Street: Avenue of the Inner Harbor" plan, commissioned by the Baltimore Development Corporation, continuing through 2013 with the "Inner Harbor 2.0" plan. Citing degrading infrastructure, unmet opportunities, significant wear, disrepair, and underutilization of space at the harbor, these plans proposed repairing and reorganizing the way pedestrians and cars moved around. They would create a new pedestrian bridge over the water from Rash Field to Pier 5, close the spur to car traffic from Light Street to Calvert Street, and link McKeldin Plaza back to Harborplace. None of the renderings show the existing fountain in place, but none of the itemized construction and budget timelines explicitly mention its removal, either. To make space for the new traffic lanes that would have to be added back to the main stretch of Light Street, the plans implied, McKeldin Fountain would have to go. In the late 1960s, activists and some city officials were busy persuading the state and federal highway authorities that running multi-lane elevated expressways through the Inner Harbor was a bad idea. Copp and his colleagues had ideas of their own, and a mandate from Baltimore's planners and governing institutions to implement them. But some of those ideas, as the city traffic engineers demonstrated in real time, weren't so good either. The plan for elevated highways was about to be gone, but that meant that cars had to enter the city here on the ground, competing for space with people on foot. Copp's notion for re-organizing car traffic so that northbound vehicles had to make a hard right at Pratt Street and then a hard left at Calvert wouldn't work. Neither would the longer stoplight timing for pedestrian crossings to the waterfront. He'd doubted the traffic experts, and the experts had proved him wrong. Northbound Light Street would have to curve around in the spur to Calvert Street, leaving a triangular island in the middle of the intersection, which would become McKeldin Plaza. And if the cars couldn't be above the ground, then maybe the people could. From the middle of the 20th century on, city planners were trying, and often failing, to deal with the effects of the huge masses of cars moving through cities. In the 1950s, widespread optimism about the growth potential of cities led many local governments to invest in expanding their cores, building housing, office space, and highways. Within a decade after World War II, it was apparent that many people had used those highways to leave, only coming back for day jobs in high-rise downtown areas that would empty every evening. The middle class was moving out of Baltimore just as poor and largely black Baltimoreans were moving into the public housing on the east and west sides of downtown. Between 1950 and today, Baltimore has lost nearly a third of its population—dropping from 949,708 residents to around 621,000 in 2015.
After the workday, if the middle class came back at all, it was likely on the weekends for evenings out, returning to the city center for shows, sports, and cultural events, with maybe a quick meal before heading back to suburban bedrooms. Baltimore's first large scale redevelopment downtown was planned in 1954, the "Charles Center" half of Charles Center - Inner Harbor Management. Several blocks of downtown real estate were taken by eminent domain, cleared, and built out into office space. Workers could drive into the city from I-95 into a large underground parking garage. Stairs and elevators would go right up into Hopkins Plaza in the middle of the development block, or up one level more, to a network of skywalks that linked parking, workspace, restaurants, and the Morris Mechanic Theatre (which was demolished in 2015 in an earlier initiative supported by Downtown Partnership). In the 1964 master plan developed by urban design firm Wallace McHarg Roberts and Todd for the "Inner Harbor" half of CC-IHM, these skywalks would extend to the harbor. In theory, a visitor to Baltimore could go from the theater, to the convention center, to hotels, and to the commercial pavilions at the waterfront, all without touching the ground or fighting for space with cars. The Harborplace component of the master plan was conceived for tourists—but even more so for city dwellers—to be, as CC-IHM Chief Executive Martin L. Millspaugh would write, "a public playground for Baltimoreans along the shoreline." The skywalks were, according to Copp, a necessary part of that playground: "We had to get people across [Light Street], so we ran a skywalk." The traffic engineers wanted Light Street to be 11 lanes wide here. As northbound cars were split off on the spur to Calvert Street, the island that resulted was developed into a sort of refuge. "We needed a big mass to the south, something like a mountain, to block the sound and exposure to traffic," Copp says. "And if we ran water through it, that would quiet things down and mask noise even more. So we needed a fountain." At some point in the planning process, the skywalk, mountain, and fountain merged into a multilevel composition, with people and water flowing through in all directions. The design of this piece was given over, in the late 1970s, to Wallace, McHarg, Roberts, and Todd partner Thomas Todd, and construction was completed in 1982. McKeldin Plaza Timeline McKeldin Plaza Timeline 1940s The Inner Harbor's steamboats, which once carried goods and passengers up and down the East Coast, begin to close during World War II. 1962 The last steamboat company, the Old Bay Line, closes its final run. 1963 Theodore McKeldin is elected Mayor of Baltimore for... McKeldin Plaza Timeline 1940s The Inner Harbor's steamboats, which once carried goods and passengers up and down the East Coast, begin to close during World War II. 1962 The last steamboat company, the Old Bay Line, closes its final run. 1963 Theodore McKeldin is elected Mayor of Baltimore for... Read the story On the day I visited the Plaza with Copp, the running water in the fountain—meant to mask the sound of traffic and help cool the space—was turned off. A city employee in hip waders was thigh deep in the water, skimming off leaves and debris. Copp says that the fountain had been intended to run all year, the shape of the pools designed so that ice could form in the winter without causing damage. The responsibility for keeping the fountain clean and operating falls on either Baltimore's Department of Public Works, the Department of Transportation, or Department of Recreation and Parks, depending on who you ask. Those who advocate for the fountain's removal often complain about its maintenance. "It is used by the homeless to bathe and do laundry and by other people to get high. The City has to do better. It is nasty and should go for something with less upkeep," said one commenter on Facebook. "It looks bad and there is some graffiti on it now, and I don't believe the pumps are working," Downtown Partnership president Kirby Fowler told the Baltimore Business Journal in 2014. "The sooner we can take it down the better." The Downtown Partnership has already had two of the skywalks crossing Pratt Street removed, with the goal of increasing foot traffic for retail businesses, as Fowler told the Baltimore Sun in 2013. In early July of this year, the Downtown Partnership began dismantling one of the two skywalks connected to McKeldin Fountain. After the skywalk removal, as Downtown Partnership has told several media outlets, comes the demolition of the fountain itself, and its replacement with a temporary grass lawn. "The temporary Phase 1 landscape design will be in place for a few years while the final design is being developed," the Downtown Partnership said in a July 2016 press release about the temporary lawn. After the spur is closed, some kind of yet to be designed—and yet to be funded—new public space would be created. When the second skywalk, running from the fountain to the Light Street Harborplace Pavilion, is gone, pedestrians crossing Light Street's 11 lanes will once again be forced to share the ground with vehicles. Fowler will have begun to reproduce the conditions that Copp and his traffic engineer friend were trying to test in 1968. Only this time, the experiment will be much more difficult to reverse. Early versions of these new plans for Pratt Street, Light Street, and the Inner Harbor had big aspirations, including a proposal to restore both streets to two-way traffic. The spur at Light Street and Calvert Street would be closed to cars and transformed to public pedestrian space, making the fountain's function as an anchor for skywalks unnecessary, and getting rid of it to make room for more lanes on the other side. By 2008, the idea that two-way traffic could be restored was gone from the plans. Fowler presented this change to the Baltimore City Department of Planning's Urban Design and Architecture Review Panel (UDARP) in September of that year. The panel, which is charged with evaluating new design work for the city, expressed disappointment that this part of the proposal had been left behind. The 2008 plan was never formally adopted, but, as the Department of Planning's director Thomas Stosur noted in 2012, the Downtown Partnership and other groups were still implementing aspects of it in piecemeal fashion. When the City of Baltimore announced the original 1964 Inner Harbor Master Plan, it was put to a public vote as a bond issue, and passed. The Planning Commission worked side by side with CC-IHM at every step of implementation. The city's Board of Estimates discussed and approved agreements with developers and contractors in open sessions. Traffic wasn't the only problem that led Copp and his group to consult with experts. Decisions about urban design and architecture were subject to the advisory review of a panel that included the deans of several prominent schools of architecture, like the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and MIT. As the primary point of contact between the designers and CC-IHM as the client, Copp also hired an architect to advise his office in-house. He didn't hesitate to call his architect out when he didn't like what he was hearing from him. "I'm not an aesthete, and I'm not a designer," he said. "I wanted independent eyes and thoughts. When I suspected he was giving me the answer that he thought I wanted to hear, instead of the correct answer, I told him so, directly."
In 2015, Downtown Partnership formed a team of three firms to create a new landscape, new urban design, and a new water feature for McKeldin Plaza. One of the three firms, Ziger/Snead, is an office for which, in full disclosure, I worked six years ago. The other two firms are Mahan Rykiel and Ayers Saint Gross. The UDARP has reviewed and rejected these new plaza designs twice. At these review meetings, the panelists expressed concern that the removal of the existing fountain and plaza set a high standard for any replacement to uphold, and urged that the character of the new design reflect the civic nature of the existing public space, more than the commercial nature of the privately owned open space at Harborplace. McKeldin Fountain J.M. Giordano/City Paper McKeldin Fountain was considered the "crown jewel" of the Inner Harbor. McKeldin Fountain was considered the "crown jewel" of the Inner Harbor. (J.M. Giordano/City Paper) (J.M. Giordano/City Paper) A plaque on the side of the fountain records that its creation was "provided through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey M. Meyerhoff, and the Citizens of Baltimore." In 2014, Baltimore City's Public Art Commission, responsible for overseeing gifts of public art to the City, wrote to the Mayor's office to ask specifically if the demolition of the fountain constituted the decommissioning of a piece of artwork in the city's collection. Minda Goldberg, a lawyer for Baltimore City, visited the next Public Art Commission meeting to respond in person, telling them that they had no authority to prevent decommission. "You could have recommendations, advice, but you don't have the authority to say 'I like this piece of art, I think it's in good condition, I think it's still serving the public purpose, so it stays,'" she said. Several members of the commission disagreed and, in response, signed a letter stating that in their opinion, contrary to the city's counsel, the fountain is a public art gift, and therefore part of the inventory that they are charged with caring for and maintaining. The city's largest architecture advocacy group, the Baltimore chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), has also written letters about the fountain to city government. In a statement mailed to Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young in 2016, they suggested that no demolition should happen "before a new design has been publicly presented, vetted, approved by a review agency and fully funded." Citing the city's history of site clearings that sit empty for years, they wrote: "The city forbids demolition of properties in the Central Business District before new plans are submitted—why would we hold a public space in the heart of the city to any lesser of a standard?" Like Copp in 1968, the AIA was also concerned with traffic, emphasizing that the McKeldin Plaza design must include pedestrian access on Light and Pratt streets, "which is based on best urban design principles and not solely traffic-engineering." Today, traffic studies are done with computer simulations, not by messing with drivers in real time. The traffic engineers at the Baltimore City Department of Transportation have not yet studied or approved the Downtown Partnership's plan for the eventual closure of the Light Street spur. All of these expert opinions illustrate the murky status of McKeldin Fountain as an object. It is, at least according to the Public Art Commission, a work of public art. Its designer, Thomas Todd, is an architect, but does this fact make the fountain automatically a work of architecture? As a series of platforms with water and plantings rising up out of the plaza, the fountain is arguably also a work of landscape architecture. As a series of public pathways and walks, it is definitely a well-used piece of transportation infrastructure, too. What sort of approvals are needed in order to remove an inhabitable sculpture, full of plants and water, partly funded by private money as a gift on public property, with two bridges that cross busy streets to connect an office building courtyard with a waterfront indoor shopping mall? The plaza is a publicly owned place, but does the Department of Recreation and Parks control it? Or is it subject to the many semi-public nonprofit organizations with overlapping mandates here? There is at least one expert in town, besides Fowler, who wants the fountain gone: Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. When an audience member at the 2014 Mayor's biennial Cultural Town Meeting on the state of the arts in Baltimore asked her about closed-door decision making with regard to the fountain's removal, the mayor was momentarily confused. It seemed to take her some time to understand the intent of the question, that someone in the city might want the fountain and plaza to stay. The budget submitted by the Mayor's office and approved by the City Council this year includes $500,000 to the Downtown Partnership, earmarked for "McKeldin Plaza," presumably for demolition, with more to come in subsequent years. The removal of the fountain, and its replacement with a grass lawn, is expected to cost over $4 million. When Todd, the fountain's designer, was told about the estimated cost for demolition, he said, "Good luck. That area of the harbor is built on fill. If you think there's a lot of concrete above the ground, wait until you see the foundation." Private donors, including members of the McKeldin and Meyerhoff families, have also contributed to the Downtown Partnership. As the plaque on the fountain's side reads, the Meyerhoffs were funders of the fountain's original construction as well. A memo in the archives of former Mayor Schaefer records his memory of a lunchtime meeting with the heads of a few prominent city groups, where they had the chance to see a design model of McKeldin Fountain. "Very pleasant lunch," Schaefer wrote, "Mr. Eney [attorney H. Vernon Eney, an adviser to the Mayor] then inspected the model and said it would be the outstanding crown jewel in the Inner Harbor. Cost is in excess of $3.3 million [$9.7 million in 2016 dollars]. We have funds in the amount of $2.7. It would be up to the business community to raise $500,000. Bill Boucher will see Buddy Meyerhoff in the Bahamas, possibly taking the model with him. They will let me know in a short time whether the business community can raise the money." In April of that year, a letter from Meyerhoff to Boucher confirms that their conversation in the Bahamas had been successful, and that he and his wife would cover the difference. Meyerhoff concludes his letter, "As you know, both Lyn and I are quite pleased to be a part of the continued revitalization of the downtown area and equally delighted to be able to make this contribution to it." | http://www.citypaper.com/news/features/bcp-083116-feature-mckeldin-20160831-story.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/4837f99d9f8a523736a9f8d6cabc59cc5b17c678ffb9a54d9f2bfcfa682dac2a.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Reginald Thomas Ii"
] | 2016-08-30T20:47:15 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Ffilm%2Ffilm%2Fbcp-screens-aka-sports-olympics-20160831-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5ed03/turbine/bcp-screens-aka-sports-olympics-20160831 | en | null | How Baltimore's Carmelo Anthony found himself and countered critics at the Olympics | null | null | www.citypaper.com | In the fifth grade, my lips were chapped and 50 Cent's debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" spun feverishly in my Walkman. I was finally able to shoot free throws without having to jump and I started to figure how to effectively use curse words. Allen Iverson was the face of the NBA in Michael Jordan's absence and everyone cut the ends off knee-high socks to make DIY arm sleeves and sported headbands. This became the turning point for the culture of the NBA: Iverson brought hip-hop culture to the forefront with his cornrows, tattoos, and pregame outfits. He ushered in a new era of unapologetic self-expression and was responsible for the oppressive dress code then-NBA Commissioner David Stern imposed on players. This was 2003. In the shadow of Iverson's NBA were rookies LeBron James, the high school phenom, and Baltimore native Carmelo Anthony, the biggest thing to come out of the city since Juan Dixon. Baltimore shouted "Melo!" as they pulled up from mid-range on black tops throughout the city and rightfully so: Anthony made a killing near the elbow, blowing past bigger defenders in two dribbles or dodging them with a deadly hesitation crossover. He easily overpowered smaller defenders altogether. Anthony was the most relatable athlete I had ever seen in all my nine years of life. He wore Acoustix in an ESPN interview. We shared the same Baltimore accent, and he probably could appreciate a good half-and-half. His style was similar to Iverson's, and he had me wanting to buy any headband I came across. While James grabbed most of the headlines and was praised for his maturity coming out of high school, Anthony quietly held his own as one of the other brightest young stars the league had to offer. He went on to be named to the all-rookie team and was selected for the USA Men's national team in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. This team was a disaster. They won the bronze medal, hindered by issues surrounding the lack of team cohesion. This team lost three games total, including a blowout to Puerto Rico. Anthony didn't get much playing time sitting behind Richard Jefferson and Shawn Marion, and he was criticized when he spoke up about it. The criticisms of the 2004 Olympic team and, more specifically, Allen Iverson drew parallels to the same old red, white, and bigoted stereotypes projected on African-Americans and hip-hop culture: too self-absorbed, too lazy, not patriotic, a bad attitude. Tattoos and braids weren't what people wanted accompanying a jersey with the letters "U-S-A" embroidered across the chest. As the recent controversy surrounding Colin Kaepernick's protest of the national anthem shows, these stereotypes are still pervasive. Early on, the story surrounding Anthony was that he was flawed, too caught up in things he maybe shouldn't be caught up in. Later in 2004, not long after he dared to complain about a lack of playing time, he infamously appeared in the "Stop Snitchin'" DVD. Anthony didn't always fit in the boxes people constructed for him and he was pegged as a troublemaker, which gave him a front seat to telling shifts in basketball politics and the country's discourse about how young black men should or shouldn't act. So he became a role model at his own pace. Not long after the "Stop Snitchin'" controversy, Anthony appeared in a commercial for his sneakers, the Jordan Melo 5.5. He used the opportunity to lay the foundation of his off-the-court legacy, specifically as a voice for the neglected communities in the city of Baltimore. In the commercial, Anthony wears a black hooded sweatsuit as he walks down Myrtle Avenue. He dribbles past blighted homes, a young Justin Jenifer and friends playing crate ball in an alley way, Syracuse University coach Jim Boeheim on a recruiting visit, and people chilling on their front steps all while being surveilled by a police helicopter, Foxtrot. It was a "never forget where you came from" nod to the city that helped shape both his game and personhood—the sneaker is nearly an afterthought. This pledge of allegiance to Baltimore was distinctly not about the Inner Harbor, the Orioles, or crab cakes. Since then, Anthony has led the charge in using his athletic prowess to promote change in Baltimore and beyond: He opened the Carmelo Anthony Youth Center, and refurbished the Cloverdale courts; he has also refurbished courts throughout New York and Puerto Rico; he has a series with Vice Media where he shares his views concerning the magnification of his life as a star athlete, and he visits Rikers Island to gain insight on prison culture; in 2011, during the NBA lockout, Anthony organized a huge all-star game at Morgan State University; and during the Baltimore Uprising, he marched with protesters over west sporting a Cassius Clay sweatshirt. His presence during such a pivotal moment in the city's history was poignant: Baltimore wasn't just the latest city to call attention to police brutality, it was his hometown. His appearance during the uprising raised the stakes for Anthony heading into the Rio Olympics. Earlier this year, he appeared in an updated version of that 2005 advertisement, this time for the Jordan Melo 12s. At the ESPYs in July, he stood with his friends and fellow NBA titans Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and James and renounced police violence against black and brown people and made it a point to condemn the recent retaliatory violence in Dallas.
"The events of the past week have put a spotlight on the injustice, distrust, and anger that plague so many of us," Anthony said as he opened up the star-studded event. "The system is broken. The problems are not new. The violence is not new. And the racial divide definitely is not new. But the urgency to create change is at an all-time high." James rounded out the speech as they challenged the athletes to use their influence and resources to be change agents in their communities all year round. Paul, Wade, and James didn't play in this year's Olympics, which left it up to Anthony to make good on the ESPYs declaration in Rio. Just before the team was set to play pre-Olympic exhibition games, Anthony organized the "Leadership Together: A Conversation With Our Sons & Daughters" forum where police officers, athletes, and young people talked about police violence at the Challengers Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles. At the Olympics, he used his downtime to hang out in the favelas and play basketball with children—a stark contrast to Ryan Lochte's partying and lies to police. After USA Basketball's gold medal win over Serbia, Anthony huddled up with his teammates and spoke. "It wasn't always pretty," he said of their path to victory. "But we came together and did it when it counted. I love y'all niggas." Then, in a post-game interview he acknowledged the problems facing the country. "Despite everything that's going on right now in our country, we got to be united. I'm glad I did what I did, I stepped up the challenge, but this is what it's about. Representing our country on the biggest stage you can be on," he said holding back tears. "America will be great again, I believe that. We got a lot of work to do but one step at a time." He also announced his retirement from international play. Thirteen years later, my lips aren't chapped anymore and The Roots' Black Thought dominates my iTunes library and YouTube playlist, instead of 50 Cent. Anthony's statement was a less radical response than some, including myself, may have anticipated, but it was a continuation of his ESPYs statement and an effective Trump troll. It was the right statement to make. And he did it while becoming the most decorated USA Basketball Olympian and most prolific scorer. He went from the problematic prodigy to the paragon of USA Basketball. It wasn't always pretty, but Anthony played hard and he spoke up when it counted. Baltimore loves you, Melo.In the fifth grade, my lips were chapped and 50 Cent's debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" spun feverishly in my Walkman. I was finally able to shoot free throws without having to jump and I started to figure how to effectively use curse words. Allen Iverson was the face of the NBA in Michael Jordan's absence and everyone cut the ends off knee-high socks to make DIY arm sleeves and sported headbands. This became the turning point for the culture of the NBA: Iverson brought hip-hop culture to the forefront with his cornrows, tattoos, and pregame outfits. He ushered in a new era of unapologetic self-expression and was responsible for the oppressive dress code NBA Commissioner David Stern imposed on players. This was 2003. In the shadow of Iverson's NBA were rookies, LeBron James, the high school phenom and Baltimore native Carmelo Anthony, the next big thing since Juan Dixon. Baltimore shouted "Melo!" as they pulled up from mid-range on black tops throughout the city and rightfully so: Anthony made a killing near the elbow, blowing past bigger defenders in two dribbles or dodging them with a deadly hesitation crossover and easily overpowering smaller defenders altogether. Anthony was the most relatable athlete I had ever seen in all my nine years of life. He wore Acoustix in an ESPN interview. We shared the same Baltimore accent, and he could probably appreciate a good half-and-half. He had me wanting to buy any headband I came across. While James grabbed most of the headlines and was praised for his maturity coming out of high school, Anthony quietly held his own as one of the other brightest young stars the league had to offer. He went on to be named to the all-rookie team and was selected for the USA Men's national team in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. This team was a disaster. They won the bronze medal, hindered by issues surrounding the lack of team cohesion. This team lost three games total, including a blowout loss to Puerto Rico. Anthony didn't get much playing time sitting behind Richard Jefferson and Shawn Marion, and he was criticized when spoke up about his lack of playing time. The criticisms of the 2004 Olympic team and more specifically Allen Iverson drew parallels to the same old red, white, and bigoted stereotypes projected on African-Americans and hip-hop culture: too self-absorbed, too lazy, not patriotic, a bad attitude. Tattoos and braids weren't what people wanted accompanying a jersey with the letters "U-S-A" embroidered across the chest. And early on, the story surrounding Anthony was that he was flawed, too caught up in things he maybe shouldn't be caught up in. In 2005, not long after he dared to complain about a lack of playing time, he infamously appeared in the "Stop Snitchin" DVD. Anthony didn't always fit in the boxes people constructed for him and he was pegged as a troublemaker, which gave him front seats to telling shifts in basketball politics and the country's discourse about how young black men should or shouldn't act. So he became a role model at his own pace. Not long after the "Stop Snitching" controversy, Anthony appeared in a commercial for his sneakers, the Jordan Melo 5.5. He used the opportunity to lay the foundation of his off-the-court legacy marked by a dedication to the city of Baltimore, specifically as a voice for its neglected communities. In the commercial, Anthony wears a black hooded sweatsuit as he walks down Myrtle Avenue. He dribbles past blighted homes, a young Justin Jenifer and friends playing crate ball in an alley way, Syracuse University coach Jim Boeheim on a recruiting visit, and people chilling on their front steps all while being surveilled by a police helicopter, Foxtrot. It was a "never forget where you came from" nod to the city that helped shape both his game and personhood—the sneaker is nearly an afterthought. This pledge of allegiance to Baltimore was distinctly not about the Inner Harbor, the Orioles, and crab cakes. | http://www.citypaper.com/film/film/bcp-screens-aka-sports-olympics-20160831-story.html | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/918cb51f13a2b02cb2a7acd0cf197df4f95f4aa0c6772292b6c143b106843bf0.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:23 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-friday-marx-in-soho-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f286/turbine/bcpnews-friday-marx-in-soho-20160830 | en | null | Friday: "Marx in Soho" | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 2
Karl Marx was not the almost mythical figure who your philosophy major ex worshipped and attempted to emulate and resemble. He was not even his revolutionary social and political theory, Marxism. He was a guy with a family, trying to survive as the world around him seemed on the verge of collapse. In his one-man biographical play "Marx in Soho," "A People's History of the United States" author and historian Howard Zinn brings Marx back from the dead to what was supposed to be his old home of Soho, London. But due to an error made by the authorities of the hereafter, Marx instead pays a fun visit to the Capitalist center of the world—modern day New York City. Kicking off Spotlighters' 55th season, Phil Gallagher stars as Marx as your douche ex never knew him. Through Sept. 18, Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St., (410) 752-1225, spotlighters.org, $18-$22. (Maura Callahan) | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-friday-marx-in-soho-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/619f3bb6a3926d514716dea2f4070ae877ac0ad41fdac113423ef4a35f5718f5.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Carla Du Pree"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:00 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcp-082416-feature-spirit-meets-bone-dupree-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bcfa83/turbine/bcp-082416-feature-spirit-meets-bone-dupree-20160824 | en | null | Childhood in the South | null | null | www.citypaper.com | The tail end of summer brought with it the pang of indifference from the elders. By then no one cared much where the young ones wandered off to or if they came back long past sunset, as long as they showed up. If they took care of their chores and made it down to breakfast, freedom reigned throughout the remainder of the day. Myrna and M'dear quickly finished sweeping and mopping the kitchen and the porch, beating out the rugs hung over a fence in the back yard, and bringing in the wash that hung on the line drying since the early morning wash. Rather than share their whereabouts with the others, M&M—a name they called themselves—chose to slip out unnoticed. The fewer who knew their whereabouts, the better, while they escaped to the lowland, the river's edge and crossed the creek to Fell's Pride, where they had no business being. Why? Because it was well kept with manicured lawns. Why? Because it was within their reach but beyond their knowing.
On days like this, Myrna tugged M'dear's hand until she followed, hiking their dresses well above brown, knobby knees, and holding their shoes, while crossing the creek to the other side.
"Trouble's going to find us," M'dear said.
"I have an inkling we'll stay clear of it today," Myrna said.
They walked in silence, cursing mosquito pinches, and promising to do each other's sweated back hair long before Mama had a chance to sit them each between her legs and run a pressing comb through their tangled knots. The heat showed no mercy and harshly singed their skins, but they so badly wanted an adventure, they created one. When they reached the hill beneath the shade of the oak, they smoothed the backs of their dresses, sat on a mound of grass, and sipped from the single Mason jar of water between them.
"Shh, did you hear that?" Myrna asked, whipping her head around in the direction of the noise.
"An inkling, remember, Myr?"
"Doesn't mean I can't be wrong."
"You better not be," as they both turned their heads towards the woods.
"Lookie here?" A stranger's voice.
They shifted in the direction of the barely-a-boy voice, found themselves face to face with a white boy. They had sat on this mound many a summer day and never found even a whisper of a person in these parts. So struck were they by his presence they didn't move.
He wasn't afraid of them. They were sure of that. He came a little too close and stood over them with empty hands, but his chin jutted out like he was some kind of tough. His dark hair lay slicked back and wet. His thin shirt and trousers, damp as if he had taken a swim in the creek. What struck them most was the whiteness of his skin, and how he puffed his chest and inflated his voice once he saw their faces. That simple gesture told the girls, he was no one to fear and nothing to worry over.
"What do you think you're doing here?"
"Minding our business," M'dear said, as Myrna elbowed her.
"What are your names?"
"Who wants to know?" Myrna said.
"I got a right to know".
"Says who?" said M'dear.
"Says me."
As much as he tried, he didn't sound threatening.
Myrna stood, then brushed off her dress, face to face. "Who are you?" She smelled his sweat along with his stringy, wet hair, and thought putrid.
His collar flipped over like he had hurried to put on his short-sleeve shirt. He flinched not one bit at how close she was. Before she knew it, he grabbed her arm, then with a slight jerk, he slumped to his knees before falling over.
M'dear wrestled to her feet, "What the heck."
His weight landed so completely on Myrna, she fell too. There they lay, his white skin above her dark one, the very sight of it made the girls tense. Myrna scrambled to move from beneath him, but he was more than a little heavy.
"Git him off me!"
"I'm pulling him, but he's heavy for a lightweight. Is he dead?"
"No, I smell his breath, but I'm about to be if you don't yank his tail off of me."
M'dear pulled at his arm then kneed his chest to push him off of Myrna.
Myrna scurried out from under him, already hot, now bothered by his weight and earthy smell.
"What should we do with him?"
"Give me that water," M'dear said, not hesitating to snatch it from Myrna. She unscrewed the cap, knelt, turned him over then held the boy's head in her lap. She placed the lip of the jar on his mouth. His face was a ruddy red like the heat got too close to him. She had never seen lips that thin and a nose so slender she wondered how he breathed.
They looked curiously at the boy, not having ever been that close to a white kid before.
"Maybe we should go," Myrna said.
"We can't just leave him here alone. Mama'd never forgive us."
"Who said Mama had to know?"
M'dear watched the water spill from his lips and down his cheeks, as he wasn't swallowing. His eyelids twitched and his lashes, heavy and dark, fluttered against his skin. For a moment she stepped outside of herself and wondered what she looked like, kneeling with a white boy on her lap, feeding him water from a jar. The very thought forced her to her feet and his head hit the ground with a thump.
Myrna bent down and listened for his breathing with her head to his chest.
"He's still alive. What are we going to do with him?"
"Stay with him while I get help."
"That's not going to happen. What would I look like alone in the woods with a boy? What will you look like telling strangers that a white boy fainted in the woods? The first thing they'll ask us is why we're even here."
"He must have heatstroke," M'dear said. "Look at the rose to his cheeks."
"What's heatstroke? You mean a little bitty thing like the heat can wipe out a fellow like that?"
"Maybe."
The boy opened his eyes then pushed up on his elbows, a sluggish look to him. M'dear extended the water to him. His lips curled before he brushed the jar away from his face.
"I'm not drinking from no moon cricket."
"You don't have to." M'dear threw the water in his face. She looked at the bewildered boy who sat wiping his face with the back of his hand, then took off down the hill. "Come on, Myrna. Let's go."
"M'dear! I can't believe you ... ," and then to the boy, "We should've known better than to help you. You ... you, fool boy!" As quick as she said it, her hands 'spelled' regret and rushed to her mouth, before she took off to follow. | http://www.citypaper.com/bcp-082416-feature-spirit-meets-bone-dupree-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/142b15db6e619899d3eb8f7c8ca16abee738cd68f513c776ac382505f749745c.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-30T22:47:38 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fnews%2Fthisweek%2Fbcpnews-saturday-bad-boy-family-reunion-20160830-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c5f065/turbine/bcpnews-saturday-bad-boy-family-reunion-20160830 | en | null | Saturday: Bad Boy Family Reunion | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Sept. 3
8 p.m., Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., (410) 347-2020, royalfarmsarena.com, $29.50-$142.
Puffy and Mase (or is it Ma$e?) break out their shiny suits as this reunion concert rolls into town tonight. The tour also features your favorite middle school singers and rappers: Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans, 112, and The Lox. Does the fact that your childhood faves are now on reunion tours make you old? We’re not gonna lie to you—it kind of does. | http://www.citypaper.com/news/thisweek/bcpnews-saturday-bad-boy-family-reunion-20160830-story.html | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/173c82b26802d466876208b63a9c4a66a318d8773e7e2b55cbc12ee2c3b6b1f0.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper",
"Lalita Noronha"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:04 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fbcp-082416-feature-poem-lalita-forty-years-later-20160824-story.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57bcf893/turbine/bcp-082416-feature-poem-lalita-forty-years-later-20160824 | en | null | 'Forty Years Later: What I Know' and 'From Bombay to Baltimore' | null | null | www.citypaper.com | Forty Years Later: What I Know
Let me say this about immigrants
who burrow through the earth
to swim in rivers whose names they lisp,
Mississippi, Missouri—so many esses, hisses, misses,
the Grand Canyon they fly over with paper wings.
I love the way they step off a plane or boat into a silky twilight
towing belongings—prayer beads, bamboo flutes, jute bags—
scraps of this and that, passports and photographs,
leaving behind scorched chimneys, banana leaves,
monkeys hanging by their feet from trees.
But here is what they do not say—
We will never be whole again.
We cannot, in truth, uproot.
We will grow fins, wings, scales, tails, water-colored third eyes.
We will use our arms as legs, heels as fists, bellies and backs as floats.
We will fill our mouths with ash.
We will chill our teeth
drink the acrid wine of separation
and sleep through occasions—birth, death, days between—
for this one chance to awaken
grateful, still surprised.
*First appeared in "The Cortland Review", Issue 59, 2013
From Bombay to Baltimore
The Arabian Sea still flecks with fishing boats
like paper toys my father taught me to fold
and float in streams behind our home.
My plane, a silver scythe knows no ache,
splices clouds in half like cotton scarves,
shreds and tosses wispy threads afar.
Dim one-bulb huts recede, pinpoints of fire flies,
five star hotels shrink to match-box size,
coconut fronds to dainty fans.
This time, my heart, quiet and stilled,
leaves behind a billion people, maybe more,
who say their destinies are written on their foreheads.
And still I search between continents,
between sky and sky,
between then and now
for home.
*First appeared in "Pirene's Fountain," Vol. 4, Issue 9, 2011
Lalita Noronha is the author of "Where Monsoons Cry" (Black Words Press, fiction) which won the Maryland Literary Arts Award and two poetry books, "Her Skin Phyllo-thin" (Finishing Line Press) and "Mustard Seed: A Collage of Science, Art and Love Poems" (Apprentice House, in press).
https://lalitanoronha.wordpress.com/ | http://www.citypaper.com/bcp-082416-feature-poem-lalita-forty-years-later-20160824-story.html | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/37f1fa33bd1320268b13cabe34027cef86b85c616817d9f52ed740e120187dfb.json |
[
"Baltimore City Paper"
] | 2016-08-27T06:46:25 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.citypaper.com%2Fphotos%2Fbcpnews-the-stop-the-killing-ride-in-photos-20160826-photogallery.html.json | http://www.trbimg.com/img-57c13424/turbine/bcpnews-the-stop-the-killing-ride-in-photos-20160826 | en | null | The 'Stop The Killing' Ride in Photos | null | null | www.citypaper.com | On Friday evening, a caravan of police cars, hearses, and residents all drove the length of North Ave. for the faith-based community ride/walk to "Stop The Killing." It stopped frequently for moments of prayer and chants against street violence, led by MOMS (Mothers of Murdered Sons). Along with Lt. Shorter and other police officers with particularly sturdy ties to the community (including, Lt. Proctor and Sgt. Bailey, the BPD's LGBTQ liaison) a number of notable Baltimore faces appeared, including homeless advocate Christina Flowers, green party mayoral candidate Joshua Harris, and activist Darlene Cain whose son Dale Graham was killed by Baltimore police in 2008. The walk/drive which began at Hilton St. and North Ave., and ended at Milton St. at North Ave. (Brandon Soderberg) | http://www.citypaper.com/photos/bcpnews-the-stop-the-killing-ride-in-photos-20160826-photogallery.html | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.citypaper.com/b9334f69679051b4de94371f179e1cc27d520c5a47945f6ac0f9697600178b1c.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-29T02:47:04 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Before he joined Acadian Ambulance, Charlie Smith knew he wanted to be a doctor. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160828%2Farticles%2F160829647.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160828&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829647&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Medical emergency responder dreams of being doctor | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Now that he's been an emergency medical technician for more than a year and a half, he's found his specialty.
"I didn't know I wanted to be an ER doc until I got into the emergency field and I was like, 'Wow. This is where it's at. This is where the adrenaline is, this is where the cool stuff happens,'" he said.
Smith, 24, earned his bachelor's degree from Nicholls State University in May 2014, with a major in biology and minor in chemistry. After he returned from a summer job in Tennessee, his mother suggested he enroll in emergency medical service classes.
He spent a few months at the National EMS Academy in Houma and started working out of Acadian's West Main Street station near Thibodaux in January 2015. He started the EMS Academy's paramedic program in August 2015, still working full time.
To finish paramedic school this month, Smith had to demonstrate medical assessments and care on a mannequin and run through a call with an instructor. Now that he's done, he'll start working as a paramedic in a few weeks.
Chad Davis, who been Smith's supervisor since he started, described him as a "model employee."
"He's punctual. He treats his patients professionally and kindly and helps the hospital staff out," Davis said. "Anything he can do to help his patients, he does. He's super kind and professional in his interactions with his coworkers. He and his partner work really well as a team. Anything asked of him, he does without question, with no issues."
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center honored Smith and his partner, Darryl Martinez, earlier this year with Wonderful Outstanding Worker, or WOW, awards for helping in the emergency room during a busy time.
Smith was chosen as Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5097's Medic of the Year and VFW District Medic of the Year. In June, he received Acadian's President's Performance Award, for which Davis nominated him.
He said he never expected the awards.
"It makes me feel good, makes me feel proud that I work for such an amazing company," he said. "I make sure that I go out there and do my best every day, and hopefully that reflects in my patient care and treatment of co-workers, not only with Acadian but also the hospital staff. ... Having a good rapport with them really helps our job a lot. They learn to trust you, and they learn that you can provide patient care, that way they don't have to worry too much."
Entry-level emergency medical technicians can only provide basic life support, Smith said, while paramedics can provide advanced life support, including cardiac monitoring, starting an IV and giving various medications EMTs can't give.
Smith said people in any emergency response field learn to keep their adrenaline and stress in check until after a situation is handled. Still, his first time responding to a patient in cardiac arrest and his first fatal crash stick with him.
"The hardest part of the job is that sometimes you know that no matter what you do, eventually your efforts are going to be futile," he said. "You've trained for all this time to learn how to fix people, and, unfortunately, things are just too bad sometimes for us to fix. ... The best way that I learned to cope with it is knowing that I did everything I could possibly do, and after that it's out of my hands."
Smith plans to apply to medical school with the hope of getting in next fall or the following spring. He wants to stay in the United States, possibly Tennessee.
"The most rewarding part of the job is the look on patients' faces when you are able to help them – and not only the patient, but also the family," he said. "I've always wanted to help people somehow, some way. That's probably the driving factor in wanting to be in the medical field. That's what I feel called to do, so to be able to hand them over to the hospital knowing they are in a better condition than when I found them is a very rewarding feeling."
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160828/articles/160829647 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/2016e460f867633e0b1e7a6d3f263f76b8d98e673c3223095f9368eb3eb43c3a.json |
[
"Melissa Healy"
] | 2016-08-30T00:47:03 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | U.S. pediatricians are pushing back against parents who resist having their children vaccinated against a broad range of dangerous diseases by calling on states to stop offering waivers to those with nonmedical objections to the practice. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160829%2Fwire%2F160829627.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160829&Category=WIRE&ArtNo=160829627&Ref=AR&Profile=1319&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | U.S. pediatricians push back against parents who resist having their children vaccinated | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | U.S. pediatricians are pushing back against parents who resist having their children vaccinated against a broad range of dangerous diseases by calling on states to stop offering waivers to those with nonmedical objections to the practice.
In a policy statement issued today, the American Academy of Pediatrics also said that if parents continue to refuse vaccinations despite exhaustive efforts to change their minds, it would be acceptable for doctors to exclude these families from their practices.
The pronouncements are intended to guide U.S. pediatricians as they grapple with a rising tide of vaccine "hesitancy" on the part of parents. Among doctors who are members of the nation's largest organization of pediatricians, 87 percent have been challenged in the last year by parents who refused to have their children immunized, up from 75 percent in 2006.
Imperturbable in the face of colicky babies, toddlers' tantrums and teen angst, many pediatricians have reached the end of their patience with parents who are unconvinced of vaccines' lifesaving benefits. In 2013, 12 percent of pediatricians routinely asked parents to find another physician if they weren't willing to vaccinate their children. In 2006, only 6 percent routinely showed such parents the door, according to surveys by the academy.
That step should be a last resort, the group said.
In a lengthy report also released today by the academy, 23 specialists in pediatrics and infectious diseases said doctors should begin discussing the benefits of vaccines as early as the first prenatal visit. In doing so, they should be prepared to explain the scientific evidence supporting vaccines' use.
The panel also urged pediatricians to "personalize" the message that vaccines are safe, effective and powerful by sharing their own decisions to vaccinate their children or grandchildren. This particular advice was prompted by studies showing that skeptical parents tend to value the safety and comfort of their own children over arguments emphasizing the role of vaccines in benefiting the public at large.
Even as it gave physicians its blessing to dismiss vaccine refusers from their practices, the pediatricians' group acknowledged a widely held view among rank-and-file members: that for a profession dedicated to the well-being of children and their families, the decision to show patients the door is often difficult.
"It was gut-wrenching," said Dr. Alison Ziari, chief of pediatrics at the Austin Regional Clinic, a multi-specialty practice with 70 pediatricians in Texas that adopted a vaccinate-or-leave policy in July 2015. "These are our families. We love them and we want to care for them."
The survey results released Monday show that parents' concerns about vaccines have shifted in recent years. In 2006, pediatricians reckoned that nearly three-fourths of parents reluctant to vaccinate their children were motivated by fear that some vaccines could cause autism or have other adverse effects on a child's safety.
By 2013, safety concerns and the discredited link between vaccines and autism appeared to be less prominent causes of parental resistance. Instead, physicians attributed a growing number of parental objections to the view that vaccines are an unnecessary discomfort for their young children.
Such complacency is a common, if ironic, response to vaccines' success, doctors and epidemiologists say. Before a measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, virtually everyone got measles as a child, and hundreds of Americans died of the disease each year. Today, few parents of young children have even seen it.
"In a way, immunization has been a victim of its own success," said Dr. Sydney Spiesel, a pediatrician in Woodbridge, Conn., who has dismissed several families from his practice for refusing to vaccinate their children. "If you don't see terrible things happening, you're not seeing the risks" of failing to vaccinate.
The new guidelines follow a steady uptick in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, most notably measles and whooping cough. In 2015, a measles outbreak originating at Disneyland sickened 147 people in the United States, including 131 in California. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in March found that people who refused to vaccinate themselves or their children played a key role in initiating and accelerating those outbreaks.
Although all 50 states and the District of Columbia require that schoolchildren be immunized against a broad range of diseases, most states allow parents to opt out if they have a religious objection to vaccines and 18 allow for "philosophical exemptions" for those who object based on personal, moral or other grounds, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The Disneyland outbreak helped spark an acrimonious debate over these nonmedical exemptions. Last month, a California law removing the state's "personal belief" exemption took effect, making California one of three states _ along with West Virginia and Mississippi _ that no longer grant nonmedical exemptions to vaccines.
"It's clear that states with more lenient exemptions policies have lower immunization rates, and it's these states where we have seen disease outbreaks occur as the rates slip below the threshold needed to maintain community immunity," said Dr. Geoffrey R. Simon, lead author of the medical exemptions policy statement.
___ | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160829/wire/160829627 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/6213dfe4d7a4e263c594d9c0c453e04f7fc20c2e7d089ec4ba2e978ee6247b09.json |
[
"Kim Knowlton"
] | 2016-08-26T18:46:44 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | It's a hot, steamy summer across much of the United States, and mosquito bites are as much a part of the season as backyard barbecues. This year, though, daily headlines remind us that a bite can bring more than an irritating itch. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160826%2Fwire%2F160829762.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160826&Category=WIRE&ArtNo=160829762&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | 5 myths about mosquitoes (You probably believe at least one) | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | It's a hot, steamy summer across much of the United States, and mosquito bites are as much a part of the season as backyard barbecues. This year, though, daily headlines remind us that a bite can bring more than an irritating itch.
Mosquitoes can be highly efficient disease-transmission machines. The outbreak of Zika virus in parts of Miami has put pregnant women there at risk.
Mosquitoes can also transmit West Nile virus, dengue fever and chikungunya, another viral illness finding its way into the United States.
Separating fact from fancy can help us better protect ourselves against mosquito bites and the diseases they can spread.
Myth No. 1: Mosquitoes find everyone equally tasty.
Female mosquitoes don't much care who they bite; they're just out for blood, which they need to produce eggs. This has led some people to conclude that the bugs don't show any preference when it comes to their victims. NBC News, for example, explained that mosquitoes are drawn to CO2, which all of us produce. BugOfff.com, a site about insect pests, says it's a myth that "mosquitoes choose who to bite."
But research has shown that some mosquito species prefer certain types of people. The insects rely primarily on smell to find prey, and female mosquitoes seem to flock to certain individuals over others based on differences in the odoriferous chemicals produced by the human body. One study in Gambia, for example, found that pregnant women were especially attractive to the Anopheles mosquitoes that can transmit malaria. Another study in Burkina Faso found that beer consumption increased subjects' attractiveness to the same type of mosquitoes.
That doesn't mean you can change your diet to change your smell. You won't stop a skeeter, for example, by eating garlic or taking vitamin B supplements, studies suggest. And there aren't clear, consistent dietary explanations for why some people seem to be mosquito magnets.
Myth No. 2: You're safe if you spend most of your time in air conditioning.
When Zika was discovered in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised pregnant women to stay inside, in air conditioning. Prevention magazine says avoiding the outdoors, at least at certain times of the day, is one of the best ways to avoid exposure.
It's true that spending the bulk of your time inside, with doors and windows shut, will lower your risk. Buildings without air conditioning and window screens are contributing to mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in Puerto Rico, Florida and Texas.
But that doesn't mean mosquitoes can't be a problem inside. Some, especially the Aedes aegypti mosquito which can carry Zika and dengue, can live in nooks and crannies in homes and yards. One exterminator wrote about discovering mosquitoes breeding in boiler rooms and potted-plant containers. On another blog, a homeowner vividly described the mosquito population he found in his bathroom. "Right now the mosquitoes are much worse inside of our house than outside," he wrote. "Yes we have screens. Yes we keep our doors closed. But these ones come from within." That's why, in high-risk areas, experts recommend sleeping under mosquito netting at night, particularly for infants.
Myth No. 3: You're safe from mosquitoes if you're not near a swamp.
Most mosquito species crave warm weather and moist soil or still water to lay their eggs. This makes swamps particularly appealing - as one website explains, mosquitoes "most commonly infest ponds, marshes, swamps and other wetland habitats." Some people have even suggested draining wetlands to cut down on these pests.
In reality, that would do little to reduce mosquito populations. Many species don't need a swamp to reproduce; some are more comfortable in human habitats. Aedes aegypti prefers the company of humans - so much easier to find blood. Female Aedes aegypti chiefly lay their eggs in artificial containers with vertical walls and a bit of standing water. They find the perfect incubators in those flower pots, tires, buckets, planters, toys, birdbaths, empty garbage cans and lids in our yards and on our decks. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae drop down into the water, where they mature into adult mosquitoes. This is why it's so important to check your house, yard and neighborhood weekly for these kinds of containers. Empty and scrub them. Turn them over, cover them, dry them out or throw them out.
Even mosquitoes born in swamps can pose a danger to humans who don't live nearby. The species Aedes sollicitans prefers stagnant salt marshes along the ocean for its eggs and larvae. However, the insect can fly 10 miles or more inland to find animals or people to bite.
Myth No. 4: Mosquitoes hate citronella candles, bats and Listerine.
The Internet is awash in ideas for repelling mosquitoes. Websites sell wooden bat homes for back yards, promising that their omnivorous occupants will devour the pesky bugs. Emails circulate suggesting that a bowl of water with a few drops of liquid soap, a spray of Listerine or half a lemon stuffed full of cloves will keep the bloodsuckers away. Amazon even sells an "eco friendly" device that emits ultrasonic waves to fight the bugs.
Unfortunately, most of these "natural" solutions provide little, if any, relief. Take citronella candles - Harry Savage of the CDC told CNN that they don't do much. "To me," he said, "citronella only protects the candle." Ditto with mouthwash, bats (which don't consume enough mosquitoes to make a measurable difference) and ultrasonic waves.
Research shows that the best mosquito repellents are Environmental Protection Agency-registered sprays for use on the body, such as products that contain DEET or picaridin. (Groups like the CDC, Consumers Union and Environmental Working Group offer useful guides.) As one expert noted, "Many, many studies throughout the world have shown that botanical based repellents provide substantially less protection against biting mosquitoes than DEET or Picaridin."
Additionally, it's not enough to take precautions only at night. Sure, mosquitoes such as those in the Culex genus, which can spread West Nile virus, tend to attack after dusk. But others, including Aedes aegypti, bite by day.
Myth No. 5: We should wipe mosquitoes off the face of the Earth.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are killed by mosquito-borne diseases. In the past decade, malaria claimed the lives of 6 million people; as Bill Gates explained, the illness "threatens half of the world's population and causes billions of dollars in lost productivity annually." These staggering costs have led several experts to suggest that we make mosquitoes extinct. "It's time to kill all the mosquitoes," Slate wrote. "It's time for mass mosquito-cide."
In reality, though, total extinction of all mosquito species could be risky and almost impossible. First, not all mosquitoes are problematic - although there are about 3,500 varieties, only 200 or so bite us. Additionally, in many places, such as the Arctic, the bugs are a vital source of food for animals.
Mosquitoes are also tenaciously resilient, and they live in close contact with human communities. Pesticides alone are not an answer, as there can be enormous risks to human and ecological health from misuse of pesticides, and mosquitoes can often develop resistance. "There is going to be no silver bullet that is going to eradicate them all," Joseph M. Conlon, technical adviser to the American Mosquito Control Association, told Vice. "There is going to be some environmental damage and possibly in ways we couldn't even predict."
In the future, experts say, we might be able to limit certain species of mosquitoes using genetic modification to make them infertile. But even that could be a challenge - the number of modified mosquitoes you'd have to release would be phenomenal.
-- Kim Knowlton is the senior scientist and deputy director of the Natural Resources Defense Council's Science Center. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160826/wire/160829762 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/2b581f650113cbb4b66b5e65e4bc93d531b11e95145bf41dfca1293fe5b4ab11.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-30T04:47:05 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Emergency officials advised Houma-Thibodaux residents to monitor a strengthening tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160829%2Farticles%2F160829611.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160829&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829611&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Gulf storm: Will it make the turn? | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | The big question is this: Will Tropical Depression 9 take a hard turn east as most forecasts predict?
Almost all of the computer models predicted the Gulf storm would take a hard turn east-northeast tonight or early Wednesday. The Hurricane Center predicted the storm would hit Thursday somewhere between the mid-Florida Panhandle and the Tampa area.
“We're looking at tomorrow night it will take an easterly turn, which will assist us tremendously,” Lafourche Parish Homeland Security Director Josh Champagne said today. “We're not in the impact zone right now, but just in case it doesn't make the turn, ... we will have our Emergency Operations Center in tomorrow night to monitor.”
The storm's center was about 180 miles west of Key West, Fla., late tonight, moving west-northwest about 5 mph with sustained winds of 35 mph. The National Hurricane Center predicted sustained winds would reach 39 mph sometime today. If it does, it would be named either tropical storm Hermine or Ian, depending on whether another depression in the Atlantic off the Carolinas beats it to that strength.
"I would not say Louisiana is out of the woods yet, but it is looking more like a Florida storm versus Louisiana at this point," WWL-TV meteorologist Dave Nussbaum said this evening in an online forecast. "Don't let your guard down yet, but don't be worried about this either. You should already be prepared for a storm by now, so make sure your plan is in place just in case."
Terrebonne and Lafourche emergency directors and public officials advised residents to do the same.
“It's still unpredictable,” South Lafourche Levee Director Windell Curole said. “The key thing right now is to be as prepared as we can. … Everyone should be at that level and just really pay attention to it."
Officials and workers in both parishes were checking levees and pumps and making other preparations.
Terrebonne's Levee District closed floodgates on the Humble Canal, Bayou Terrebonne, Boudreaux Canal and Placid Canal, along with its Upper Little Caillou Auxiliary Structure. Lower Dularge and Bush Canal could close soon, officials said today.
“What really kills us is the rain,” Terrebonne Levee Director Reggie Dupre said. “There was 3 inches of the rain on the lower end of the parish today. ... I'm happy with where we're at despite the rain.”
The National Hurricane Center said 3-7 inches of rain was possible over much of the Florida peninsula through Thursday, with up to 10 inches in isolated spots along the state's Gulf Coast.
The National Weather Service forecast a slight chance of rain all week Terrebonne and Lafourche, though that could change if the storm veers closer to the area than most models predicted. Tides locally were expected to rise 1 to 2 feet above normal, leading the Weather Service to issue a coastal flood watch through Thursday.
Port Fourchon Executive Director Chet Chiassion said the tides should not impact traffic to and from the oilfield hub at south Lafourche, either by water or along La. 1, which is prone to flooding during Gulf storms or sometimes heavy rain.
Forecasters are also watching a disturbance off Africa that is expected to strengthen this week as it churns west across the Atlantic toward the Caribbean.
Hurricane season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30, usually peaks in August and September.
-- Staff Writer Emma Discher can be reached at 448-7636 or emma.discher@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmadischer. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160829/articles/160829611 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/947ab1fab450402a5de48d373230870a809fece44038a89730a9956a268bb264.json |
[
"Sean Ellis"
] | 2016-08-31T02:47:14 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Terrebonne Parish is continuing to look for ways to speed up its permitting process and make it easier for builders, developers and residents to navigate. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160830%2Farticles%2F160839971.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Terrebonne works to streamline permitting | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Terrebonne Parish is continuing to look for ways to speed up its permitting process and make it easier for builders, developers and residents to navigate.
Officials are working to educate residents about the parish's online-based permitting system as well as searching for ways to eliminate redundancy in the process.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Chris Pulaski said the parish is working with the state Department of Health and Hospitals to integrate its database with Terrebonne's online permit database creating a "one-stop shop."
"Once they're fully integrated into that, you won't have to go to the Department of Health before you have to apply for a permit. You bring in whatever documentation you need to the parish permit office, and it would be included in the online permitting system," he said.
Because staff is limited at the Department of Health's Houma office, it is only open for 90 minutes in the morning and 90 minutes in the afternoon as the staff processes permits and conducts field inspections, making it difficult for people to have their paperwork handed, Pulaski said.
Officials are also looking at the parish's ordinances for places where redundant or outdated items can be eliminated, a process that has already begun with an ordinance dealing with additions to homes, such as pools and guest houses, he said.
In 2012, the parish began using an online system at tpcg.gov to allow people to apply for permits online. Residents can also still visit the permit office in the Government Tower, at Main and Gabasse streets in Houma.
Pulaski said he will meet with the local home builders association next month to go over the online permitting process. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160830/articles/160839971 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/7c41a470685a5aced4a43ec844517121e3ad3bda870865d8a11ab20e8ff09435.json |
[
"Sean Ellis"
] | 2016-08-30T00:47:13 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | The $4.5 million Westside Boulevard extension is set to be complete in October, giving motorists a way to get from St. Louis Canal Road to La. 311 on a single road. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160829%2Farticles%2F160829623.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Westside extension in Houma nears completion | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | The $4.5 million Westside Boulevard extension is set to be complete in October, giving motorists a way to get from St. Louis Canal Road to La. 311 on a single road.
The extension runs from Martin Luther King Boulevard, Houma's busy retail strip, to La. 311. It includes Terrebonne Parish's first roundabout, a circular intersection designed to ease traffic, located where the new road meets the Equity Bridge near La. 311.
The four-lane roadway itself is complete; bicycle paths along it are still being added.
"This is going to be a great vehicle access to alleviate the traffic on Martin Luther King," Parish President President Gordy Dove said. "They started over a year ago, and it's progressed fine. The contractor has done a wonderful job, and that's moving ahead."
Parish and state transportation officials say Westside Boulevard's extensions should help alleviate congestion by giving drivers a direct north-south route through Houma.
The state Transportation Department will install a stop light at Westside and Martin Luther King boulevards after construction is complete.
Westside Boulevard has seen major upgrades in recent years. In the summer 2008, a $3.5 million extension connected it with St. Louis Canal Road. In 2011, a $3.9 million four-lane extension brought Westside from Main Street to Martin Luther King. At the beginning of the year, parish officials cut the ribbon on a new four-lane Westside Boulevard Bridge to accommodate the four-lane extension. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160829/articles/160829623 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/db73e15e4f69eb6910bee32727d55b51b7d7e02b08b60ae35cd4fbaed3f8ffb1.json |
[
"David Hammer"
] | 2016-08-28T20:46:52 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is facing a political problem as he lays the groundwork to seek billions of dollars in federal recovery aid for Louisiana flood victims. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160828%2Fwire%2F160829661.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160828&Category=WIRE&ArtNo=160829661&Ref=AR&Profile=1356&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | La. senator stands by no vote on Sandy relief: 'I'm being consistent' | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is facing a political problem as he lays the groundwork to seek billions of dollars in federal recovery aid for Louisiana flood victims.
Cassidy, the first-term GOP senator, was in the U.S. House in January 2013 when he joined 189 other Republicans to vote against a $50 Billion Dollar aid package for Hurricane Sandy victims.
At the time, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, blasted the GOP House members for partisan politics at its worst.
Now that Cassidy and fellow Louisiana Republicans, Reps. Steve Scalise and John Fleming, are asking for federal disaster relief and rebuilding grants for their state, some in the national media are calling them hypocrites.
But Cassidy says he's being consistent.
“I voted for Sandy relief,” he said. “What I didn't vote for was $20 billion or so tacked on as pork unrelated to Sandy relief. ... I want this to be related to disasters, and, obviously, we've had a disaster in our state.”
Cassidy did vote for an early version of Sandy relief that would have cost $17 billion. But as it wound through the legislative process, that plan ballooned to more than $50 billion and ended up including money for NASA and oil spill research, along with other programs that appeared to have little to do with Sandy's destruction.
Conservative critics of the Sandy spending called $16 billion of Community Development Block Grant money split among the affected northeast states and New York City “pork” because of the flexibility for locals to spend the housing aid.
But block grant disaster relief money provided $10 billion for the single largest housing recovery program in U.S. history in Louisiana after Katrina and Rita, the Road Home, and Cassidy said he's in favor of that type of funding for the flood victims of 2016.
“CDBG does have tremendous latitude in how it can be spent, but, in a sense, that increases the complexity. That's not my job; that's the state's job. My job is to advocate once the state has given us that figure,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy questions whether a Road Home-like program, run by state government for all homeowners affected by this month's flooding, would be the best use of the CDBG money this time around. He said he always prefers the money to be controlled at the most local level practical.
After Katrina, city and parish governments were destroyed along with their homes and infrastructure. But in this case, Cassidy said he's confident the parishes affected all have governments that are strong enough to stand up recovery programs of their own.
The senator said state officials are still trying to estimate the full scope of the damage so the congressional delegation can make a unified request to the rest of Congress. Cassidy said he's begun meeting with Senate Appropriations Committee staff members and has a meeting scheduled for Monday with Gov. John Bel Edwards to hash out details.
Still, it may take some time to get to come up with a final ask, he said.
“It's based on estimates, and what you don't want is lowball, right? And it may take a while for that estimate to be made,” Cassidy said, noting that road repair cost estimates require soil samples and other time-consuming work before total damage can be calculated.
Cassidy also called on President Obama to champion Louisiana's needs in Congress and especially with the Army Corps of Engineers, which he wants to move quickly to shore up flood protection in the Amite River basin.
“The president's visit focused national and international attention on the disaster; that was good,” Cassidy said. “We will not know how good the visit is, though, until we see if the president steps up as George W. (Bush) did after Katrina…. We need his personal involvement to make sure the money is there and that the Army Corps obeys the commander in chief.” | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160828/wire/160829661 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/d483d955525e78f72a9617be879f48e85ce2302cf9d7d8d15ef1e345dd49078a.json |
[
"Sean Ellis"
] | 2016-08-27T00:46:34 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Terrebonne Parish officials are working to get contractors to raise a levee in Chauvin to provide better flood protection. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160826%2Farticles%2F160829709.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Parish officials want to raise Chauvin levee | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Terrebonne Parish officials are working to get contractors to raise a levee in Chauvin to provide better flood protection.
The Ward 7 Levee from Thompson Road to Boudreaux Canal was built wide but short. As part of the parish’s plan to raise the levee to 10 feet, the footprint of the levee needed to be widened to provide a certain slope for stability.
"The problem with this levee is they've cut this levee down and widened it, but it doesn't have a lot of height. We're going to see if we can't get them to pick it up a little bit," Parish President Gordy Dove said. "It's probably about 5 or 6 feet, but I'd feel a lot safer if it was 8 or 9 feet."
With hurricane season beginning to be more active, it is vital the levee is high enough to provide enough protection, Parish Councilman Dirk Guidry said. Meteorologists are watching an area of low pressure that could turn into a tropical storm and make its way into the Gulf of Mexico in the coming days.
"It’s critical to Bayou Little Caillou with this storm coming and Morganza not quite finished. They’re getting it real wide, but to get it wide, they’ve had to knock it down. We need a little bit more protection. If we had another year without any hurricanes, I wouldn’t worry about. But in this situation we need to see what we can do," he said.
The upgrades will give residents additional protection from Lake Boudreaux, which has seen severe erosion in recent years, increasing the risk of flooding during storms.
The $14.8 million, 13-mile project has been paid for through Community Building Development Grant money and has undergone major renovations since hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and Gustav and Ike in 2008.
A marsh creation project is also underway for mitigation of the levee between Lashbrooke Street and Boudreaux Canal. The work involves creating 35 to 38 acres of intermediate marsh by dredging sediment from Lake Boudreaux. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160826/articles/160829709 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/231c598f088cc06794846bc49807b6d3b3a09d01452299d336708c387d4fcb3c.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:59 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | At one time, Fred Mars said, the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department made between $13,000 and $20,000 a year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160825%2Farticles%2F160829779.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160825&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829779&Ref=AR&Profile=1320&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department celebrates 50 years | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | At one time, Fred Mars said, the Chackbay Volunteer Fire Department made between $13,000 and $20,000 a year.
Last year, the department made over $100,000 – a record-breaking amount – on its Louisiana Gumbo Festival alone.
That's not the only progress made in the Fire Department's 50 years.
Mars said he joined a year or two after the local Jaycees formed the department in August 1966, and he served as the fourth of six fire chiefs. First came a fire station near Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, followed by one near Nocko's convenience store.
In the beginning, Mars said, chemical plants would give the department bunker gear and air packs, and the Red Cross donated a Ford van to the rescue squad. In 1979, the department got its own frequency through the FCC and bought a system that included a transmitter, antenna, pagers and radios.
Department President Josh Falgoust said the department's name originally included Choupic and Choctaw and there was a Choctaw fire station. Choctaw eventually formed its own fire department.
"They had a need for fire protection here," Falgoust said. "Otherwise, they would have to call Thibodaux to come all the way."
The department will celebrate its 50th anniversary from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Chackbay Fairgrounds, 326 La. 304. The event will include fire prevention demonstrations, truck and equipment displays, a bounce house, free food and drinks, music and guest speakers.
Falgoust has been with the department for 15 years and seen upgrades in equipment as well as changes in structure.
"When the Fire Department first started, fire and rescue were really two different things," he said. "Chackbay was one of the first departments in this area to have a dedicated rescue squad where they had Jaws of Life and that type of equipment. ... They would travel far distances because nobody else had that kind of stuff. It was kind of an elite, specialized unit that would go all over, and nowadays, you're not a fireman unless you're also an emergency medical responder. Our firemen do everything now."
This year, the Fire Department saved money by purchasing a refurbished pumper and a used truck. It's waiting on another truck to arrive.
The department is also building a 3,700-square-foot station along La. 20, just past the Sugar Ridge neighborhood. Fire officials hope the new station will help with response times to that area and provide more space for equipment.
Falgoust said the station should go out for bid in October, with construction starting in January.
He said money is the greatest issue for the Fire Department, followed by manpower. It's difficult to not only recruit and keep volunteers, he said, but also maintain training.
His goals for the department are to continue upgrading equipment and increasing training and to maintain its Class 5 rating with the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana. The association ranks fire departments every five years on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best.
Because many volunteers work outside of Chackbay, the department has an agreement with the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department for responding to incidents during the day.
Eddie Luquette said he was rescue chief starting about 26 years ago.
"We had probably one of the best rescue squads in the area back then, but compared to what it is right now, it was nothing," he said. "The department has really, really grown. I got the uniforms, I set up all the medical boxes. I had one EMT on my squad. They have EMTs and they have paramedics on the squad right now. The volume of calls is just phenomenal. We might have had 30 calls a year. Now, they have 100."
Mars said despite some challenges, firefighters have worked hard to build the department.
"I'm really proud of our firefighters that we have today," he said. "They're showing a lot more skill, a lot more dedication. They're wanting to grow the department. Of course they have the money to do it, but they still have to go out and generate money. I am truly proud of those boys. We've done a long time, and I don't regret one ounce of it."
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160825/articles/160829779 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/29ed6c6ece119378b9f3d9a6ef34b1f65a16eb0c859b68eb1637130d19188fa2.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-27T00:46:55 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | David Plater, Michael Strausser and David Cassard are living history books. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160826%2Farticles%2F160829708.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160826&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829708&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Association takes care of St. John's Historic Cemetery in Thibodaux | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | They can recite the histories of the residents of the St. John’s Historic Cemetery in Thibodaux as easily as their own.
These men are the core of the group that preserves and restores the cemetery at 718 Jackson St. They serve as the St. John’s Historic Cemetery Association president, vice president and cemetery warden.
Over the past four years, they have restored the cast iron gates, preserved 25 graves and installed about 25 signs marking the burial sites of historic people including Gov. Francis T. Nicholls. Others buried there are Richard Henry Allen, a 19th century owner of Rienzi Plantation; Silas T. Grisamore, Indiana native and newspaperman-politician; Georgiana Suthon, an early missionary to Japan; and veterans dating back to the War of 1812.
“They don’t have a spokesman,” Strausser said. “We have to be their spokesmen.”
There are more projects planned, such as installing signs for the names of the paths, adding more grave markers and restoring more tombs. They want to ultimately ensure that the historical significance of the area carries on.
“If you don’t embrace the history, it’s lost,” church member James Bourgeois said. “If we don’t tell our children and pass it on it’s gone forever.”
Bourgeois also works on the cemetery’s projects as a contractor at cost. He became involved with the association because of his father who was on the board and is now buried in the cemetery.
The group faces many unique challenges associated with restoration and preservation of the cemetery that was created in 1843. The masonry work requires special and personalized cleaning and plans. Many of the stones are of different materials and sizes that need to be matched before some can be replaced. Common cleaning supplies also can’t be used because they can damage the stones. So soft cleaners like horse shampoo need to be used.
The roots of the oak trees that line the cemetery have also grown into the fences and graves, which presents another dilemma as both require preservation.
The work costs thousands of dollars per project. To clean, repair and preserve a single grave can cost from $3,000 to $25,000. The association works with specialized workers around the state for a quote and then submits financial requests to dozens of associations.
“It’s hard to do everything at once,” Plater said. “You just hope you live long enough to do everything.”
More information about the association and its work can be found at http://www.stjhca.org/.
-Staff Writer Emma Discher can be reached at 448-7636 or emma.discher@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmadischer. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160826/articles/160829708 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/98e788f872fab18b2cb4a28723cdce992e134f038223451a09efbfdc50f29e5b.json |
[
"Kelly Mcelroy"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:43 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | NAPOLEONVILLE – Thibodaux native Allison Leake could not help getting emotional when talking about the place she now lives and works. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829813.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Thibodaux natives coaching through Ascenion Parish floods | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | NAPOLEONVILLE – Thibodaux native Allison Leake could not help getting emotional when talking about the place she now lives and works.
The head volleyball coach at St. Amant High School was at the Assumption Community Center on Tuesday leading her team through an eight-team volleyball Hall of Fame exhibition hosted by Assumption High and spoke about how recent flooding has devastated many parts Ascension Parish.
The St. Amant area and St. Amant High were hit extremely hard.
“I am sorry if I cry,” Leake said. “In our area, it's bad. It really is. The devastation. Riding down the road, every single house has all of its belongings just sitting on the street. It is really hard to ride through and not get emotional.”
While Leake, the daughter of former longtime area high school Chip Didier, who also coached volleyball at Nicholls State University, did not have any water in her home, 12 players on the St. Amant team did.
The Baton Rouge Advocate reported 15,000 homes (nearly a third of the homes in the parish) were flooded after the levee along the Amite River was overtopped.
“Our girls are helping each other,” Leake said. “They are helping families, helping friends, helping neighbors. Every kid on our team has had someone affected. If it's not them, it a grandparent, an aunt or an uncle, a friend or another family member. Everybody has somebody.”
During the exhibition on Tuesday, which benefited the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in Baton Rouge, East Ascension High also participated, and while the school itself did not take on the same damage as St. Amant, many students there were also impacted by the high water.
Rae Broussard is Leake's sister and another of Didier's daughters. She is an assistant volleyball coach at East Ascension High, which is located in Gonzales.
“We didn't have any of our volleyball players flood, but some of our football players and other students and some teachers did flood,” Broussard said. “I used to coach at St. Amant so we have been helping them out. Some of the players at E.D. White (where Leake and Broussard went to high school) came and cleaned some homes. John Curtis donated $1,000 to some families and all the teams (at the Hall of Fame exhibition) donated some stuff.”
Some of the goods the other teams at Tuesday's exhibition (Assumption, H.L. Bourgeois, Central Catholic, Vandebilt Catholic, Terrebonne and Morgan City) donated were cleaning supplies, pillows, plastic crates and all sorts of other items.
“We did not expect that,” Leake said. “Just to see that stuff. There is an entire room and an entire storage room full of stuff. It is so overwhelming.”
Assumption volleyball coach Sandy Fussell said she was glad the teams at the event could help.
“Initially, this event was designed to promote the (Louisiana High School Sports) Hall of Fame building (in Baton Rouge), but it turned into a group effort on behalf of all the teams here,” Fussell said. “East Ascension left with a busload of stuff that they will bring back to the area (and share with St. Amant) and they will bring back another busload (after the Assumption Jamboree today). It was a great afternoon.”
While St. Amant and East Ascension are huge rivalries, the schools have come together after the floods.
St. Amant, which lots thousands of dollars in athletic gear, has been practicing at East Ascension and using some of the Spartans' equipment.
“Ascension Parish is just an unbelievable community,” Leake said. “There are huge rivalries, but whenever anybody needs anything, everybody there to help.”
Leake said she was going to do all she could to make sure St. Amant, a Division I quarterfinal team from a year ago, would have a season, despite lots of uncertainty.
The students at St. Amant will attend Dutchtown High in Geismar on an adjusted daily schedule starting Monday until they can return to school and the sports teams are on track to play their fall seasons.
“It was really hard when everything was going on,” Leake said. “It was devastation after devastation. I had parents texting me asking what we were going to do. The kids were moping around and were depressed. They wondered if we were even going to have a season. I wanted them to know that we would have a season and that I would do everything I could to make sure of it.”
Broussard said Tuesday's exhibition was good for the players and coaches and she appreciates all the local volleyball community has done for their Ascension Parish counterparts.
“It's been rough,” Broussard said. “We have been missing practice. I think the kids are ready to get back to some normalcy. They need the getaway and break of playing volleyball. Playing gets their minds off of things and our volleyball families from Assumption and Thibodaux and all over have just been so helpful to us.” | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829813 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/871b5429192ef0da32774c5fee2af1896421c42dc4e1829c22881a8d304e6511.json |
[
"Keith Magill"
] | 2016-08-28T02:46:54 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | An increase in the number of rigs drilling for oil and gas in the U.S. has stalled for the first time in eight weeks. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160827%2Farticles%2F160829672.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Rig count, prices stall after weeks of gains | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | An increase in the number of rigs drilling for oil and gas in the U.S. has stalled for the first time in eight weeks.
This week, 489 rigs were operating across the U.S., down by two for the week ending Friday, Houston-based oilfield service company Baker Hughes Inc. said. The total is down 44 percent compared to the 877 drilling a year ago.
Of this week's total, 406 rigs sought oil and 81 natural gas. Two were listed as miscellaneous.
Louisiana's rig count -- both on land and offshore -- dropped by one, according to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources. The state's total, 42, is down by 41 percent compared to the 71 working a year ago.
The Gulf of Mexico rig count, which has the greatest impact on Houma-Thibodaux's oil-based economy, dropped by one to 17 this week. It's down by 12 rigs, 41 percent, from a year ago.
Crude oil prices, meanwhile, dropped by about 3 percent this week, their first weekly loss in a month. U.S. benchmark crude, West Texas Intermediate, closed at $47.64 a barrel. Brent, the international benchmark, closed at $47.39 a barrel.
Both have risen by about 17 percent this month, but prices are still at less than half their levels from two years ago as oil supplies have outpaced demand.
Terrebonne and Lafourche residents have watched the numbers as a downturn in the oil and gas industry, the area's main economic engine, continues to take a toll. In the past two-and-a-half years, Houma-Thibodaux's unemployment rate has risen from the nation's lowest, 2.8 percent, to its current 7.2 percent.
The local jobless rate has fallen to 362nd among 372 nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Including ties, only 23 metro areas have higher unemployment rates than Houma-Thibodaux, which has lost more than 7,000 jobs in two years.
Some analysts say price increases seen this month are based on a weaker U.S. dollar speculation about OPEC production cuts and rather than market fundamentals, adding that the oil glut that started the industry slide in mid-2014 remains.
"As the U.S. dollar weakens, crude oil becomes relatively less expensive for those holding foreign currencies, which increases demand and puts upward pressure on oil prices," the American Automobile Association said in a weekly report. "This upward momentum has been further supported by reports that OPEC members will again consider an agreement that would limit production in the face of the global glut of crude oil supplies that has more than halved prices in recent years."
However, commercial crude oil inventories across the nation rose 2.5 million barrels for the week ending Aug. 19, the U.S. Energy Information Agency said this week.
"U.S. crude oil inventories are at historically high levels for this time of year," the agency said in its weekly report.
“It looks like trading in oil ... is all about the dollar,” Tyler Richey, co-editor of the investment newsletter The 7:00’s Report, told MarketWatch on Friday. “Oil surged higher on a knee-jerk reaction inversely to the earlier plunge we saw in the dollar index, not anything specific to oil market fundamentals.” | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160827/articles/160829672 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/1bf3ce35b7340ee49c07b58ea604a2425e92a2bc1d01bd9bd73186e3b7147a1d.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T02:46:54 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Construction on the Falgout Canal Floodgate is set to get underway as soon as wetlands issues are resolved and permits are approved. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160828%2Farticles%2F160829649.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Falgout Canal floodgate waiting on permitting | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Falgout Canal floodgate waiting on permitting
SMS:
Netheader:
By Sean Ellis Staff Writer
Construction on the Falgout Canal Floodgate is set to get underway as soon as wetlands issues are resolved and permits are approved.
With the construction of the floodgate, the levee between Bayou Dularge Road and the Intracoastal Waterway will no longer be needed, Terrebonne Parish President Gordy Dove said.
The parish and levee district are plugging the last gap in the 35 miles of levees and floodgates along the Morganza-to-the-Gulf levee system from Bayou Dularge to Pointe-aux-Chenes by late this year or early 2017, officials said.
The 195-foot floodgate is the "last linchpin" in the system, Dove said.
"Everything after this is going north. This is a huge step," he said.
Hilary Thibodeaux, an engineer with CB&I Coastal in Houma, said most of the issues with permitting have been worked out except dealing with repairing marsh damaged by the project.
Wetlands are required to be rebuilt elsewhere to replace those damaged in projects such as this.
Thibodeaux said the final step is buying credits through what's called a mitigation bank to speed up the project as opposed to going with project-specific marsh repairs. For every acre of wetlands that is damaged or destroyed, an acre somewhere else must be repaired or replaced to compensate for it.
"It's been very expensive. We're looking at another bank that's located in the St. Mary Parish area that is a lot less. The difference in price is $230,000 an acre, which would be almost $8 million versus $20,000 an acre. We're working very hard to make this bank work for us. It looks very positive," he said.
Thibodeaux said he expects the permit process to take between 30 and 40 days.
About $16.8 million in federal Community Development Block Grant money was moved from a Dularge levee project to help pay for construction of the floodgate. The parish has another $14 million from the state for it. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160828/articles/160829649 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/da3d74dfe06f202bb13fdfd296470bf82adc494f312c679c1a16ea28309c2e12.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-27T02:46:35 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | A retired banker and political newcomer has formally announced his candidacy for a Lockport Town Council seat being vacated. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160826%2Farticles%2F160829706.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160826&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829706&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Retired banker runs for Lockport Town Council | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A retired banker and political newcomer has formally announced his candidacy for a Lockport Town Council seat being vacated.
Republican Stephen J. Baudoin, 66, is running for Donovan Barker's Division A seat in the Nov. 8 election. Barker is not seeking another term.
Born in Thibodaux, Baudoin spent the first few years of his life in Mathews but the last 64 years in Lockport.
"I have raised my children in Lockport," he said in his campaign announcement. "I have watched Lockport evolve into where it is today. I want to help Lockport grow economically now so that our future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of living in a small town like my family has."
Baudoin's goals include working with property owners to target blight and repairing and repaving streets.
"If we work together to make our town more appealing, we can provide new businesses with reasons to come to Lockport," he wrote. "This would increase our tax revenue and provide revitalization for our town."
A 1967 graduate of Holy Savior Central Catholic High School, Baudoin earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Nicholls State University in 1971. He graduated from LSU's Banking School of the South in 1987 and also completed several courses from the American Institute of Banking.
Baudoin worked for Bank One for 25 years and State Bank and Trust Co. for 15 years before retiring last year. For both companies, he held management positions concentrating on commercial, consumer and mortgage lending.
"Lockport has great opportunity for revitalization and development," he said in his campaign announcement. "With my finance and business background, I believe our town will be able to set a foundation for a prosperous future. Our community needs a development plan and its implementation to improve, and I want to help."
Baudoin is a notary public. He also serves on the South Central Planning and Development Commission's Loan Advisory Committee and administrative board, as well as the Lafourche Council on Aging's advisory board.
He previously was on the board for the Lafourche Chamber of Commerce and Bank Administration Institute, for which he also served as regional president. He was president of the Lockport Rotary Club, treasurer for the Holy Savior Catholic School PTC, and a charter member and treasurer of the town's Bullfrog Club.
Baudoin also served on the Lafourche Council on Aging's board of directors, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux's Meitler Committee on Education, Holy Savior Catholic School's advisory board and the initial Lafourche Parish jail study subcommittee.
He is the son of Pearl C. Baudoin and the late Lloyd Baudoin. He has been married to the former Linda Galliano for 45 years, and they have two children and three grandchildren.
Former insurance agent Ralph Sapia, a Republican, is also running for Barker's seat.
Barker and Lockport Mayor Paul Champagne, who is also not running for re-election, said they're not endorsing anyone for Town Council.
Residents must register by Oct. 11 to vote in the election. Early voting runs from Oct. 25 through Nov. 1 for the primary and Nov. 26 through Dec. 3 for the Dec. 10 runoff.
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160826/articles/160829706 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/9aba4833baf5de5c77036b0d99aa4b5e16f7979adb1b1163d434bcbb58f7a4b6.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:36 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | Jurors must weigh conflicting accounts of what happened April 6, 2015, as a Bayou Blue man charged with aggravated rape stands trial this week in Thibodaux. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829869.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160824&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829869&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Bayou Blue man goes on trial on rape charge | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Jurors must weigh conflicting accounts of what happened April 6, 2015, as a Bayou Blue man charged with aggravated rape stands trial this week in Thibodaux.
Travis Solet's trial began Monday with jury selection in state District Judge John LeBlanc's courtroom. Jury selection continued Tuesday morning, and attorneys gave their opening statements that afternoon.
If convicted, Solet will face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
Assistant District Attorneys Diana Sanders and Heather Hendrix are prosecuting the case. Thibodaux attorneys Matthew Ory and David Ardoin are representing Solet.
In her opening statement, Sanders told the jury the case met three of the circumstances included in the definition of aggravated rape. She said the alleged victim:
• Resisted "to the utmost," but her resistance was overcome by force.
• Was prevented from resisting by threats of "great and immediate bodily harm" that Solet seemed able to commit.
• Was prevented from resisting because Solet was armed with a dangerous weapon, in this case a handgun.
Among witnesses expected to testify are deputies, detectives, doctors, a family friend who arrived at the crime scene and the alleged victim.
According to a Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office report, the woman said she found Solet in her bathroom before the rape and that he appeared intoxicated.
Ory acknowledged in his opening statement that Solet had consumed alcohol and male enhancement pills the day of the alleged crime. He said he's not denying that Solet and the woman had sex, just that it was nonconsensual.
He disputed Sanders' account that Solet was holding a gun when the woman opened the bathroom door, saying she saw it on the counter. He noted the woman's statements, in which she first alleged a struggle and then said she agreed to have sex with Solet because she was afraid.
Ory said the woman also gave conflicting statements about how the gun ended up under the bed. He argued that it was not a threat because the woman hit Solet with pepper spray prior to the alleged rape, rendering him unable to see where the gun had gone.
During a court hearing Friday, LeBlanc denied the defense's request to exclude Solet's police statement from evidence used in the trial. Prosecutors offered Solet 25 years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea, but he refused.
The trial is expected to last through the week.
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829869 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/d85f52bc01874970863e11ba93a0bdc7e3f0b60f6fa6708d60eeb37fa4010786.json |
[
"The Courier",
"Daily Comet"
] | 2016-08-28T22:46:52 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Here is our ranking of last week's top 5 stories in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes: | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160828%2Farticles%2F160829660.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160828&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829660&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | In case you missed it: Last week's top 5 local stories | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | In case you missed it: Last week's top 5 local stories
Here is our ranking of last week's top 5 stories in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes:
1. Warrant used in sheriff's raid ruled unconstitutional
The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal on Thursday declared unconstitutional a search warrant that led to the Aug. 2 raid of a Houma Police officer's home as part of an investigation into a self-described anti-corruption website.The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office searched Wayne Anderson's home on St. Francis Street while looking into a defamation complaint by the parish's insurance agent, Tony Alford, over the anonymous blog ExposeDAT.
State District Judge Randy Bethancourt signed the search warrant and upheld his authorization in an Aug. 5 hearing.
2. Storm threatens
Forecasters and emergency officials continue to watch what is now a tropical depression brewing off Florida that could pose a threat to the Gulf Coast.
Stay abreast of the storm here at houmatoday.com and dailycomet.com.
3. Case ends with plea deal
A Bayou Blue man originally charged with rape pleaded guilty Wednesday to two non-sexual offenses, one of his attorneys said.
Travis Solet, 37, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment while armed with a dangerous weapon and domestic abuse-aggravated assault, said Thibodaux attorney Matthew Ory, who represented Solet with one of his law firm partners, David Ardoin.
State District Judge John LeBlanc of Thibodaux sentenced Solet to 10 years on the first charge and five years on the second, Ory said. That was the maximum sentence he could get on each charge, but it was unclear if the sentences were to run concurrently or consecutively.
Ory said the Lafourche Parish District Attorney's Office offered the amended charges.
4. Nicholls students return to class
The fall semester started Monday at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.
Among events, university President Bruce Murphy and his wife, Jeanne, hosted Party at the Prez Rez at their house on campus to welcome new students on the first day of class.
5. High school football season begins
Teams across Terrebonne and Lafourche squared off Friday night in jamboree games, pre-season matches that signal the start of high school football season. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160828/articles/160829660 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/395749daad10d7f89e7c4551f5f6e6c1798a9f9bd25494891516c8edb92ce487.json |
[
"Sean Ellis"
] | 2016-08-29T00:46:53 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | A new health clinic has opened in Houma to serve homeless, uninsured and under-insured people. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160828%2Farticles%2F160829652.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160828&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829652&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Houma clinic opens to serve the uninsured | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Fees at Start Corp.'s clinic at 420 Magnolia St. will be income-based. However, patients will not be required to have insurance. It also serves as a state-authorized Medicaid enrollment site.
Nicki Carter, a licensed practical nurse at the clinic, said the facility is needed in the community.
"I did not realize the homeless population in Houma was as big as it is. This is kind of a one-stop shop for people where they come to get some of the much needed services they need," she said.
The clinic, financed through a federal grant, has added mental health services and is renovating the building to allow for dental services. With mental health disorders and homelessness going hand in hand, it is important to have behavioral health care at the clinic, Carter said.
When events like the flooding in Lafayette and Baton Rouge happen, clinics such as Start's allow people who've lost everything to replace their medication if they don't have the means to.
"Situations like recent events in Baton Rouge cause people to be displaced and, of course, lose everything. Clinics like ours provide for everybody, but really the people who don't have the means to go and repurchase medications lost or go pay another copay to replace them," said Hannah Tranchina, a nurse practitioner at the clinic.
The clinic takes some of the burden off emergency rooms when it comes to non-emergency illnesses.
"Instead of going to the emergency for the common cold, they can come here and be treated for those things that don't necessarily warrant an emergency room visit," Carter said. "People turn to the ER because they can't afford a doctor visit copay or the full visit. We allow them to come here and be treated for those things at a lower cost or free."
"We also take care of their overall health and prevent some diseases from happening and help to manage some things they may have," Tranchina added.
In addition to remodeling the Start Opportunity Center to house the clinic, the nonprofit is providing some services in the community for people who have trouble getting to the clinic. It also offers transportation services for people who need a ride to the clinic and housing assistance services. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160828/articles/160829652 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/127e5e17ecb72b84fc33a5fbfd4154df82e61b3708d1d059ef0b714c97db4b94.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:28 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | The following is a rundown of action taken by the Terrebonne Parish Council at Wednesday’s council meeting. All members were present, and all votes were unanimous unless otherwise stated. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829800.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | In other Terrebonne Parish Council action: Aug. 24, 2016 | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | In other Terrebonne Parish Council action: Aug. 24, 2016
The following is a rundown of action taken by the Terrebonne Parish Council at Wednesday’s council meeting. All members were present, and all votes were unanimous unless otherwise stated.
Action: Commended Dr. Donaldo Batiste on his retirement from public service.
Action: Heard a presentation by Parish President Gordon Dove & engineer O’Neil Malbrough regarding restoration and protection projects in Terrebonne Parish.
Action: Lee Landry addressed the council regarding the grand re-opening of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m.
Action: Declared a property located at 617 Hobson St. as surplus and authorized disposal.
Action: Declared one 2003 Daewoo marsh buggy from the Forced Drainage Division with a value in excess of $5,000 as surplus and authorized disposal.
Action: Amended the 2016 Adopted Operating Budget and Budgeted Positions for the following: Houma Police Department, $6,131; General Fund-Holiday Decorations, $36,500; Planning and Zoning, ($116,000); Recreation, ($25,000); Human Resources, ($19,850); Risk Management, ($5,910); Houma Fire Department, ($60,000); Juvenile Detention Center, ($63,700).
Action: Authorized the parish president to enter into and execute an agreement with any political subdivision or agency wishing to lease space in the Terrebonne Parish Juvenile Justice Complex for housing juvenile detainees.
Action: Appointed Anthony J. Alford Insurance Corp. as agent of record for Dearborn and Prudential Insurance Co. to handle employee benefits for short-term disability, long-term disability, basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage.
Action: Amended the Zoning Ordinance, Section 28-1, definitions to include accessory dwelling units and Section 28-47, residential districts, to establish accessory dwelling units as a use by right.
Action: Approved renewal of the application for the restoration tax abatement for RICO 6, LLC.
Action: Appointed Gary Beeson to the Recreation District No. 2-3 Board.
Action: Appointed Arnold Adams and Karen Moore to the Recreation District No. 1 Board.
Action: Appointed Edward Domangue and Edward Pontiff to the Terrebonne Parish Veterans Memorial District Board.
Action: Appointed Michael Garcia, Priscilla Larpenter and Bobby Barthel to the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority.
Action: Appointed Katie Sims, Trudy Hebert and David Tauzin to the Houma Board of Adjustments.
Action: Appointed Robert Landry to the Houma Terrebonne Airport Commission.
Action: Delayed an appointment to a vacancy on the Fire District No. 5 Board for two weeks.
Action: Delayed an appointment to a vacancy on the Fire District No. 8 Board for two weeks.
Action: Delayed an appointment to a vacancy on the Fire District No. 10 Board for two weeks.
Action: Announced one vacancy on the Recreation District No. 6 Board.
Action: Announced one vacancy on the Houma Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829800 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/9bec7497ceb7201a6a7802cc6ebbd4e27da758f5e5afe658910839a3573624e5.json |
[
"Staff Reports"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:44 | null | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | A storm system in the eastern Caribbean is likely to strengthen over the next few days, though it remained uncertain whether it would enter the Gulf of Mexico, forecaster said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160823%2Farticles%2F160829872.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160823&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829872&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Storm could enter Gulf late this week, forecasters say | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A storm system in the eastern Caribbean is likely to strengthen over the next few days, though it remained uncertain whether it would enter the Gulf of Mexico, forecaster said.
"Although environmental conditions are only marginally conducive for development, this system could become a tropical depression during the next day or two while it moves west-northwest at 15 to 20 mph near the Leeward Islands and the Greater Antilles," the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory Tuesday night. "Conditions could become more conducive later this week while the system moves near the southeastern and central Bahamas."
Most computer models predicted the storm would head west across or near the tip of Florida and enter the Gulf. A few projected the storm would instead take a more northerly turn into the Atlantic off the U.S. East Coast.
From midweek on, interaction with larger islands in the northern Caribbean, such as Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, may continue to hinder development or could cap strengthening to tropical storm status for a time, Accuweather forecasters said.
If the storm reaches tropical storm strength, with sustained winds of 39 mph, it would be named Hermine.
In the Mid-Atlantic, Tropical Storm Gaston was expected to strengthen into a hurricane late this week, and Tropical Storm Fiona was fizzling Tuesday night. Neither posed an immediate threat to land. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160823/articles/160829872 | en | 2016-08-23T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/51773d82e4c268c72c1fd7b9d365e9aac78100d5c034db703bb68024da9fd37d.json |
[
"Anna Edney",
"Billy House"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:20 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | Members of Congress are in an unusual position as they demand an explanation for Mylan's 400 percent price hike for the EpiPen and focus attention squarely on its CEO: Heather Bresch. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Fwire%2F160829855.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160824&Category=WIRE&ArtNo=160829855&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Here's the senator's daughter who raised prices on anti-allergy EpiPen by 400 percent | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Members of Congress are in an unusual position as they demand an explanation for Mylan's 400 percent price hike for the EpiPen and focus attention squarely on its CEO: Heather Bresch.
If lawmakers follow the usual script, Bresch could get called up to Capitol Hill next month to explain her company's justification for raising the price on the life-saving allergy shot. But that could be awkward, since she's the daughter of Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
While Bresch's family ties may mute the ire of some lawmakers, others are already asking the company about taxpayers having to foot the bill for these price increases -- particularly after Bresch and the company successfully pushed legislation to encourage use of the EpiPen in schools nationwide.
Mylan is the latest drugmaker to provoke congressional ire for steep price hikes. Martin Shkreli and executives from the company he used to lead, Turing Pharmaceuticals, and executives from Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. were called before congressional committees earlier this year to explain why they bought the rights to older drugs that lacked competition and raised the prices.
The Mylan controversy fits a similar pattern. Mylan has increased the price of its EpiPen from about $57 a shot when it took over sales of the product in 2007 to more than $600 for two auto-injectors. But the company's EpiPen is a more mainstream drug used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions from bee stings, food allergies or other triggers, which could give the issue a larger constituency.
Mylan declined to comment when asked to explain the price hike or Bresch's role in promoting legislation. Manchin's office also didn't respond to requests for comment.
Members in both chambers expressed outrage this week.
"I am deeply concerned by this significant price increase for a product that has been on the market for more than three decades, and by Mylan's failure to publicly explain the recent cost increase, which places a significant burden on parents, schools and other purchasers of the EpiPen," Sen. Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, said Tuesday in a statement, noting that he is a parent of a child with severe allergies.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat who has asked the company to lower its prices, is holding an event on Wednesday where he will call for investigations by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Federal Trade Commission into potential antitrust violations and deceptive and illegal trade practices.
Congressional anger may be fueled by the company's tactics in pushing legislation that helped boost the use of EpiPens.
Mylan spent about $4 million in 2012 and 2013 on lobbying for access to EpiPens generally and for legislation, including the 2013 School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, according to lobbying disclosure forms filed with the Office of the Clerk for the House of Representatives. Mylan also was the top corporate sponsor of a group called Food Allergy Research & Education that was the key lobbyist pushing for the bill encouraging schools to stock epinephrine auto-injectors, of which EpiPen is by far the leading product.
But Bresch's connections to Capitol Hill already have some lawmakers tiptoeing around the usual Washington blame game.
For example, Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a co-sponsor of the 2013 schools bill, asked Bresch in a letter Monday to explain the "shocking price increases."
However, in an interview Tuesday, he was less eager to talk about Bresch herself or the prospect that she might soon be testifying to the committee.
He initially answered during one telephone call that he was unaware that she had any direct involvement in the pricing. Then, in a follow-up call, Blumenthal responded when asked again about the possibility of her coming before Congress by saying, "I am just not going to comment on that."
Bresch, 47, has been CEO of Mylan since 2012 and previously held other senior posts at the company, including as head of government relations. Last year, she had to defend the company after it moved its corporate address overseas to lower its U.S. taxes in a transaction known as an inversion. Now incorporated in the Netherlands, its principal executive office is in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
Ross Baker, a political scientist at Rutgers University in New Jersey, said Tuesday that he assumes Bresch's father, Manchin -- who is not on the Judiciary Committee -- would recuse himself "and put a lot of distance between himself and any investigation" into the matter.
"He'd be unwise to rise to the defense of Mylan," Baker said.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who is running for re-election, also wrote a letter to Mylan saying he was "concerned that the substantial price increase could limit access to a much-needed medication," asking for an explanation by Sept. 6, the day the Senate returns from its seven-week summer recess. Jill Gerber, Grassley's spokeswoman, said in an email that he wants to hear back from Mylan before considering holding a hearing.
Mylan has given away more than 700,000 free EpiPen's to schools since 2012 under a program that allows them to receive four free auto-injectors, the company said in a statement. Yet schools have to use their own funds to purchase additional pens. Mylan declined to comment on the price increases coinciding with legislation to encourage EpiPen use.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, asked the Federal Trade Commission on Monday to look into whether Mylan had done anything to deny competitors access to the market in order to keep raising prices. She pointed to a competitor product, Adrenaclick, that she said is less expensive but has only minimal sales. Klobuchar was also a co-sponsor of the schools bill.
In the House on Tuesday, majority and minority staff members of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a meeting after receiving a letter from Representative Grace Meng, a New York Democrat, requesting the panel hold a hearing.
The majority staff scheduled a call with the company, though Democrats on the committee said they were waiting to hear back on whether a hearing will be scheduled.
A spokeswoman for committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz of Utah, said that as of Tuesday afternoon no hearing was scheduled. "And no comment beyond that," said the spokeswoman, M.J. Henshaw.
The top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, Elijah Cummings of Maryland, said Tuesday that he wants a hearing when lawmakers return from their summer break to Washington in September.
"The recent price increase for EpiPens places a financial burden on those who desperately need this drug to prevent life threatening allergic reactions, which is why we have expressed our desire for an investigation of this issue and for the Committee to hold a hearing in September," Cummings said Tuesday in a statement. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/wire/160829855 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/c39c2e270bde6b5375685eb1e96ed285fec353337eb3c51823ddbb099f9e6535.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T22:47:13 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Fire Department says two bodies have been found in the wreckage of a small plane that crashed into Lake Pontchartrain just north of the New Orleans Lakefront Airport. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160830%2Fwire%2F160839978.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160830&Category=WIRE&ArtNo=160839978&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Thibodaux pilot's body recovered from plane that crashed into Lake Pontchartrain, authorities say | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Fire Department says two bodies have been found in the wreckage of a small plane that crashed into Lake Pontchartrain just north of the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
Spokesman Gregory Davis said the Cessna was pulled from the water Tuesday morning by a crane and the aircraft was placed on a barge. He said the bodies of the pilot and one passenger were in the plane's cabin.The passenger was identified as Reginald Hillard Jr., 25, by family members. The pilot was identified as Jim Biondo, 58, of Thibodaux.
"They said that he was in the plane. I still didn't believe it," said Reginald Hillard Sr., of Baton Rouge, who was at the lakefront.
Hillard Sr. was told of the official identification minutes after the plane was pulled from the water three days after the crash.
Relatives said Reginald was afraid of flying, but put aside his fears when his girlfriend, Briana Davis, surprised him with an aerial tour of the city.
A family member said Reginald was able to unbuckle Davis from her seat and push her out of the aircraft after it hit the water.
Davis was able to get out of the sinking plane and was rescued by a nearby boater.
"The couple had hired the aircraft to take them on a night time flight around the city of New Orleans," said Lakefront Airport Director Ben Morris.
"They did that, they were coming back in, and again, it appears they hit a little rain shower, a very significant rain shower, a rainstorm. They were making their approach to the airport, and at that point, they disappeared off the radar."
"It's a very sad thing because she did tell us that she and her boyfriend were holding hands when she slipped out of the aircraft," Morris said.
Family members were at the site as the plane was pulled from the water and lifted onto the barge.
Divers located the plane just 1,000 feet short of the Lakefront Airport runway Sunday.
A crane mounted on a barge was brought in Monday evening to lift the plane out of the water. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160830/wire/160839978 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/7f2bfa41c8ca1e0897c2ea8cd5165ae34738a838d60db7b4e0324d0a2660c1a4.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-30T04:47:15 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | A federal lawsuit alleging the Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority's executive director retaliated against an employee who accused him of sexual harassment has been settled. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160829%2Farticles%2F160829607.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Lawsuit against Houma housing official settled | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A federal lawsuit alleging the Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority's executive director retaliated against an employee who accused him of sexual harassment has been settled.
Tyrikia Porter filed the lawsuit in September 2013 in U.S. District Court in New Orleans against the Housing Authority. She claimed Wayne Thibodeaux sexually harassed her from when he was hired in April 2006 until she left the job in September 2012, including by commenting on her appearance and clothing in front of other employees.
On Aug. 1, U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Knowles III dismissed the case, saying attorneys advised him that "all of the parties to this action have firmly agreed upon a settlement and compromise, and that they need only execute releases and deliver funds in accordance with their agreement."
Ravi Sangisetty, a New Orleans attorney representing Porter, said he could not comment on the case.
Thibodeaux said the settlement was for $29,000, but that amount was not recorded in court documents. He said he was against a settlement.
"These people colluded to ruin my reputation, my good name, and cause me financial harm by hoping the Board would fire me," he wrote in an email. "They succeeded at nothing!"
According to Porter's complaint, Thibodeaux pressured her to go on overnight training trips with him and once left a voice message for her, saying "I like your sexy voice." She said he asked about her dating life in a one-on-one work meeting and stood in front of the door to keep her from leaving the office.
Porter said at one point, Thibodeaux told her "she must have been thinking of him as she got dressed."
In July 2012, Porter testified against Thibodeaux at a grievance hearing. She claimed she was fired in September 2012 in retaliation.
Porter filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission March 25, 2013, and the EEOC issued her a right to sue letter July 29, 2013.
New Orleans attorney Edward Trapolin, representing the Housing Authority, said in court documents that "the evidence of alleged harassment does not rise to the level required by the law to maintain a hostile work environment claim."
He also wrote that because Porter resigned voluntarily without coercion, she could not prove her retaliation claim.
"Other than a few sporadic incidents that were arguably inappropriate, Plaintiff's allegations of sexual harassment by Mr. Thibodeaux appear to be innocuous interactions that would occur in a friendly business relationship among co-workers or bosses and subordinates," Trapolin wrote.
In June 2012, Porter submitted her resignation effective Aug. 1, 2012. The next month, she asked for her resignation to be extended to Sept. 1, 2012, so she could finish projects and train staff, and her request was granted.
Porter asked to rescind her resignation Sept. 4, 2012, but Thibodeaux refused that request, saying her last day would be Sept. 12, 2012.
Trapolin asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed in July 2014. Knowles granted that request the next month and issued a judgment against Porter.
In a Nov. 17 filing, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the U.S. district court's ruling regarding the retaliation claim, saying "Porter has demonstrated a substantial conflict of evidence on the question of whether her employer would have taken the action 'but for' her testimony."
Trapolin could not be reached for comment.
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160829/articles/160829607 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/01ad42b139b2497a59090bc492cfc8925ad8c7591957e55ddb811ced223a1c6b.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-31T04:47:27 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | A tropical depression appeared to be taking a turn toward Florida late tonight, while local officials said it's a reminder about the importance of having a plan in place as hurricane season reaches its historical peak. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160830%2Farticles%2F160839967.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160830&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160839967&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Gulf storm appears to begin turn away from La. | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A tropical depression appeared to be taking a turn toward Florida late tonight, while local officials said it's a reminder about the importance of having a plan in place as hurricane season reaches its historical peak.
Tropical Depression 9, which Houma-Thibodaux residents and officials have watched for days, was about 375 miles west of the Florida Keys, according to the National Hurricane Center. Sustained winds were expected to reach tropical storm strength of 39 mph today. If they do, it would be named either tropical storm Hermine or Ian, depending on whether another depression in the Atlantic off the Carolinas beats it to that strength.
The Gulf storm was heading west-northwest at 5 mph, the Hurricane Center said.
"It will turn to the north as the trough of low pressure over the eastern U.S. pulls it north," WWL-TV meteorologist Dave Nussbaum said in an online forecast this evening. "Forecast models still show a cold front moving into the southeast U.S., and this will turn the storm to the northeast, away from Louisiana."
The storm was expected to hit Florida on Thursday somewhere between Panama City and the Tampa area, the Hurricane Center said.
Nussbaum said sustained winds should be around 65 mph at landfall. Storms become hurricanes when sustained winds reach 74 mph.
Terrebonne and Lafourche officials said they continue to monitor the storm and prepare for any effects. The latest forecast predicted that the only impact on the Houma-Thibodaux area would be tides that run 1-2 feet above normal.
Terrebonne Parish President Gordy Dove said the parish is ready in case the storm fails to make the turn in the forecast and instead threatens Louisiana.
“It doesn't look like it's going to hit us, but all my departments are still working as if it's coming at us,” Dove said. “Until it turns, we'll be on 100 percent guard and ready to go. You never know when these systems are going to turn on you.”
For Terrebonne, this dress rehearsal of sorts is especially important because the Morganza-to-the-Gulf levee system finally serves as a complete barrier, without any gaps, to buffer the parish against storm surges.
“We're ready with our levees,” Dove said. “We mobilized about six contractors to shore up all the levees. For the first time in the history of Terrebonne Parish, we can close in the entire 35-mile system.”
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Historically, August and September are the most active months.
-- Staff Writer Emma Discher can be reached at 448-7636 or emma.discher@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmadischer. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160830/articles/160839967 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/75ec64fea51f84a070cc80baa1239aa823f9a988b03d04cdb5848e874dac4e62.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:59 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | The Lafourche Parish Council decided not to override a veto from Parish President Jimmy Cantrelle about a job rule after talking with District Attorney Cam Morvant. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829812.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Lafourche Council decides against veto override on job rule | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | The Lafourche Parish Council decided not to override a veto from Parish President Jimmy Cantrelle about a job rule after talking with District Attorney Cam Morvant.
The council voted 5-2 on Aug. 9 that no parish department head can hold more than one position at a time after receiving an opinion from the District Attorney's Office. Cantrelle vetoed the restriction six days later.
“The issue that was before you ... was to pass an ordinance that the parish president could not appoint one person to represent two departments and also require the department heads to be full time,” Morvant said at Tuesday's Parish Council meeting. “Those are issues that are administrative issues that the parish president has the sole authority in the parish charter to deal with. ... I would ask you not to (override the veto).”
Councilman Jerry Jones, who proposed the initial item, then pulled it from discussion.
This discussion has previously been directed at Tommy Lasseigne, who is both the finance director and the human resources director.
Jones had also put an item on the unanimous agenda for later in the meeting to rescind the approval of Lasseigne as finance director and human resources director. He also pulled that item when it came up.
-Staff Writer Emma Discher can be reached at 448-7636 or emma.discher@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmadischer. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829812 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/abcc72fd7b6721a3675bb8e449e8bce4a752dbaae7646ae422b1687352307771.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:18 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | When Thibodaux resident Lida Wiley found out the National Park Service was turning 100 Thursday, she decided to take her kids for a trip. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160826%2Farticles%2F160829768.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160826&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829768&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center celebrates National Park Service's 100th anniversary | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | When Thibodaux resident Lida Wiley found out the National Park Service was turning 100 Thursday, she decided to take her kids for a trip.
They went to the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center at 314 St. Mary St. in Thibodaux, one of six Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve sites scattered across south Louisiana.
Wiley said her older children attend summer camp there, and her 2-year-old son enjoys seeing the ducks near the bayou and participating in a scavenger hunt inside.
"I'm hoping that it lasts much, much longer," she said. "It would be neat to think that people would celebrate 300 years one day. For the kids, this is cool because when you get older, you're going to say you were around when they were celebrating 100."
President Woodrow Wilson signed an act creating the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 1916.
Allyn Rodriguez, a park ranger at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, said the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve was established in 1978. It's named after a French-American privateer in the early 19th century Gulf of Mexico.
"The first to come online was the Chalmette Battlefield, and that is where he aided Andrew Jackson, who was then a general, to defeat the British in our last engagement we would ever have against the British," Rodriguez said. "We added the Barataria Preserve because he and his men frequented that area. The French Quarter (Visitor Center) was the third in that original legislation. Then the three cultural centers, including us here in Thibodaux, were added 10 years later."
Rodriguez said the Thibodaux building is also about 100 years old and was donated to the National Park Service. A theater was added, and the building was upgraded and brought up to code.
The center celebrated the centennial Monday night with a Cajun music jam and Wednesday night with the Cercle Francophone French conversation group, Rodriguez said.
"We felt it was a really wonderful opportunity to highlight not only the culture, but the language, which is being disappearing because it's not being spoken as widely as it was at one time," she said.
Rodriguez said she's been with the Thibodaux center for a little over a decade and has seen it become more active. Her goal is to reach more young people.
The center offers boat tours to the E.D. White Historic Site and Madewood Plantation, walking tours of downtown Thibodaux, summer camps and an art gallery. Next week, Wi-Fi will be installed.
Rodriguez said seeing overpopulation, pollution and other threats to natural resources shows the importance of the National Park Service.
"How visionary 100 years ago, when everything was really wide open, to say, 'If we don't do something, we're going to lose this,'" she said. "That's a wonderful legacy that we try to continue to this day, but every day it becomes more and more challenging."
Wiley said exploring the Thibodaux site leaves her children with many questions, which they then research as a family. National parks allow people to learn not only about nature but also history and culture, she added.
"They're places for learning," she said. "Whatever it is you're passionate about, there is something for you to learn."
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160826/articles/160829768 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/3227c0355a72740adc9476dbb3baecfc51db2e87b3be12f19d9b90ede528fa7c.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:09 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit over a 2014 crash where a Lafourche sheriff's deputy made an improper U-turn, causing an 18-wheeler carrying water to hit his patrol car and overturn. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Fhurblog%2F160829864.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160824&Category=HURBLOG&ArtNo=160829864&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Lawsuit settled in sheriff's deputy-involved crash | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit over a 2014 crash where a Lafourche sheriff's deputy made an improper U-turn, causing an 18-wheeler carrying water to hit his patrol car and overturn.
The 18-wheeler driver, Murphy Pitre, of Raceland, filed the lawsuit July 31, 2015, in state District Court in Thibodaux against deputy Joshua Borskey, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Craig Webre.
According to the lawsuit and State Police report, on Aug. 6, 2014, Pitre was traveling north on La. 1, just south of Lafourche Crossing. He was driving a 2000 Kenworth 6500 truck, pulling a 1999 Beall tank trailer.
Borskey was driving south in a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria when he drove onto the right shoulder and made a U-Turn into the tanker truck's path, according to the lawsuit and State Police report. The crash occurred about 4:38 p.m.
Attorneys eventually asked state District Judge John LeBlanc to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning the ruling would be final. Court documents say "all matters in dispute between them have been fully compromised and settled."
LeBlanc dismissed the case Aug. 16.
State Police said Borskey was found at fault in the crash but not charged. He was taken to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center with broken bones.
Although State Police said Pitre sustained minor injuries, Pitre said in a phone interview last year that he had a knee replacement after the crash and would need surgery for his other leg. He said he also sustained head, neck and back injuries.
Pitre was suing for unspecified damages, including medical expenses and lost income from his bookkeeping and notary services and Aqua Resources, his company that owned the vehicle.
Webre said Tuesday that he wasn't sure of the exact settlement amount but that such agreements allow attorneys to avoid the costs of preparing for and going to trial. They also mean the defendants don't have to worry about getting a verdict awarding the plaintiffs more than a settlement would have, he added.
"Trials should only occur in exceptional circumstances," he said. "It was a logical, practical decision. When a lawsuit is filed, it's filed because someone suffered a loss. In this case, Mr. Pitre's truck was totaled and he received injuries. When you go to court, as a plaintiff or a defendant, you are sacrificing your right to make a decision. If there's 100 cases filed in any given court, 95 of them will settle."
Pitre's Houma attorney, Hunt Downer, did not return a phone call Tuesday seeking comment. When a reporter called Pitre's home, his wife said he wouldn't want to comment.
Randall Kleinman, a New Orleans attorney for the defendants' insurance company, declined to comment. Borskey did not respond to a request for comment.
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/hurblog/160829864 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/38cc864c0a1c7de9f49376e48137751ca2104dace1078dc4ea65ab8612e9a3ca.json |
[
"Sean Ellis"
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:48 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | A federal agency will soon enforce a longstanding law that requires nations that export shrimp, fish and other seafood to the U.S. to have the same regulations to protect marine creatures from being caught inadvertently. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160825%2Farticles%2F160829777.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160825&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829777&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Feds take aim at fish imports, but local shrimpers stand to gain little | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A federal agency will soon enforce a longstanding law that requires nations that export shrimp, fish and other seafood to the U.S. to have the same regulations to protect marine creatures from being caught inadvertently.
But local shrimpers say they expect the rule, published Wednesday by NOAA Fisheries, to have little impact on the wave of cheaper imports that for years have made it difficult for them to compete.
That's because, according to federal data, about 93 percent of the shrimp Americans consume was farmed in Asian countries, including Vietnam, China, Thailand and Indonesia.
"I'm all for imposing anything that could be helpful to us, but I sure don't see how this is going to help," said Tracey Trahan, owner of Shrimp Kingdom Seafood in Dulac.
Trahan said the way to help domestic fishermen the most would be to have the U.S. Food and Drug Administration test more imports and reject seafood grown with the help of banned and harmful antibiotics and other chemicals.
"It's not just one country; there's a lot of countries that have farm-raised shrimp, and the labor's cheap, so they sell it cheap to undercut the other countries," Trahan said. "The restaurants and the seafood markets use it because it's cheaper. ... It hurts everybody. I believe in fair trade, but too much of anything isn't good."
Lance Nacio, a Lafourche Parish native, shrimper and member of the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force, offered similar views about the new rule.
“Import shrimp is a lot of what drives global price,” Nacio said. “We're not considered a specialty anymore. We're more of a commodity.”
Under the measure, which takes effect Jan. 1, trade partners will need to show that killing or injuring marine mammals as a result of bycatch does not exceed U.S. standards. The rule is a result of a two-year legal battle by conservation groups to force the federal government to enforce import provisions of the 1972 federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
“Fishing gear entanglements or accidental catch is a global threat to marine mammal populations,” Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries said in a news release. “Establishing these bycatch criteria mark a significant step forward in the global conservation of marine mammals.”
The rule outlines ways to evaluate a country’s bycatch reduction efforts and establishes procedures a country must follow to receive authorization for sending seafood products into the U.S. The rule also establishes a one-time, initial five-year exemption period to give nations time to assess their marine mammal stocks and estimate and lower their bycatch.
“NOAA carefully considered potential impacts of a fishery being unable to obtain certification under this rule, and we’re confident the seafood supply chain is adequately robust to prevent any disruption to consumer access,” said John Henderschedt, director of NOAA Fisheries' Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection.
On the home front, Trahan said the fall brown shrimp season, which started two weeks ago, is by far "the worst season he's seen" in his 26 years as a fisherman.
"It is the least amount of shrimp we've ever caught for a season's opening," said Trahan, who owns three boats.
John Ross, a shrimper in Dulac, said imports continue to make it difficult for U.S. fishermen to stay afloat financially.
“They start with the farm-raised shrimp and that doesn’t help us at all. We go out there and it’ll only be a $16,000 to $17,000 trip when it should be a $20,000 to $30,000 trip,” said Ross, who is 31 and has been shrimping since he was a teenager. “Way back, the price was better. As time went on, it got worse. It’s steadily getting worse. It’s not improving at all.” | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160825/articles/160829777 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/41644f1d27d28b990e946f7e06142c229a47a7f7e6a6b4e3afc6bd444d7ea234.json |
[
"Chris Singleton"
] | 2016-08-31T02:47:25 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Thibodaux High senior Dwayne Coleman has played football most of his life. As a starting linebacker for the Tigers, he has participated in many important football games in front of thousands of spectators. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160830%2Farticles%2F160839973.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160830&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160839973&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Out of prison after 15 years, mom watches Thibodaux High student play football for first time | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Thibodaux High senior Dwayne Coleman has played football most of his life. As a starting linebacker for the Tigers, he has participated in many important football games in front of thousands of spectators.
But one person who has never seen him play is his mother, Jennifer Coleman.
That changed during Thibodaux's football jamboree game against Assumption on Friday when Jennifer got to watch her son play for the first time.
Jennifer, a 40-year-old Thibodaux native, spent the last 15 years in prison due on second-degree aggravated battery and kidnapping charges. Dwayne, 17, was only 3 when his mother went to prison.
As she walked up to Thibodaux High's football stadium for the first time on Friday, Jennifer said she was overjoyed to get to watch her son play football.
“It's very special. I'm over-excited,” she said. “I'm probably going to cry. I'm really out here. This is really happening. It's been a really long time, and I can't believe I'm really out here. He was only 3 when I left. So now that it's his very last year, I'm just happy to be out here to see him play.”
Dwayne, a key senior leader and potential college football recruit for Thibodaux, said he could barely contain his emotions before the game. He has waited all his life to see his mom attend one of his football games. With it finally taking place, he said it felt like he was in a movie.
“It just felt weird. It just couldn't believe it,” said Dwayne, who led his team with 95 tackles last year. “It just don't feel real at all. I know she was excited to be here. Words can't explain it. It was emotional.”
Jennifer, a mother of four, was scheduled to complete her prison sentence next year but was released early on June 30. Now she's taking advantage of it by catching up on missed time with family.
“It was a mistake,” she said. “It was just like being in the wrong place at the wrong time and following the wrong people, but I'm sorry for the mistakes I made. I've learned a lot from my experience.”
While she was serving her prison sentence, Jennifer said, she heard about her son's success in football from family and friends, which was tough to swallow since she couldn't see him play.
“It hurt real bad. I still cry about it, but I'm here to support him now. I'm so proud of him,” Jennifer said. “I'm glad he's still doing the right thing despite me being in prison. It's nice that I get to see him because I wasn't supposed to get out until next year, but God just made a way for me to come home this year to see my baby play ball. I'm really excited.”
Whenever he visited his mother in prison, Dwayne said she would advise him to stay out of trouble and focus on getting a good education.
“She always encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing,” Dwayne said. “I was hoping that one day she could see me play, and now she's got that chance. God is good.”
Dwayne said he could tell his mother was having the time of her life in the stands watching him play during Friday's game.
“I heard her. I could just tell her voice,” Dwayne said. “From that squeak in the way she screams my name, I could just tell her voice. She was happy to be there. She just couldn't stop screaming.”
Both Jennifer and Dwayne expressed gratitude to family and friends for stepping in to take care of things while she was in prison, including his father, Wayne Morgan, uncle Henry Coleman Jr. and aunt Brenika Coleman.
Dwayne's grandparents, Henry Coleman Sr. and Olivia Coleman, raised him. His grandfather died in a car crash March 4, 2015, and Dwayne said he plays every game in his honor.
“My grandfather meant the world to me,” Dwayne said. “He taught me how to become a man. He passed away last year on March 4. That's why I wear the jersey No. 4, to never forget that day.”
Dwayne said the situation inspired him to take care of his family, including his 8-year-old cousin Dylan Walker, who has a hearing disorder but still plays bantam football.
"He really loves the game," Dwayne said. "He inspires me. He really loves to watch me play and does everything I do. I love him like he's my own child."
Thibodaux will begin its 10-game regular season at 7 p.m. Friday on the road against St. Charles Catholic High in LaPlace.
After missing so many games in the past, Jennifer said she will be there, ready to support her son.
“I'm going to every last one of them. I'm not missing a game,” she said. “All I'm going to be watching is No. 4. I'm going to be the loudest one in the stands. I just hope I don't get too carried away out here screaming too hard. I get too excited.”
And no one will be happier to see her there than Dwayne.
“Every night, I'm ready to give her something good to cheer about,” Dwayne said. “I'm extra motivated to play well for her and give it my all every night. We lost our jamboree game, but she was still happy for me. I'm just happy she was there to see me.” | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160830/articles/160839973 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/a5d3314c666b710da55a3376c0644deb8b092bbd17ef6201ed213d224c5c2e6c.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:33 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | A former Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office captain pleaded guilty this morning in New Orleans to a federal charge of theft of government funds. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829850.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160824&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829850&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Former Terrebonne sheriff's captain pleads guilty to federal theft charge | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A former Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office captain pleaded guilty this morning in New Orleans to a federal charge of theft of government funds.
Dawn Foret, 38, of Houma, stole a total of $14,728, the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Orleans said in a news release. She faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Foret resigned June 13 from her position as assistant chief of detectives at the Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Attorney's Office charged her June 24. U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance will sentence her Dec. 14.
According to prosecutors, the Sheriff's Office received approval in October 2009 for a federal grant to help curb underage drinking through July 2012. The U.S. Department of Transportation provided money for the grant, which the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission administered.
Foret recruited volunteers for overtime work, planned operations and composed reports after officers investigated bars and convenience stores to see if they were selling alcohol to minors, prosecutors said. The grant administrator twice told Foret she could bill the grant for completing those tasks, and she typically billed less than officers who were present during the operations and didn't enter specific time periods.
Months later, prosecutors said, the liaison adviser for the Highway Safety Commission informed the Sheriff's Office that only officers present during the operations could bill the grant.
The U.S. Attorney's Office said Foret continued to bill the grant, and on June 4, 2010, she started claiming every hour of operation. Starting on June 18, 2010, she occasionally claimed grant time hours that overlapped with an off-duty detail.
After being promoted to a captain Sept. 13, 2010, Foret was able to approve her own timesheets, prosecutors said. From Nov. 6, 2010, through July 18, 2012, Foret included herself in 124 of 130 reports, suggesting she was present for almost all operations when she wasn’t present for any.
"Detective Foret was sworn to uphold the law," U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite Jr. said in a statement. “Instead, she violated that oath by stealing federal funds intended to reduce underage drinking in our community. Today's guilty plea ensures that she is held accountable for her criminal actions."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Rivera and Bill McSherry prosecuted the case. Baton Rouge attorney Rodney Baum is representing Foret.
“This plea was done after much discussion with Dawn and the United States Attorney’s Office,” Baum said in an email. “Due to all of the circumstances involved in this case, Dawn determined that it was in her best interest to accept a plea at this time.”
He said he may comment further after the sentencing.
Darryl Stewart, the former narcotics head for the Sheriff's Office, pleaded guilty June 1 to the same charge. He resigned from the Sheriff's Office in April.
Prosecutors said from 2009-12, Stewart claimed and approved his own overtime for federal grants related to a narcotics task force, sometimes claiming overtime without actually doing narcotics work or while working private security details. The total he improperly billed was $15,925.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle will sentence Stewart Sept. 7.
Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829850 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/24a30962e8a1f4240db53d0a51656615300f919fb6e5be29a0bf3687c9486617.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-27T00:47:05 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | A storm system off of Cuba remained poorly organized Friday and was not expected to pose a threat to the Gulf Coast this weekend, though it continues to bear watching, forecasters said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160826%2Farticles%2F160829711.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160826&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829711&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Two storm systems bear watching, forecasters say | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A storm system off of Cuba remained poorly organized Friday and was not expected to pose a threat to the Gulf Coast this weekend, though it continues to bear watching, forecasters said.
Invest 99L was traveling west-northwest about 10 mph and could cross Florida late Sunday or Monday and enter the Gulf as a tropical wave, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“If it does get into the Gulf, then conditions could be a little more favorable for development late this weekend and early next week,” WWL-TV meteorologist Dave Nussbaum said in a Friday blog post.
Until there is an actual closed center of circulation, forecast models will continue to have a hard time showing where the system will go, Nussbaum said.
The system, which was producing increased showers and thunderstorms Friday, continues to fight wind shear and dry air, the Hurricane Center said. If it continues west, it could fizzle as it gets ripped apart over the mountains of Cuba.
The Hurricane Center gave the storm a 60 percent chance of developing into a tropical system over the next five days.
Forecast models show Invest 99L could go anywhere between the tip of Florida and south of Houston.
“Needless to say, there is still plenty of uncertainty of where it could go,” Nussbaum said. “This forecast will continue to change each day, so stay aware of the changes.”
Meanwhile, a new storm system developed over the past day just off the coast of Louisiana and could bring an inch of rain to the Houma-Thibodaux area this weekend. The Hurricane Center gave the weak disturbance a 10 percent chance of becoming a tropical system before it reaches southeast Texas by Sunday.
Area water levels are generally higher than normal, and that increases the chance for flooding if there is heavier rainfall, said Windell Curole, South Lafourche Levee District general manager. Previous rains, an El Niño weather pattern and an increase in southerly winds have caused the higher water levels, he added.
Curole said the smaller storm off the coast demands more attention now because it could impact the area soonest.
“We need to pay more attention to that one than the one farther away,” Curole said. “It's one day away versus a week away. … We're giving (the farther one) more attention than it needs right now.”
Hurricane season began June 1 and continues through Nov. 30.
-- Staff Writer Emma Discher can be reached at 448-7636 or emma.discher@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmadischer. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160826/articles/160829711 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/20e31b44082452cbf8d723c8562d8504d771d10026135c86daf2234b20b74eec.json |
[
"Sean Ellis"
] | 2016-08-28T00:46:44 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | A Terrebonne Parish councilman wants to get state aid to build a new recreation center in the Village East/Lafayette Woods area of Houma and to renovate the Mechanicville gym. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160827%2Farticles%2F160829676.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Councilman seeks money for building, upgrading recreation centers | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A Terrebonne Parish councilman wants to get state aid to build a new recreation center in the Village East/Lafayette Woods area of Houma and to renovate the Mechanicville gym.
A recreation center in Village East is a major need, Councilman John Navy said.
"Everyone knows one of the biggest outcries in that area is that we don't have any positive places for our kids to go to, to do recreation and other things that kids should be allowed to do," he said, "I'm trying to give the kids in that area a positive place to go to and have."
Last October, the parish christened a new multi-purpose center in Mechanicville, but the gym itself has not seen major renovations since it was built in the 1970s, outside of some work done by the Sheriff's Office trusty program.
Besides minor face-lift fixes, the Mechanicville gym is in need of a new air-conditioning unit, a new roof, new bleachers and other upgrades. The money may not be available to build an entirely new gym, but Navy is confident the money can be found in state construction money to renovate the gym.
"It's a lot of work that needs to be done. We don't have the money to build a new gym, but I'm submitting an application to at least allow us to renovate that gym. We'll have the new multi-purpose center and a renovated gym that'll be comparable to any gym in Terrebonne Parish," he said.
Recreation centers provide a safe haven for young people to stay out of trouble, Navy said.
"With all the shootings that have been going on and people complaining about the shootings, and the black-on-black crime and all the other stuff that’s been going on. We need to stop talking and put up some action and start putting up positive places for the kids," he said. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160827/articles/160829676 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/1d0b1b7ea03ab5fa46d78c98c9a537dcd2934a0f3da5c1ef6b63bba55436d372.json |
[
"Kevinisha Walker"
] | 2016-08-28T22:47:13 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Terrebonne Special Olympics is looking for athletes, specifically in swimming and horseshoes, to join its organization this year. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160828%2Farticles%2F160829655.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Terrebonne Special Olympics looking for new talent | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Terrebonne Special Olympics is looking for athletes, specifically in swimming and horseshoes, to join its organization this year.
Currently the group has 120 athletes, with 25 headed to the Fall Classic Games in Lafayette Oct. 14-16.
"Special Olympics is for someone with an intellectual disability," said Jennifer Callais, Terrebonne Special Olympics director. "A lot of people just think it's for the really severe. It's more than that. If kids have been offered an Individualized Education Program through their school system, they could qualify."
Special Olympics Louisiana started in 1968 when 15 athletes from the Belle Chasse State School attended and competed in the first International Special Olympics games in Chicago.
It came to Terrebonne Parish in 1995.
In Louisiana, more than 13,500 children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in more than 100 local competitions in the 13 south Louisiana areas and state-level competitions.
According to the Terrebonne Parish government's website, athletes must be identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disability, cognitive delay as determined by standardized measures such as intelligence quotient or other generally accepted measures or functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills.
To join, athletes must be at least 8 years old. There's also a program for young athletes from 2- to 7-years-old.
Special Olympics athletes compete in various sports such as basketball, softball, aquatics, horseshoes, tee-ball, flag football, bowling, golf, tennis, bocce, soccer, volleyball, track and field, and power lifting.
"It's very important (to have this organization) because it gives these kids a chance to play sports and have opportunities to do things that other people don't give them the opportunity to do. They have their own practices and competitions that are arranged just for them," Callais said.
The Terrebonne chapter does activities year round. Right now, athletes are practicing softball, tee-ball, horseshoes and aquatics for the State Fall Classic.
There's no cost for potential athletes to sign up. For information, contact Callais at 226-4031 or cjatj2@yahoo.com. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160828/articles/160829655 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/7d79f3ef7a966f1939f6e8a5c3fc3e86e7e6c5429d17ddf2f0087b0c2d3cf0df.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-28T02:46:44 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | Ashley Arnold and Meagan Hebert still remember many of the dances from their time on the dance team at Central Lafourche High School. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160827%2Farticles%2F160829671.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160827&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829671&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Hundreds celebrate Central Lafourche HIgh School's 50th anniversary | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Ashley Arnold and Meagan Hebert still remember many of the dances from their time on the dance team at Central Lafourche High School.
The sisters kept up with the current team from the back of the auditorium during a pep rally today.
Arnold, class of 2001, and Hebert, class of 2006, were just two of the hundreds of alums who took a trip down memory lane this weekend during the high school’s 50th anniversary celebration. Many more people clad in green and gold took to the school’s auditorium and hallways for a pep rally, live music, food, silent auction, memorabilia display and more.
“We focused on what were the best parts of being at Central Lafourche High School and how we could recreate that for 50 years of alums,” said Brandy Wiley, who is a 1998 alumna, junior class counselor and member of the planning committee.
The committee began planning in January and made sure to include current and past students in everything. That included picking bands with alums as members, inviting alum craft vendors and having current students represent their clubs and organizations at the food and activity booths.
Current senior class president Joel Weaver, who is part of the 50th anniversary “golden” class, helped run the pep rally, which was clearly a favorite of the day as families packed into the auditorium for dance performances, games and music.
Just like the sisters reminisced on their time on the dance team during the pep rally, the day reminded John Dufrene, class of 1984, about his time as the first male cheerleader at CLHS. His uniform was on display with other uniforms, yearbooks and class rings from the past 50 years.
Some alums said that being back in the high school was both “awesome” and “weird,” since many of them remembered a parking lot where the library is now.
CLHS is a family both figuratively and literally. Arnold and Hebert’s mother was also part of the dance team in 1976, Arnold’s husband is the current assistant principal and her three children will eventually attend CLHS, too.
Greg “Gabby” Borne and Lea Borne, both class of 1974, met while in the 11th grade at CLHS. Desiree Cressionie Dufrene, class of 1988, and John Dufrene just missed each other while at CLHS, but now their daughter Courteney is a sophomore there.
Asked what he will take away from his time at CLHS, Weaver referenced this feeling of community outside of just biological families.
“Definitely to have pride in and respect for your neighborhood,” Weaver said.
-Staff Writer Emma Discher can be reached at 448-7636 or emma.discher@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmadischer. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160827/articles/160829671 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/dfc0f1d48aa22ee4d6c8cd7fcc506010b4f68e36d8dbcf1ecd410209607dc38b.json |
[
"Mike Hill Night"
] | 2016-08-28T04:46:45 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | A storm system that was southeast of Miami Saturday night was forecast to enter the southeast Gulf of Mexico Sunday or early Monday, but it remains unorganized and was given a medium chance of development into a tropical system. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160827%2Farticles%2F160829668.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160827&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829668&Ref=AR&Profile=1320&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Unorganized storm predicted to enter Gulf, but its path is uncertain | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Unorganized storm predicted to enter Gulf, but its path is uncertain
A storm system that was southeast of Miami Saturday night was forecast to enter the southeast Gulf of Mexico Sunday or early Monday, but it remains unorganized and was given a medium chance of development into a tropical system.
Residents of Florida to Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana were advised by forecasters to continue to monitor the progress of Invest 99L and spend time reviewing storm plans as a precaution.
"There is a low to medium chance the system becomes more organized and gradually strengthens into a tropical depression or storm," AccuWeather meteorologist Ed Vallee said Saturday night.
"The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm enough for development, but the system will still be fighting dry air and some disruptive winds in the atmosphere," he added.
The National Hurricane Center was giving the storm, which is producing a large area of showers and thunderstorms, a 50 percent change of organizing into a tropical system in the next five days.
A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Hunter aircraft was to investigate the storm on Sunday.
An enhanced satellite image taken Saturday night showed Invest 99L over Cuba, traveling west-northwest at 10 mph.
"Regardless of development, enhanced showers and thunderstorms can be expected with localized flooding possible along the system's path," Vallee said.
The flood risk will be higher should the system reach Louisiana after the devastating flooding in mid-August.
Vallee said if the disturbance reaches the Gulf, it could swing back across the northern Florida Peninsula or track toward the upper Gulf Coast.
There are better conditions for development where water temperatures are in the upper 80s, he said, but the forecast models are still very uncertain of where Invest 99 will go. The spaghetti plots show it could go anywhere in the northern Gulf -- from the central Texas coast to south Florida.
Until there is an actual closed center of circulation, forecast models will continue to have a hard time showing where the system will go, forecasters said.
Hurricane season began June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160827/articles/160829668 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/8ca4685541a9ad00f8c36ac861ab4645c3895fa57e9ca9069bd31f282832df5d.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:53 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | A Bayou Blue man originally charged with rape was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison for two non-sexual offenses, one of his attorneys said. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829802.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160824&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829802&Ref=AR&Profile=1320&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Charges changed in rape case; guilty plea entered | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A Bayou Blue man originally charged with rape was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison for two non-sexual offenses, one of his attorneys said.
This updated story reflects that Travis Solet's sentences are to run consecutively for a total of 15 years in prison.
Travis Solet, 37, pleaded guilty to false imprisonment while armed with a dangerous weapon and domestic abuse aggravated assault, said Thibodaux attorney Matthew Ory, who represented Solet with one of his law firm partners, David Ardoin.
State District Judge John LeBlanc of Thibodaux sentenced Solet to 10 years on the first charge and five years on the second, Ory said. That was the maximum sentence he could get on each charge.
Ory said the Lafourche Parish District Attorney's Office offered the amended charges.
"What I can say is that the judicial system worked," he said in an email. "Sometimes it takes a couple of days of trial to fully understand the facts and make sure the proper crime fits. Kudos to the State for arriving at the proper conclusion and maintaining professionalism through the process. We are satisfied with the outcome."
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office charged Solet with aggravated rape April 6, 2015. He was accused of verbally abusing and threatening a woman with a handgun before sexually assaulting her.
If convicted of aggravated rape, he would have faced a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
The District Attorney's Office on Friday offered Solet 25 years in prison in exchange for a guilty plea to another charge, but he refused. Ory said that sentence would also have been served without the possibility of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
Solet's trial began Monday with jury selection, which continued Tuesday morning. Attorneys gave their opening statements and began calling witnesses to testify Tuesday afternoon.
In his opening statement, Ory pointed out inconsistencies in the victim's statements, including whether Solet was holding the gun or she saw it on the counter and how the gun ended up under the bed. The woman also first alleged a struggle and then said she agreed to have sex with Solet because she was afraid.
Ory told the jury Solet had consumed alcohol and male enhancement pills the day of the crime. He said Solet and the woman had sex, but he refuted that it was nonconsensual.
Assistant District Attorneys Diana Sanders and Heather Hendrix prosecuted the case. They could not be reached for comment.
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829802 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/6e6f8d53363d058b039d420a91b8bbd400d6690d7c72dca87ab366cb50e22e88.json |
[
"Mark Ballard"
] | 2016-08-30T16:47:10 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | BATON ROUGE -- David Duke, the white suprematist candidate for the U.S. Senate, over the weekend asked voters to back him and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160830%2Fwire%2F160839994.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160830&Category=WIRE&ArtNo=160839994&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | David Duke backs Donald Trump in robocalls to Louisiana voters | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | BATON ROUGE -- David Duke, the white suprematist candidate for the U.S. Senate, over the weekend asked voters to back him and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The Trump campaign quickly disavowed Duke's support in the robocalls made to Louisiana voters. CNN reported Monday that the Trump campaign had no "knowledge of these calls." The campaign went on to condemn Duke's stances, tweeting: "There is no place for this in the Republican Party or our country."
Earlier this year, Duke caused trouble by praising the Republican presidential standard bearer, causing Trump to reject the endorsement several times over several days.
Running as a Republican from Mandeville, Duke is one of two dozen candidates seeking this fall to replace U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-Metairie, who is stepping down at the end of his term in January.
"I'll tell the truth that no other candidate will dare say," Duke said in the recorded message. "Unless massive immigration is stopped now, we'll be out numbered and outvoted in our own nation."
In addition to immigration, Duke also touched on issues raised by Trump -- high taxes and threatened gun rights -- on the presidential campaign trail.
Duke said when qualifying for the Senate race in July that he is running as an advocate for European Americans.
"We're losing our country," Duke continued. "Look at the Super Bowl salute to the Black Panther cop killers. It's time to stand up and vote for Donald Trump for president and vote for me David Duke for the U.S. Senate."
Duke told the website BuzzFeed News Monday that "Everyone is saying they're voting for Duke and Trump."
Duke was a leader of a Ku Klux Klan faction in the 1970s. He ran strong, but losing campaigns for the U.S. Senate and Louisiana governor in the early 1990s. He pleaded guilty in 2002 on to the felony charge of filing a false tax return, though he contends he didn't do it, and was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160830/wire/160839994 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/b8a9020833ccafe7b96d364fcb2144a973ef51114343c9ecf3c3565c3a3c6e53.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:50:54 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | Local officials advise residents to review their hurricane plans as a storm threatens to make its way into the Gulf of Mexico late this week or early next. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160825%2Farticles%2F160829780.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160825&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829780&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Uncertain storm remains a threat to Gulf Coast | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Local officials advise residents to review their hurricane plans as a storm threatens to make its way into the Gulf of Mexico late this week or early next.
Emergency response officials are reminding residents to take time to review hurricane plans this weekend as a storm continues to brew toward southern Florida and could possibly make landfall between the panhandle and Louisiana on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Forecasts differed on whether the disorganized storm system, centered this evening about 600 miles southeast of Miami, will continue heading west into the Gulf or turn north toward Florida and the East Coast.
"Forecast models are still not agreeing with how strong it will be or where it will go," WWL-TV meteorologist Dave Nussbaum said in a blog post this afternoon. "There is a very wide spread in the models. The eastern side of the models show it could move northwest and stay east of Florida without ever making landfall. The western spread shows it could go across the Gulf of Mexico and make a landfall over South Texas or Mexico."
The National Hurricane Center gave the storm, which was heading west at 15-10 mph, a 40 percent chance of strengthening to a tropical system over the next two days and a 70 percent chance over the next five days.
Satellite wind data and reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter airplane this morning indicated that the system lacked a closed circulation, the Hurricane Center said. The strongest winds had likely decreased below tropical-storm strength of at least 39 mph, and rain and thunderstorms had become less organized over the past 24 hours.
"Although upper-level winds are not conducive for significant development during the next day or so, they could become a little more favorable over the weekend or early next week when the wave is expected to approach southern Florida or the southeastern Gulf of Mexico," the Hurricane Center said.
Forecasters said the storm's strength and direction depend largely on what happens to a high-pressure system over the East Coast. If the high weakens, the storm in the Caribbean could turn north. A stronger high could push the storm toward the Gulf.
Weather Underground meteorologists predicted that as the most likely possibility, adding that the storm could threaten Louisiana or Texas Tuesday or Wednesday.
"With the upper-level high in place, this system is then expected to be pushed into the Gulf of Mexico, with the potential for a second landfall somewhere along the Gulf Coast next week, possibly as a tropical storm or hurricane."
If it becomes a tropical storm, it would be named Hermine.
Terrebonne Emergency Preparedness Director Earl Eues said residents should have specific plans for where they will go if officials order an evacuation. Now is a good time to monitor weather reports, secure yards and homes, plan for pets and assemble basic supplies such as water, nonperishable food, flashlights and batteries.
Emergency plans in Terrebonne and Lafourche call for officials to open evacuation shelters at schools and other public buildings for weaker storms if warranted. For Category 3 or stronger hurricanes, both parishes have plans that would use buses to take evacuees who lacked other options to shelters in Monroe.
Eues said those shelters have not been impacted by the recent flooding across a wide swath of Louisiana. But residents who do leave for a storm need to consider the flooding's impact on roads and other accommodations.
“If they were planning on staying in hotels in the Baton Rouge area or the Lafayette area, you might have issues getting a room,” Eues said. “Revise your plan. ... It's a good time to review your plan if we do call a mandatory evacuation.”
South Lafourche Levee Director Windell Curole said his agency is also monitoring the storm. The district has opened and closed floodgates to manage tides on a normal schedule so far.
“It will take about 48 hours once a storm gets to the Gulf for it to get to us,” Curole said. “I'm really not changing anything that I would normally do. Monday I will re-assess.”
-- Staff Writer Emma Discher can be reached at 448-7636 or emma.discher@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmadischer. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160825/articles/160829780 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/a7cbb500d70af050c387b012dfbf566210b05e7ec57a5b0c41342a8e16b51168.json |
[
"Mike Hill"
] | 2016-08-29T04:46:55 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | A storm system that was predicted to enter the Gulf of Mexico Monday was upgraded to Tropical Depression 9 tonight, but it is forecast to impact the eastern Gulf. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160828%2Farticles%2F160829645.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160828&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829645&Ref=AR&Profile=1236&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Storm becomes tropical depression before entering Gulf | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A storm system that was predicted to enter the Gulf of Mexico Monday was upgraded to Tropical Depression 9 tonight, but it is forecast to impact the eastern Gulf.
“Right now, Louisiana and coastal Mississippi do not appear to be directly threatened by the system, but we will still need to watch it closely in case something changes,” WWL-TV reported tonight.
“For now, possible local impacts this week will include rough seas off the coast and tides running a little higher than normal, possibly leading to some minor coastal flooding,” WWL said.
The National Hurricane Center forecast predicts the system, previously known as Invest 99, will strengthen today to a tropical storm that would veer to the northeast midweek toward the Florida Big Bend area due to an upper trough and cold front on the East Coast.
"Latest indications point toward the system making landfall along the northeastern Gulf Coast between Alabama and the northwestern Florida Peninsula later this week," said Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist.
The center of this system was about 60 miles south of Key West, Florida, tonight. It was moving west at 9 mph with 35 mph winds, the Hurricane Center reported.
“Disruptive winds in the atmosphere, interaction with the mountainous Caribbean Islands and dry air prevented the tropical system from organizing last week, but more favorable conditions allowed the system to become a tropical depression on Sunday afternoon,” Pydynowski said.
Should the system intensify into a tropical storm prior to landfall, it would be accompanied onshore by a greater risk of flooding, strong winds and a storm surge.
The farther west into the central Gulf the system tracks, the greater the potential for strengthening, forecasters said. Louisiana residents were advised to keep an eye on the system in case that happens.
The next tropical storms in the Atlantic Basin will be named Hermine and then Ian.
Elsewhere, Hurricane Gaston is a Category 3 storm in the north central Atlantic Ocean. It is forecast to stay east of Bermuda and not threaten any land area as it gradually weakens.
Tropical Depression 8, southeast of Bermuda, is expected to move toward the Carolinas before veering off to the northeast.
Another tropical wave is coming off the African coast this week and will head west across the Atlantic as the official peak of the hurricane season approaches on Sept. 10, forecasters said. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160828/articles/160829645 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/c77afe663e93d8469a89fffa4a76b8672a1666fd0b2c44e184530fe1a8931827.json |
[
"Ted Griggs"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:05 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | Lots of flood insurance prices are being tossed around since high water overwhelmed tens of thousands of properties and their owners across south Louisiana. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160825%2Fwire%2F160829793.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160825&Category=WIRE&ArtNo=160829793&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Attention, south Louisiana: 'Everybody's in a flood zone' | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Lots of flood insurance prices are being tossed around since high water overwhelmed tens of thousands of properties and their owners across south Louisiana.
The cost varies depending on location, but in low- to moderate-risk areas about $450 a year buys coverage for $250,000 worth of damage on a person's primary residence and $100,000 worth of contents, said Terri Forsman, flood-risk coordinator for Louisiana Companies in Baton Rouge. The policies also carry two deductibles, $1,250 for the structure and $1,250 for contents.
"Everybody's in a flood zone. If it rains where you live, you're in a flood zone," Forsman said. "The difference is if you're in a preferred-risk zone, which everybody is calling a no-flood zone ... it just means you're less likely to flood. If you're in a high-risk zone, you're more likely to flood."
Flood insurance costs less for less valuable homes in preferred-risk areas. According to FloodSmart.gov, the annual premium is $324 for a home valued at $100,000 with $40,000 in contents.
Rates vary widely in the A and V zones, which are considered more likely to flood, Forsman said. The cost depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of coverage, the location and the elevation of the home above the base flood level.
Forsman said there's lots of confusion about flood insurance.
Some of that comes from the fact that mortgage companies don't require home buyers to purchase flood insurance on properties in a preferred-risk zone. Some people think that means their homes won't flood.
Wells Fargo spokeswoman Crystal Drake said the federal Flood Disaster Protection Act requires flood insurance be in place for mortgaged properties in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Lenders have to conduct flood zone determinations during the loan application process and periodically afterward to make sure homes in a Special Flood Hazard Area are covered by flood insurance.
In high-risk areas, there is at least a 1-in-4 chance of flooding during a 30-year mortgage, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Roughly half of East Baton Rouge Parish lies in a flood hazard area, although large swaths of those properties have not been developed, said Warren Kron, city-parish GIS manager. Unfortunately, a lot of the areas considered less likely to flood, like Sherwood Forest, fell victim to high water this time around.
FEMA says more than 20 percent of flood insurance claims come from homes outside a flood hazard area.
Only a fraction of the Baton Rouge area's residents carry flood insurance, although Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said he would not be surprised to see those numbers increase in the coming months.
Jeff Albright, chief executive officer of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana, said he spoke to three agents Wednesday who have handled a bunch of flood claims.
All have sold lots of flood policies to people who almost flooded, but none to people who did flood. The agents told Albright that people who flooded are too busy trying to get their lives back together to think about buying flood insurance.
"Until they get their homes repaired, they are not going to worry about flood insurance," Albright said.
Donelon said the average cost for flood insurance statewide and in the Baton Rouge metro area is about $750, or roughly $60 a month, an amount that compares favorably to the loan payment likely facing homeowners who didn't have flood coverage.
Donelon said he expects most of the money to rebuild homes will come from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
"They'll be very low interest loans, probably 2 percent, and long-term, probably 30 years," Donelon said. "But what that does to these people is it strips out all of the equity in their biggest asset in their family."
Flood victims will be left with a $45,000 second mortgage, he said. They'll also be left with little or no equity in their homes or with homes that are worth less than what they owe on mortgages.
The monthly payment on a 30-year loan at 2 percent is about $166, before any fees.
In addition, flood victims may not realize that their flood insurance policy's contents coverage won't pay for new replacement goods, unless the flood-damaged items were new.
The contents are replaced at their "actual cash value," Forsman said. Adjusters follow depreciation schedules.
Donelon said a flat-screen TV is worse than a new car, which loses $10,000 in value when the buyer drives it off the lot. "Sofas are comparable to flat-screens," he said. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160825/wire/160829793 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/d90f2a123a5bdaf8896379666863cb4a146e0420a7741555ce650d74beb0eace.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-26T12:50:21 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal on Thursday declared unconstitutional a search warrant that led to the Aug. 2 raid of a Houma Police officer's home as part of an investigation into an anti-corruption website. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160825%2Fhurblog%2F160829790.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Appeals court declares ExposeDAT search warrant unconstitutional | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal on Thursday declared unconstitutional a search warrant that led to the Aug. 2 raid of a Houma Police officer's home as part of an investigation into an anti-corruption website.
The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office searched Wayne Anderson's home on St. Francis Street while looking into a defamation complaint by the parish's insurance agent, Tony Alford, over the blog ExposeDAT. State District Judge Randy Bethancourt signed the search warrant and upheld his authorization in an Aug. 5 hearing.
ExposeDAT began publishing articles about local public figures – including Sheriff Jerry Larpenter, Parish President Gordy Dove and District Attorney Joe Waitz Jr. – and their business dealings in late June. The website can be viewed at http://exposedat.in/wp/.
Someone using the pseudonym John Turner created the blog. Anderson, a former Terrebonne sheriff's deputy, denies involvement.
Houma attorney Jerri Smitko and Thibodaux attorneys David Ardoin and Matthew Ory are representing Anderson and his wife, Jennifer. They believe the website falls under the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.
"The 1st Circuit basically said what we've been saying, that the criminal statute they used is unconstitutional whenever it deals with public figures or matters of public concern," Smitko said. "There's no crime. It's unconstitutional, so the affidavit's no good. They reversed the trial court's decision and granted our motion to quash the search warrant."
'JUSTICE HAS PREVAILED'
Alford's firms broker coverage for the Sheriff's Office and parish government.
He contested a claim that Larpenter continued to pay broker fees to him even as the sheriff's wife, Priscilla, makes a six-figure salary running Alford's office. Alford said the sheriff's brokerage contract is with a firm owned by his business partner, Christian Lapeyre, but he acknowledged that as Lapeyre's partner, he does share in the proceeds.
The ExposeDAT website also says Alford lined up new insurance coverage for the parish government without going through a public bid process and without an authorizing ordinance that the parish attorney has said is required.
Smitko said the appellate court agreed that Alford, as president of the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District, is a public figure.
"Justice has prevailed," she said. "It sends a message to those involved that they cannot violate citizens' rights with impunity, and hopefully it will make the citizens of our parish less fearful about speaking out against matters of public concern."
She said the Andersons may seek damages for the search, which included the seizure of laptop computers and cellphones. The devices were held in the Clerk of Court's Office during the investigation.
Larpenter said Thursday evening that he hadn't seen the 1st Circuit's ruling and would wait to comment after he'd seen it.
Alford said he's accepted the 1st Circuit's ruling.
“That's what they thought, and we have to live with that ruling,” he said. “That's why we have a court system. We're moving on right now.”
THROUGH THE PROCESS
In 1964, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan that a state cannot award damages to public officials for defamation related to their official conduct unless they can prove "actual malice." In other words, the person who made the statement must have known it was false and exercised reckless disregard for its truthfulness.
That same year, the high court issued a similar ruling in Garrison v. Louisiana.
The Andersons were never charged with a crime. Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman said Wayne Anderson was placed on paid administrative leave for the investigation but returned to work earlier this month.
Smitko and Ardoin filed a lawsuit Aug. 10 in federal court in New Orleans, with Larpenter the only defendant named.
The attorneys asked U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to keep the Sheriff's Office from continuing the investigation and to have the agency return the Andersons' property. They pointed out that Anderson couldn't work details while on leave, affecting his income, and that the investigation harmed his reputation.
Houma attorney Bill Dodd, who provides general counsel for the Sheriff's Office, said the agency withdrew from the criminal matter the day of Bethancourt's hearing.
On Aug. 16, Zainey cited the 1971 U.S. Supreme Court case Younger v. Harris in his reasons for denying Smitko and Ardoin's requests. The high court ruled in that case that a federal court cannot consider constitutional issues while a criminal case is pending in the same matter in state court.
Zainey also pointed out that Bethancourt's authorization of the search was at the center of the complaint, yet the Houma judge was not listed in the lawsuit. He found no legal error on Larpenter's part.
The state Attorney General's Office is handling the case after Waitz recused himself. Representatives did not immediately get back to WWL-TV on whether they plan to appeal the 1st Circuit's decision to the Louisiana Supreme Court.
-- WWL-TV contributed to this report. Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire.
-- WWL-TV contributed to this report. Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160825/hurblog/160829790 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/5663ae95a7145d374dc48f35281629b85b79f1285fd5e957360fb1d9e7d8475d.json |
[
"Kevinisha Walker"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:11 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | At Nicholls State University's Welcome Back Day festivities today, some students signed up for campus organizations, sororities and fraternities, while others lined up to ride a mechanical bull. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160825%2Farticles%2F160829782.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160825&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829782&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Nicholls celebrates Welcome Back Day | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | At Nicholls State University's Welcome Back Day festivities today, some students signed up for campus organizations, sororities and fraternities, while others lined up to ride a mechanical bull.
No matter what activities they took part in, many of them had one thing in common: their pride for the university.
Red and white colored T-shirts filled the ballroom in Nicholls' Bollinger Memorial Student Union building.
Campus organizations like International Community and KNSU 91.5 and various local businesses and organizations lined the ballroom with tables that displayed their pamphlets and giveaways.
Undergraduate and graduate students in all levels of study walked around the ballroom mingling with their peers or eating snacks provided by some organizations.
Twins Lila and Liza Thomas said they are mostly looking forward to earning better grade point averages this semester.
Their friend, Sandrea Williams, is just beginning her Nicholls career as she transferred from Xavier University in New Orleans.
The 19-year-old said she transferred because she was intrigued by the dietetics program.
"I really just love nutrition and how you can prevent diseases from happening based on what you eat," she said.
Graduate psychology student Breiah Daniels was drawn to her program of study because of the low student-to-teacher ratio.
"The professors, faculty and staff, they actually know people by name. I didn't think that could happen. They know my face and they remember me. You don't get lost in the crowd," Daniels said.
Midway through Thursday's festivities, university staff members pepped up the crowd with words of inspiration and encouragement.
New men's basketball coach Richie Riley, whose voice was a bit hoarse after days of yelling and coaching, encouraged students to get involved on campus.
"I've worked at a lot of universities, seen a lot of different things and Nicholls State is truly family," he said. "Our whole campus is motivated by family and that's why I love it here. I challenge you guys no matter what grade level to get out of your comfort zone and don't just be on this campus just to be here. Go get involved with things."
DoBee Plaisance, interim director of athletics and head women's basketball coach, welcomed students back in the only way she knows how: with her booming voice and energetic presence.
"Welcome back and let's start it off with a real good 'Go Colonels,'" she yelled. "Thank you for choosing Nicholls and bringing your gifts and your talents to Nicholls. Thank you for being future ambassadors to Nicholls." | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160825/articles/160829782 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/7e5c778375d8b4c52122d2018e96b7a6e612a638148f889abd84e61a707a200e.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:28 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | Lafourche voters will decide Dec. 10 whether to limit parish presidents' and council members' terms in office. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829871.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Lafourche voters to decide on term limits for council, parish president | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Lafourche voters will decide Dec. 10 whether to limit parish presidents' and council members' terms in office.
This story was corrected to show the correct number of terms that council members and parish presidents would be eligible to serve consecutively under the new proposal.
The Parish Council voted 8-1 Tuesday night to send the issue to voters.
If approved, council members could serve up to three consecutive four-year terms. Parish presidents could serve up to two consecutive terms. The measure would take effect with terms that begin in 2020.
“As far as freedom and democracy it seems like a fleeting thing these days,” said Councilman Bo Melvin, who cosponsored the measure with member Corey Perrillioux. “I believe in letting the people vote. We're not putting term limits. We're giving them the freedom to choose. This is all about freedom and letting them choose.”
Both are first-term council members. Melvin ran for office in support of term limits; Perrillioux said he supported the idea after voters in his district reached out to him about it.
Proponents contend term limits ensure new members with different plans and ideas can get elected, some arguing that political office was never meant to be a career.
Daniel Lorraine, in his ninth term and 33rd year representing south Lafourche on the council, cast the sole dissenting vote. He said voters already have the right to limit candidates' terms and mandating limits takes away choices.
Under the proposal, council members or parish presidents who reach the maximum number of consecutive terms could run again after sitting out four years.
Thibodaux voters passed a similar Home Rule Charter amendment in March, limiting City Council members to three consecutive four-year terms. Terrebonne voters enacted two-term limits for council members and the parish president in the mid-1990s. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829871 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/6e4960a690eefedc05e7609171218a27c686fdbe9dad8bf4a4ad2de2f98b3dbe.json |
[
"Emma Discher"
] | 2016-08-28T22:47:03 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | Nicholls State University nursing sophomore Madison Kohan got a call from her family in mid-August that they were evacuating their St. Amant home and coming to stay with her at her Thibodaux apartment. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160828%2Farticles%2F160829654.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Nicholls community raises $11,500 for students affected by flooding | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Nicholls State University nursing sophomore Madison Kohan got a call from her family in mid-August that they were evacuating their St. Amant home and coming to stay with her at her Thibodaux apartment.
Kohan is one of the more than 50 Nicholls students who are feeling the impact of the recent flooding across the state. Other students and local residents have since raised about $11,500 for an NSU Flood Emergency Relief Fund, which exceeded the original $10,000 goal.
Nicholls culinary students organized a jambalaya sale on Friday that raised $4,570 of the total. The rest came from donations.
The fund will be available to students who need help making ends meet for things like books, clothing and dorm items due to losses in the storm.
The house that Kohan shares with her grandparents and father had five feet of water in it for about a week. They did not have flood insurance because the area had not historically flooded.
Her first semester school bills were already paid for, but she now says they’re taking things “day by day” and that she is grateful for the help she has received.
“Any little bit of help is great,” Kohan said. “It’s just nice having so many people on campus care about me and ask about me ... or hang out with me and spend time with me.”
She said she attended every Welcome Back Week activity at school to keep her mind off of things before heading home for the weekend to help with the cleanup.
Freshman Joseph Fuentes also plans to spend some of his weekends back home in Denham Springs to help out. His family’s home took in about three feet of water that destroyed some of the things he was planning on taking to school with him for his dorm.
“It really does change perspective on life,” Fuentes said. “You see in the news with (Hurricane) Katrina about how those houses were destroyed. You never think it will happen to you, but one day you wake up and it does.”
Money can still be donated online at nicholls.edu/relief. Students who are interested in receiving money should contact Vice President for Student Affairs Eugene Dial.
-Staff Writer Emma Discher can be reached at 448-7636 or emma.discher@houmatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter @emmadischer. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160828/articles/160829654 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/36abf48cbd8cbf6a15b1689a4baa7ab1030233509c50a01c7de5d5120de8c2f2.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-31T04:47:15 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | Prosecutors can use rape allegations against the defendant in a Lafourche Parish triple-murder trial despite his attorneys' assertion of a lack of physical proof of sexual assault, a judge ruled today. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160830%2Farticles%2F160839968.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160830&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160839968&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Judge allows prosecutors to introduce rape allegations during triple-murder trial | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Prosecutors can use rape allegations against the defendant in a Lafourche Parish triple-murder trial despite his attorneys' assertion of a lack of physical proof of sexual assault, a judge ruled today.
David Brown, 38, of Houma, is charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 4, 2012, stabbings of 29-year-old Jacquelin and her daughters, 7-year-old Gabriela and 1-year-old Izabela Nieves.
Brown is also accused of sexually assaulting Jacquelin and Gabriela Nieves and then setting the family's Lockport apartment on fire. He is no longer formally charged with rape or arson, but prosecutors plan to use those claims to justify seeking the death penalty if he is convicted in his trial starting Sept. 12.
In a hearing in Thibodaux, state District Judge John LeBlanc denied several requests by New Orleans attorney Kerry Cuccia, of the Capital Defense Project of Southeast Louisiana.
Cuccia asked to void the sexual-assault allegations in Brown's indictment. He told LeBlanc that although there was trauma to Jacquelin's and Gabriela's genitals, there is no evidence it was caused by rape.
He also pointed out that male DNA was found on the bodies, but it was not from semen. He said any reference to semen or sperm fractions in experts' explanation of how they collect and analyze DNA samples would lead the jury to believe semen or sperm was found at the scene.
All DNA in the case came from skin cells, Cuccia noted. He said prosecutors couldn't prove who sexually assaulted the victims or with what, and that only evidence proving something should be allowed.
"When rape allegations are based on circumstantial evidence and semen is not found, physical injuries 'strongly' suggestive of sexual assault are not sufficient, as a matter of law, to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a rape or attempted rape has occurred," Cuccia wrote in one motion.
He added that "allegations of rape – especially those involving child victims – are very inflammatory" to a jury.
First Assistant District Attorney Kristine Russell told the judge that the introduction of all samples, whether they supported prosecutors' allegations or not, would allow expert witnesses to give honest, thorough testimony. Attorneys would be also able to question why some samples had the Y-chromosome and others didn't, she added.
"The thoroughness of the investigation is extremely relevant," Russell said, especially with capital cases.
She said complexity of evidence shouldn't bar prosecutors from using it, as it's the attorneys' job to clearly explain terms to the jury.
Cuccia also argued that seven to nine other men in Lafourche, along with every male on Brown's father's side of the family, could match a group of genes found at the crime scene. He noted that a type of analysis used on the samples only tests the paternal side and not the maternal side.
LeBlanc ultimately determined that the evidence found at the scene was relevant to the investigation of the case. He also said if he were to caution the jury about what is and is not included in each type of analysis, he would be commenting on the evidence.
-- Staff Writer Bridget Mire can be reached at 448-7639 or bridget.mire@dailycomet.com. Follow her on Twitter @bridget_mire. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160830/articles/160839968 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/b69edf6480b749034347dc02df258b9e5108eacd1ce37b1bb4b4905890fa2bf3.json |
[
"Sean Ellis"
] | 2016-08-26T12:53:30 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | Terrebonne Parish President Gordy Dove gave the Terrebonne Parish Council an update tonight on a barrier island restoration project and two pump stations among other projects. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829805.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160824&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829805&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Terrebonne Parish president outlines coastal projects | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Terrebonne Parish President Gordy Dove gave the Terrebonne Parish Council an update tonight on a barrier island restoration project and two pump stations among other projects.
The $115 million Whiskey Island restoration project includes dredging 10.4 million cubic yards of sand from Ship Shoal and pumping it to the island before adding vegetation to restore five miles of shoreline and 900 acres of beach and marsh. The Whiskey Island project was supposed to start at the end of 2015 but was delayed by the state for wildlife reasons, Dove said.
"Because of the hatchery of the eggs of different species of birds, the environmentalists had the state push it off and it was delayed for six to seven months. I'm a firm believer the birds would've found somewhere else to lay their eggs for seven months, but it's important that we preserve our wildlife while we rebuild these islands," he said.
Backers of putting rock on barrier islands point to Raccoon Island as proof that placing segmented breakwaters not only protects the sand being pumped onto them but also builds land as sediment is caught behind the breakwaters.
"The building up of the beach on Raccoon Island is tremendous, and on top of that it's sustained. If we're going to rebuild these islands, this is the method that we need to use," Dove said, "It was successful in Grand Isle and it was successful here. ... If you don't protect it, you'll be repumping these islands in 12 to 14 years, but you won't have the BP money."
Engineering is also underway for two drainage projects.
In Petit Caillou and the Chachoula area, extensive work has been done to build levees to protect the areas from flooding from hurricanes and high water events on the rivers and the Gulf. But the drainage projects are meant to be able to pump water out of the levee system in the event of heavy rains or other such events.
The Petit Caillou project will add additional pumps, a conveyance channel and additional sector gate for the lock system as has been done on Bayou Lafourche to pump water from inside the Ward 7 Levee system into Lake Boudreaux.
The Chacahoula project will add a pumping station at the Elliot Jones Canal for the same purpose.
Engineer O'Neil Malbrough said the Little Caillou pump station would drain some 510 acres in the Chauvin area. In comparison, the project in the Chachoula area would drain 110,000 acres.
"The difference between Little Caillou with 510 acres and one pump station and Chacahoula is that it’s 110,000 acres. The boundaries of the area is significant. The water that has to get out of Bayou Black and out of people’s homes is 110,000 acres," he said.
The drainage project in Chacahoula would work hand-in-hand with the Morganza-to-the-Gulf levees in that area to keep water out of the western portion of the parish and drain water from not only Terrebonne but portions of Lafourche and Assumption parishes, Malbrough said.
The parish plans to apply for state money to get both projects completed. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829805 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/7a5ec23fd54247f84241c505477db27961795ed995dc76846a2fc1f50bf0966d.json |
[
"Bridget Mire"
] | 2016-08-29T18:47:01 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | A 2013 federal lawsuit against the Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority over the executive director's alleged sexual harassment of an employee has been settled. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160829%2Farticles%2F160829635.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Housing Authority sexual harassment lawsuit settled | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | A 2013 federal lawsuit against the Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority over the executive director's alleged sexual harassment of an employee has been settled.
Tyrikia Porter filed the lawsuit Sept. 19, 2013, in U.S. District Court in New Orleans
On Aug. 19, 2014, U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel E. Knowles III granted the defendant's request to dismiss the case. The next day, he issued a judgment in favor of the defendants.
Porter filed an appeal with the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which on Nov. 17 reversed Knowles' ruling.
On Aug. 1, Knowles signed an order of dismissal, saying "all of the parties to this action have firmly agreed upon a settlement and compromise, and that they need only execute releases and deliver funds in accordance with their agreement."
This story will be updated. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160829/articles/160829635 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/a99595cbab430b9d910e35fe0c1f78744266ec698d5f0582f49e667734b91a38.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:47:01 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | NAME: Oley Autin Jr. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160826%2Farticles%2F160829751.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160826&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829751&Ref=AR&Profile=1320&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | Sought by Authorities: Aug. 27 | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Sought by Authorities is a public service of The Courier and Daily Comet. Readers who have seen this suspect are urged to call the authorities and not take action on their own.
NAME: Oley Autin Jr.BIRTHDATE: Aug. 21, 1964.CHARGE: Failure to appear in court for sexual battery charge.AGENCY: Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office.LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 101 Price St., Montegut.STILL AT LARGE: Kenneth Fitch Jr., Chance Franklin, Jeremy Gibson, Ashleigh Harding, Terry Jones, Jamie Mickey, Carwin Scott, Karen Smith, Leonard Swiderski, Ajonte Howard.Sought by Authorities is a public service of The Courier and Daily Comet. Readers who have seen this suspect are urged to call the authorities and not take action on their own. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160826/articles/160829751 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/f154a343b6a5b2d0f0cf3d9c212f32be38b19e98d9f8d0ae44f8d152c39708ae.json |
[
"The Courier",
"Daily Comet"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:58 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | The following is a rundown of the action taken by Lafourche Parish Council at Tuesday's meeting. All members were present, and all votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829870.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | In other action: Lafourche Parish Council, Aug. 24, 2016 | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | The following is a rundown of the action taken by Lafourche Parish Council at Tuesday's meeting. All members were present, and all votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.
Action: Implemented all 2016 property taxes.
Action: Amended the Lafourche Parish Code of Ordinances for board membership, absences and removal to extend the period of time that an individual must take an oath of office from 30 to 60 days and gave power of discretion to the board to excuse absences. Daniel Lorraine voted no.
Action: Approved servitude, or right of way, agreements with Jerry Ledet and Corina Pitre Ledet, Debbie Elizabeth Toups Head, Dean Toups and Carlotte Pitre Toups and Elbert Bellamy and Anita Pereira Bellamy.
Action: Approved the $310,000 purchase of the Delta Farm boat launch.
Action: Approved the purchase of two lots of land at Heroes Park for $168,600 and $171,000.
Action: Reappointed Morris Guidry to the Fire Protection District 3 board.
Action: Reappointed Bruce Dufrene to the Fire Protection District 2 board.
Action: Approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the South Central Planning and Development Commission for 2016-17 and membership dues.
Action: Approved an amendment to the engineering agreement with Picciola & Associates for the statewide flood-control program application titled “East Side Drainage Improvements.”
Action: Approved a cooperative endeavor with Drainage District 1 to share the cost of the statewide flood-control program application titled “East Side Drainage Improvements.”
Action: Rescinded an agreement with Sewer District 1 for payment of the construction of a new pump station and repairs.
Action: Approved an agreement with Burk-Kleinpeter for engineering services for the Theriot boat launch bulkhead improvements project.
Action: Rescinded an agreement with the state for a fishing pier project at the Leeville Boat Launch.
Action: Appointed a committee regarding the hiring of a legislative internal auditor.
Action: Increased the budget by $14,760.25 and the deadline by 42 days for the Bayou Lafourche Saltwater Control Structure project. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829870 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/63152547ea26f10530d67eb86498871f468f1cf0f1a7e2bd3d16640a33688ac2.json |
[
"Keith Magill"
] | 2016-08-27T02:46:45 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | Houma-Thibodaux lost 700 jobs last month as a two-year oil-industry downturn continues, new state figures show. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160826%2Farticles%2F160829707.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | Area loses 700 jobs for month | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Louisiana metro area unemployment rates: Alexandria: 7.2 percent, unchanged from June and up from 6.8 percent in July 2015. Baton Rouge: 5.9 percent, down from 6 percent in June and up from 5.7 percent in July 2015. Hammond: 7.8 percent, down from 8 percent in June and up from 7.5 percent in July 2015. Houma-Thibodaux: 7.2 percent, down from 7.4 percent in June and up from 5.8 percent in July 2015. Lafayette: 7.8 percent, down from 8 percent in June and up from 6.6 percent in July 2015. Lake Charles: 5.5 percent, down from 5.6 percent in June and from July 2015. Monroe: 6.8 percent, down from 7 percent in June and from 6.9 percent in July 2015. New Orleans: 6.4 percent, unchanged from June and up from 6.3 percent in July 2015. Shreveport: 7.3 percent, down from 7.4 percent in June and up from 7.2 percent in July 2015. -- Source: Louisiana Workforce Commission.
The jobless rate for the metro area, comprised of Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, was 7.2 percent, down slightly from 7.4 percent in June and up from 5.8 percent a year ago, the Louisiana Workforce Commission reported today.
In July, the area was down 3,800 jobs compared to a year ago, the figures show. But compared to July 2014, when crude prices began the decline that has decimated jobs locally and throughout the global oil industry, Houma-Thibodaux has lost 8,500 jobs.
The number of nonfarm jobs in the area now totals 93,300. In July 2014, that number was 101,800.
For the 18th straight month, oilfield jobs were down compared to a year earlier. However, numbers held steady in some oilfield job categories between June and July.
Locally, oil and gas exploration and production jobs totaled 6,800 in July, the same as June but down 1,200, or 15 percent, from a year ago, according to the report. Oilfield service jobs rose by 100 for the month to total 5,900, but that was still down 1,100, about 16 percent, compared to a year ago.
Another oilfield-related category called "support activities for transportation," which includes mostly jobs in the area's offshore maritime industry, employed 5,500 people in July, down 100 for the month and 600 for the year.
Administrative and support services, which also includes mostly oilfield-related workers, employed 3,500 people locally in July, down 100 for the month and 300 for the year.
Among other figures in Friday's report:
-- Louisiana's unemployment rate was 6.9 percent in July, down from 7 percent in June and up from 6.6 percent a year ago.
-- The U.S. jobless rate in July, 5.1 percent, held steady for the month and was down from 5.6 percent a year ago.
-- Terrebonne's jobless rate was 7.4 percent in July, down from 7.7 percent in June and up from 6.1 percent a year ago.
-- Lafourche posted a 6.9 percent unemployment rate last month, down from 7.0 in June but up from 5.5 percent in July 2015. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160826/articles/160829707 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/f030b7d5c4333fffc7c95fa4c6ca1e20b6449b649b9ca3fca6b4cd11c826df38.json |
[
"Sean Ellis"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:36 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is set to hold a grand re-opening event to celebrate longer store hours at 10 a.m. Sept. 9. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160824%2Farticles%2F160829807.json | http://www.dailycomet.com/global/images/fb/DC.png | en | null | St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store plans reopening event | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is set to hold a grand re-opening event to celebrate longer store hours at 10 a.m. Sept. 9.
Customers asked that the thrift store extend its hours of operation and Lee Landry, who became the store's manager three months ago, decided to accommodate the request beginning last week. The store is now open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Landry assumed the role of manager after James and Phylles Lagarde retired after 30 years of service to St. Vincent.
"I have some big shoes to fill," Landry said.
The thrift store is the project of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Houma-Thibodaux and provides a place to shop economically.
The grand re-opening event, which will feature a ribbon cutting and a storewide sale, will include Bishop Sheldon Fabre giving the opening prayer before board President Pete Cavalier and Landry speak about the society and their plans for the store. Landry said he hopes at the store will be able to expand.
“Hopefully, it’s going to be a year or two. If I’m there long enough I’m planning to have another store, but that’s in the future," he said.
The money St. Vincent de Paul makes from its thrift store is used to operate the store and the society's pharmacy for the needy that it opened in 2001.
Several area parishes support St. Vincent de Paul. According to the council’s rules, anyone needing aid must first be visited by their home parish representatives. | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160824/articles/160829807 | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/10364345768ec3fa302bf5de956c200bfdf8092c7c9aff6533703efdd32a5e8c.json |
[
"Keith Magill"
] | 2016-08-30T02:47:04 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | Louisiana has recorded its first cases of West Nile this summer, and officials are asking residents to take precautions as heavy rain and flooding have increased breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that carry the disease. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailycomet.com%2Farticle%2F20160829%2Farticles%2F160829615.json | http://G52-DCweb.newscyclecloud.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=HC&Date=20160829&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=160829615&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Teaser | en | null | La. records summer's first cases of West Nile | null | null | www.dailycomet.com | Louisiana has recorded its first cases of West Nile this summer, and officials are asking residents to take precautions as heavy rain and flooding have increased breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that carry the disease.
Fourteen cases have been confirmed across the state, none in Terrebonne and Lafourche, the state Health Department reported Monday. Of those, eight are dangerous infections of the brain or other parts of the nervous system, four are flu-like West Nile fever, and two were detected by blood tests in people with no symptoms.
Three of the more-serious cases were reported in Calcasieu Parish, two in Caddo and one each in Beauregard, East Baton Rouge and Ouachita. The West Nile fever cases are in Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Orleans and St. Tammany parishes, and the cases detected by blood tests are in East Baton Rouge and Vernon parishes
“These West Nile infections all occurred before the recent flooding," state epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard said in a news release. "I do not expect that we will see as many cases as we’ve seen in past as we are having a late start to the time of the year when we normally begin to see people getting West Nile virus infections.”
The Health Department also confirmed three additional cases of the Zika virus in Louisiana residents who contracted the illness while traveling, bringing the total to 26.
So far, all of Louisiana's confirmed Zika cases are travel-related, though officials say the mosquitoes that carry the disease, which can damage the brains of developing babies in pregnant women, are abundant across the state, especially in coastal areas like Terrebonne and Lafourche.
Though they escaped the flooding that inundated other parts of the state, Terrebonne and Lafourche have seen above-average rainfall this month.
Through Monday, Houma had seen 11.56 inches of rain, 4.2 inches more than normal for August, according to Accuweather. Thibodaux has recorded 16.97 inches, 9.41 inches above the norm. Galliano has seen 11.61 inches, 4.03 inches higher than the August average.
Dr. Frank Welch,the Health Department's medical director of community preparedness, said recent floods east and north of Houma-Thibodaux increase the risk of West Nile virus. He said the number of mosquitoes will drop initially because the floods drowned most of the larvae, as the waters reside, the insects will return and their numbers will increase due to standing water left behind.
“We can expect to see an increase in many types of mosquitoes after flooding, and also in the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus," Welch said. “The mosquitoes that can carry Zika virus are located in the region in and around New Orleans, which were not impacted by the floods. However, there has been a lot of rain in the New Orleans area, which does foster the environment where the Zika virus mosquito thrives." | http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20160829/articles/160829615 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dailycomet.com/4c711e90b111e51cfe502b97e93ba54a413c8e688ffcbd6e50ae1106b12bc1bc.json |
[
"Nuvo Editors"
] | 2016-08-28T08:50:49 | null | 2016-08-24T15:36:00 | NUVO will take on the task of tracking Mike Pence's level of despair as the endless march to November's Election Day proceeds. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2FSlash%2Farchives%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Fpence-despair-o-meter-for-the-week-of-aug-22-2016%2F.json | http://media2.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4214152/meter.png | en | null | Pence Despair-o-meter for the week of Aug. 22, 2016 | null | null | www.nuvo.net | Today's Best Bets | All of today's events
-All Arts- Classical Music Comedy Festivals + Parties Film + TV Sports + Recreation Theater + Dance Visual Arts + Museums Written + Spoken Word -All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various Submit an Event
Film + TV -All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various Submit an Event
-All Music- DJs + Dancing Hip-hop Jazz + Blues + R&B Pop Punk + Metal Rock Roots -All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various Submit an Event
-All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various Submit an Event
-All Cuisines- American Asian Fusion Bakery Bar Food BBQ Brewery/Brew Pub Burgers Cajun/Creole Caribbean Chinese Comfort/Soul Food Deli Dessert Diner Egyptian Ethiopian Farm to Table Food Truck French Fusion Gastropub German Greek Hot Dogs Ice Cream Indian Irish Italian Japanese Latin America Mediterranean Mexican Middle Eastern Modern American Moroccan Organic Pakistani Pizza Russian Salads Sandwiches Seafood Spanish Steakhouse Sushi Tapas Tea Thai Vegetarian Wine Bar -All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various | http://www.nuvo.net/Slash/archives/2016/08/24/pence-despair-o-meter-for-the-week-of-aug-22-2016/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/29375238aace3a285d9827ec6cc00df48462663a3852ebe6c960852c5d0dbd9a.json |
[
"Dan Grossman"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:39 | null | 2016-08-25T10:55:29 | A battle with cancer put her in isolation, and she coped by making art | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Freview-susanna-hoones-ghostie-house-stories%2FContent%3Foid%3D4214097.json | http://media1.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4216014/20160805_220931.jpg | en | null | Review: Susanna Hoone's Ghostie House Stories | null | null | www.nuvo.net | click to enlarge Ghostie House, Mama Can You Hear Me
During Susanna Hoone's battle with thyroid cancer, she was put in isolation for three weeks after undergoing radioactive iodine therapy, unable to have direct contact with her family, including her three-month-old daughter. As a way to cope, she took art supplies into isolation with her and made art. "I got to a very strange place," she said. Some of the work in this exhibition was composed on scrubs that she used as canvases when she ran out of paper. When these pieces came out of isolation, they had to be stored away for 30 days because they were radioactive.The paintings that come out of her time alone are especially harrowing. In a series of self-portraits entitled "Quarantined" you see a pale white skeletal figure with black sockets for eyes, abstracted as anime, in various states of despair, sickness and denial. These states are reflected by the subtitles, "The Numbness," "You Should Have Seen the Other Guy" and "Afraid of Myself."After Hoone left isolation, she took this line of work in a three-dimensional direction using mixed media materials: wood, clay and cardboard in addition to paint. The three wall-hanging "Ghostie House" sculptures are set against a puffy black cloud from which ladders descend to the floor; you see here dream landscapes made three dimensional."Ghostie House, Mama Can You Hear Me," is particularly notable, considering that Hoone lost her mother to cancer. You see here a house as black as the cloud it's set against; you see what appears to be a young girl in this house wearing a crown, her head resting on a chair. While this work recalls somewhat Maurice Sendak's, this young girl's kingdom verges on a realm of death and emptiness.Yet there are glimmers of hope in her work as well. It was, after all, in her dreams of haunted houses that Hoone's mother eventually appeared to tell her that things were going to be all right. | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/review-susanna-hoones-ghostie-house-stories/Content?oid=4214097 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/11da01975ee416c981f964258bab4126eb44a27006dbf92d4606e998b53eaa32.json |
[
"Cavan Mcginsie"
] | 2016-08-28T08:50:59 | null | 2016-08-24T12:23:40 | Salt on Mass, a fresh, high-end seafood restaurant opened yesterday on Mass Ave. Get an inside look and review of Indy's newest restaurant. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Fa-taste-of-mass-aves-new-seafood-restaurant%2FContent%3Foid%3D4213637%26show%3Dcomments.json | http://media2.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4213658/20160823_164410.jpg | en | null | A taste of Mass Ave.'s new seafood restaurant | null | null | www.nuvo.net | null | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/a-taste-of-mass-aves-new-seafood-restaurant/Content?oid=4213637&show=comments | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/31d9b1b70bbb5fa43ea11efc480dcff2a452205f920e8e91926740e865a3997e.json |
[
"Sam Watermeier"
] | 2016-08-31T00:51:29 | null | 2016-08-30T11:42:59 | It’s simply beautiful — a hopeful, heartfelt film in a political year filled with hatred. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Freview-southside-with-you-the-love-story-of-barack-and-michelle-obama%2FContent%3Foid%3D4226609%26show%3Dcomments.json | http://media1.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4226611/southside_with_you.jpg | en | null | Review: "Southside With You," the love story of Barack and Michelle Obama | null | null | www.nuvo.net | null | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/review-southside-with-you-the-love-story-of-barack-and-michelle-obama/Content?oid=4226609&show=comments | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/b5245641f987d5cf3ccc8c8c58c5ff363641e45695cad174a3f285991d96e9e7.json |
[
"Cavan Mcginsie"
] | 2016-08-27T16:50:49 | null | 2016-08-26T10:58:02 | St. Elmo has been serving Indianapolis for over 100 years, for 40 of those years one man has been there making sure our meals have been memorable and delicious. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Florenzo-acuna-40-years-of-serving-indianapolis%2FContent%3Foid%3D4216056%26show%3Dcomments.json | http://media1.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4218138/lorenzo.jpg | en | null | Lorenzo Acuna: 40 years of serving Indianapolis | null | null | www.nuvo.net | null | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/lorenzo-acuna-40-years-of-serving-indianapolis/Content?oid=4216056&show=comments | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/df1fb70b80eb2fce7731f616651804121706298ccd5ecc975ecb96394358f2aa.json |
[
"Wayne Bertsch"
] | 2016-08-31T12:50:49 | null | 2016-08-31T08:00:00 | News, down and dirty, brought to you (mostly) by NUVO Engagement Editor Brian Weiss. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2FSlash%2Farchives%2F2016%2F08%2F31%2Fgadfly-trumps-make-america-great-again.json | http://media2.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4227413/gadfly083116.png | en | null | Gadfly: Trump's Make America Great Again | null | null | www.nuvo.net | Today's Best Bets | All of today's events
-All Arts- Classical Music Comedy Festivals + Parties Film + TV Sports + Recreation Theater + Dance Visual Arts + Museums Written + Spoken Word -All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various Submit an Event
Film + TV -All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various Submit an Event
-All Music- DJs + Dancing Hip-hop Jazz + Blues + R&B Pop Punk + Metal Rock Roots -All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various Submit an Event
-All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various Submit an Event
-All Cuisines- American Asian Fusion Bakery Bar Food BBQ Brewery/Brew Pub Burgers Cajun/Creole Caribbean Chinese Comfort/Soul Food Deli Dessert Diner Egyptian Ethiopian Farm to Table Food Truck French Fusion Gastropub German Greek Hot Dogs Ice Cream Indian Irish Italian Japanese Latin America Mediterranean Mexican Middle Eastern Modern American Moroccan Organic Pakistani Pizza Russian Salads Sandwiches Seafood Spanish Steakhouse Sushi Tapas Tea Thai Vegetarian Wine Bar -All Neighborhoods- CENTRAL Downtown Mass Ave Butler-Tarkington EAST East (general) Irvington Martindale-Brightwood WEST Lafayette Square West (general) Avon/Plainfield NORTH Lafayette North (general) Carmel Noblesville Fishers Keystone NORTHWEST Muncie Zionsville NORTHEAST Broad Ripple Nora/Castleton SoBro SOUTH Bloomington South (general) Greenwood SOUTHWEST Southwest (general) SOUTHEAST Fountain Square OTHER Out of state Various | http://www.nuvo.net/Slash/archives/2016/08/31/gadfly-trumps-make-america-great-again | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/746e986598e49999660c6a39384fa626e8dd34ab7b6ef45b0f7e3ea0a9d3f339.json |
[
"Cavan Mcginsie"
] | 2016-08-31T14:50:51 | null | 2016-08-31T10:33:33 | Adam Waldrip recently took over as executive chef of the seafood restaurant. With him some changes are coming and they're for the better. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Fchanges-are-coming-to-the-oceanaire%2FContent%3Foid%3D4227057.json | http://media1.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4227091/20160805_144837.jpg | en | null | Changes are coming to The Oceanaire | null | null | www.nuvo.net | click to enlarge Oceanaire's new executive chef, Adam Waldrip.
Oceanaire Seafood Room Facebook
click to enlarge Striped Bass with charred peaches, brown butter, toasted walnut and orange zest.
Cavan McGinsie
click to enlarge A selection of oyster on the half shell from The Oceanaire.
Cavan McGinsie
click to enlarge Blue fin tuna sashimi with caramel soy glaze and roe.
Cavan McGinsie
click to enlarge Scallops with rendered chorizo, kale, rainbow carrots and maple glaze
Cavan McGinsie
The protean nature of today’s food scene makes it an arduous task for anyone to keep up with the newest trends and the latest restaurant openings, it also makes it easy to eschew the places that have paved the way for our food scene in order to get a taste of the new.With the opening of Mass Ave.’s newest restaurant, Salt on Mass, a place that deserves accolades for its incredible seafood and a restaurant that deserves your attention, it is important to keep in mind that fresh seafood has been readily available in Indianapolis for over a decade, and there is no better time than now for people to get a taste of the changes going on at The Oceanaire When Neil Andrews left The Oceanaire back in July to join the team at Salt on Mass, his Sous Chef Adam Waldrip got the opportunity he has been working toward for years; he became the Executive Chef of The Oceanaire and with that change he plans on taking the restaurant into a new era.When the Oceanaire opened in Indianapolis in 2003, it made waves amongst the sea of people who had been pining after fresh seafood for decades. There was no place like it. Now, 13 years later, there still isn’t much in the way of fresh seafood in the city. Despite being bought up by Landry’s Inc. in 2010, according to Waldrip, a Carmel native, “Oceanaire originally wasn’t corporate and was bought into a corporation. It was originally just Oceanaire and it has kept that feeling, it doesn’t feel like it’s corporate owned. My background is in family-owned restaurants and working here feels very similar to that experience.”Waldrip and I are sitting in a booth at the restaurant. He is reserved and not presumptive, a quick conversation shows that this isn't someone who wants the spotlight. Looking around the place, it’s nice to see not much has changed since I first walked in for my 18th birthday back in 2005. While the interior is much the same, the menu has changed rather drastically in order to keep up with today’s trend of local and sustainable menus, which on all accounts is the best trend in food pretty much ever. “People are looking for fresh, local and somewhat organic ingredients,” Waldrip says as we look at the menu. “And while we obviously can’t do that with most of our seafood items, we try and do a lot of local sourcing and utilizing a lot of the local farms around the city for other items. We’ve worked with Lush Leaf Farm Annabelle’s Garden and we also like to use the farmers’ market, as well. We really try to focus on those for our chef selections too, keeping it seasonal.”The chef’s selections he is referencing are an aspect of the menu that changes daily and from talking with him, the part of the menu Adam is most excited for. “While there are staple menu items that stay the same across all Oceanaires, we have revolving chef specials and the menu changes everyday. We get to choose our own specials here and those change out continuously. We have the freedom to do a cold app, a hot app, soup of the day, a special salad, our side dishes and our fish obviously changes with availability, as well as our oyster list. I think we do a great job of staying on the trendy end of food with our chef’s selections and keeping local and seasonal ingredients on the menu.”Today I am getting a taste of some of the newest menu items that Chef Waldrip has come up with for the chef’s selection. He tells me I’ll be starting out with a mix of fresh oysters, and then the crudo of the day which highlights a fresh order of blue fin tuna that just came in, a striped bass entree that has a Southern style to it and finishing off with a “dessert” of scallops.My first dish comes out, a sample platter of oysters on the half shell (oyster power). First, I must preface this with the fact that oysters rank amongst my top ten favorite dishes in the world. Adam tells me each style and I was excited to hear that the first type of oyster I ever tried was in the mix, a kumamoto. I decided I’d go for it first. As with the first one I ever tried and every subsequent taste, it had a nice, light brininess and was the perfect temperature. I had added a bit of the classic mignonette to this one and it was the perfect complement to the flavor. Of the other three, all of them were spectacular, but I have to say I may have found my new favorite style of oyster, the Hammersley. The texture was nice and firm and the flavor light and refreshing. If you go, you have to try one.When I ask Adam what the biggest changes have been for him when it comes to his position change, after a moment of thought, he says, “You’re definitely in a position where you’re held accountable for a lot and to be able to maintain that it takes a lot of time and control and effort. I think that’s the biggest change for me, I make a lot more decisions and beyond that it’s being able to decide the fish and specials we want to run I have a lot control over that. It’s simply going from watching one portion of the picture to having to keep my eye on the full picture.”When I get a taste of my first dish, I quickly realize, with his eye on the full picture, the menu is in good hands. It is a dish of blue fin tuna sashimi, the fish itself is fresh and, as with all blue fin, so flavorful and tender it melts in your mouth. But it is the added accents (which are classic pairings) that make the dish superb, like the caramel soy and the fresh roe (including my favorite spicy green roe) which deftly blend in with the fish, never overpowering it or masking the flavor. It would be sinful to cover blue fin tuna’s flavor.As Chef Waldrip and I are chatting, he shares his idea that will allow him to express some of his creativity. “One thing I have in the works is to do a chef tasting selection on the menu where you basically pick a three-course dinner, with or without a wine pairing. That lets us cook whatever we want. Obviously we will have guidelines as to allergies and likes and dislikes, but it’s something I’m pushing on using. It may not be on the menu, but it will be something people can order to maybe branch out and to let us be more inventive.”The next dish comes out and the chef says this is the type of dish that would be on the tasting menu. At first, I’m not so sure about it. It’s striped bass, a meaty white fish, my favorite type of fish, but when Chef Waldrip brings it to my table and explains that it’s topped with peaches and walnuts (I’m not one for sweet toppings on savory dishes), I must admit I was a little skeptic. It was inventive for sure, but still. With my first bite I realized I was simply being close-minded. The dish was fantastic, the peaches not cloying, the walnuts adding a nice crunch, the bass shining through it all to be the highlighted flavor. If this is a sign of where the tasting menu is going, it’s sure to be worth a try.I finish my meal with a scallop dish, Adam drops it off and laughingly says it is dessert. Though I’m insufferably full I can’t pass up classically prepared scallops. The fact that they’re paired with chorizo makes it just that much easier to say yes.Sometimes when a new chef comes on in a long-time loved place it can be scary as a patron. It is easy to worry about the quality of the food diminishing. It isn't the case at The Oceanaire. Adam tells me, “I’m still just trying to keep everything moving forward, I still haven’t completely settled into the position. I’m just trying to make everything the best it can be with what we have right now and start to look into changes for the future.” But, I assure you, despite his modesty, Chef Waldrip is stepping into his position and running full-steam ahead and working to keep The Oceanaire in our minds. He isn't trying to be hip or different, he is simply making damn good seafood in a city where that shouldn't happen — at one point in time it didn't happen. Thankfully the Oceanaire came along and fixed that. It is still as good as it was 13 years ago, in all honesty it’s better, as is all of Indy’s food scene. | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/changes-are-coming-to-the-oceanaire/Content?oid=4227057 | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/40528f0ac7189d097a06a4b77e918a1d9fd93df1dd69deab0c120923f7c7ea14.json |
[
"Dan Wakefield"
] | 2016-08-26T13:12:15 | null | 2016-08-10T11:35:14 | The Crispus Attucks Tigers were blocked by racism at every turn. Now their story is being recognized | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Fhow-oscar-robinson-and-crispus-attucks-champions-were-finally-honored-decades-later%2FContent%3Foid%3D4182609%26show%3Dcomments.json | http://media2.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4182638/theteam1955.png | en | null | How Oscar Robertson and Crispus Attucks champions were finally honored - decades later | null | null | www.nuvo.net | null | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/how-oscar-robinson-and-crispus-attucks-champions-were-finally-honored-decades-later/Content?oid=4182609&show=comments | en | 2016-08-10T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/f4fadf0c51f24d2edce17593685d55ae6230bb541341b583c44571d0b849922f.json |
[
"Paige Watson"
] | 2016-08-26T13:11:55 | null | 2016-07-01T10:45:00 | The '80s hair metal legend goes deep with Paige Watson on relishing creative freedom, thinking about the death of our icons and staying far away from TMZ. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Fdef-leppards-joe-elliott-on-life-death-and-new-songs%2FContent%3Foid%3D4086296%26show%3Dcomments.json | http://media2.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4086298/def_leppard.jpeg | en | null | Def Leppard's Joe Elliott on life, death and new songs | null | null | www.nuvo.net | null | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/def-leppards-joe-elliott-on-life-death-and-new-songs/Content?oid=4086296&show=comments | en | 2016-07-01T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/5c6340ba5f725e38714d34cd5240250d8ebeeba08e0b96c397263d6271b54530.json |
[
"Ed Johnson-Ott"
] | 2016-08-27T16:51:04 | null | 2016-08-25T10:20:14 | An unremarkable release date and unremarkable shots | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Freview-hands-of-stone-is-stuck-in-concrete%2FContent%3Foid%3D4211907%26show%3Dcomments.json | http://media2.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4211911/hands_of_stone.jpg | en | null | Review: "Hands of Stone" is stuck in concrete | null | null | www.nuvo.net | null | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/review-hands-of-stone-is-stuck-in-concrete/Content?oid=4211907&show=comments | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/fbe0a7f32fcb81547ae5e8123f03de5f796b077f90d42eb54690ac56f40d4250.json |
[
"Katherine Coplen"
] | 2016-08-26T13:09:09 | null | 2016-08-25T14:30:00 | "Chreece is like one huge picnic table that everyone is invited to come participate in on some level." - DJ Metrognome | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nuvo.net%2Findianapolis%2Fwhy-is-chreece-important-to-indianapolis-hip-hop-scene%2FContent%3Foid%3D4214139.json | http://media2.fdncms.com/nuvo/imager/u/slideshow/4214194/tony_styxx.jpg | en | null | Why is Chreece important to Indianapolis' hip-hop scene? | null | null | www.nuvo.net | click to enlarge Tony Styxx
Photo by Roberto Campos
click to enlarge Harry Otaku
Photo by Roberto Campos
click to enlarge Chreece 2016
Photo by Roberto Campos
click to enlarge Dancing on the Square
Photo by Roberto Campos
click to enlarge Molly June
Photo by Roberto Campos
“Chreece is important because it gives identity and momentum to a deserving community of artists.“Chreece is important because this is our version of SXSW and AC3 or Coachella... it will eventually shed light to the city and world that we have dope music coming from our city and midwest... It’s our Expo or Indy 500 for hip-hop, dance, DJs, producing and art.”- Rob Skee“Chreece is important because it’s allowing those who voices aren’t being heard to finally get a chance to shine and it allows those whose voices are being heard to have an even bigger platform to win over their fan base that will hold their performances in their memory forever.”- Mathaius Young“In my opinion, Chreece is very important for the culture of the city. There are two perspectives to view it from, an artist's perspective, and from a viewer’s perspective.“For the artists, it brings together so much talent, from around the city, who all have a passion for music, and have been locked away in there own create environments waiting to showcase their sound to as many people as possible.“You never know who you will meet or whose character you will become fascinated with."There's such an amazing mix of creative people of all types.“You could get to meet photographers, videographers, graphic designers, musicians of all genres; there are so many people at Chreece that all have their own creative outlet and want to showcase it with any viewer that comes to there, which is an amazing networking opportunity to meet great artistic partners."From a viewers’ perspective, what more could you ask for?“You get to witness the amazing talent that our city has birthed and have an amazing time watching your favorite Indy artist showcase what they love to do.“Given the long list of acts performing, you can see 5 or 6 of your favorite artists, and then also discover three or four new artists that you didn't know were creating great quality sound, all from this city.“Chreece is important for growth of our city's culture to draw people in, but it's also important because it celebrates the amazing culture we have been building these last few years, as a family of artists, no matter the type, it celebrates our city.- Scotty Apex“Chreece is essential because we're a city that is looked over for its musical talent. Artists here need a platform that puts them more into the eyes of the public and non-believers. I believe Indy makes better music than many popular industry names and it’s time to get our voices and stories heard.- Ares“Chreece is the outlet. It's almost like a great award show. Annually, you get the greatest talent, together. You cover the base of a popular element of our city. And it's like a carnival of amazing sounds and experiences. It's a musical acid trip. It's Woodstock, for our city. You'll get the feeling you would get from watching Jimi Hendrix or a Jim Morrison or something of that magnitude. It's a life, all it's own. And it's a showcase of what you're going to love. It gives people a chance to put their heart and soul into something that you love. It's Wrestlemania. But, for hip-hop. This is a foregoing pinnacle. And it'll only become greater.”- Pope Adrian Bless“Why is Chreece important? Chreece is HUGE for Indy's hip-hop scene for the fact that Indy hip-hop artist are usually over-looked and under appreciated. If gives us hip-hop artist a platform to show what we're made of and the ability to display the hidden talent that lies within the city.”- Luke Hazel“Chreece is important because it brings the community together to form unlikely friendships. In January , I had a show at the Hi-Fi with Butler DJ/Emcee Mr. Kinetik . I mentioned how much fun Chreece had been the previous year as a spectator . His response: ‘We need to get you on that bill. Seriously. I'm going to text Oreo Jones right now.’ Fast forward to June and I find an email from Oreo in my Yahoo inbox. It was so surreal. Music brings unlikely [people] together in the spirit of positivity. Chreece is nothing but proof of that.”- Brooks the Prophet“Chreece is important because the performers on the bill are given the opportunity to show current fans and new listeners what they have been working on all year. Chreece provides a platform to expose artists to the NAP. It's also giving people in the city an opportunity to support the local music scene and get to know an avenue of music they may not normally listen to.”- Mula Kkhan“Chreece itself is just more than just a music festival. It’s a beacon to the rest of the country and the world that Indy has talent. It’s a showcase of the diversity and creativity that exists in our great state. Chreece is more than just music, it’s a celebration of the graphic designers, artists, singers, clothing designers, blog writers and the creative individuals who take their passion seriously. This is also a hub for people to network and create new relationships. Another reason why Chreece is important is that this event will attract more national touring acts to come perform in our state. With an active music scene; it shows that we have an audience that is willing to go out and go to shows and hear our music.” - Shxps“Chreece is so important because it puts on display all of what those who create this music and community have none for a long time, we have something special here in Naptown and it needs to be at the fore, even if only for one day. It helps cultivate the culture locally and nationally, the many styles and sounds that so many of us have put our heart and soul into.”- Richard “Sleepy” Floyd, Native Sun“I think it's important to give artists a platform to express their passion. Since Indy doesn't have a historically influential hip-hop scene; it's huge to have a festival dedicated to the genre. It encourages artists that even though they may not be in a hip-hop heavy scene, they still have a city of support behind them.”-Eric Swanson, Grey Lamb“I think Chreece is important because it promotes TRUE unity. Throughout the year, everybody is usually doing their own thing with their collective(s); with Chreece, all of that is out of the window. Prominent artists from every corner of this city all come together to share multiple stages and what's even more beautiful is that we all have a good time in the process.”- Jeremiah Stokes“Why is Chreece important? Chreece turns the house party into a block party, showcasing a great deal of the Indy talent that deserves proper shine. Straying from small shows and tiny events, Chreece creates a festival platform for numerous names to collaborate together, support one another, and ultimately grow.”- neonpajamas“Chreece is important because it’s the idea of reciprocity between local business and artistry being actualized.”- Flaco“Chreece is important because it has already proven itself to be a fantastic opportunity to leverage Hip-Hop as a tool to promote a real sense of peace and community. After its incredible success last year, Chreece can again help deconstruct myths about a largely misunderstood genre, and show the rest of the midwest what authenticity truly looks like.”- Business Casual“To me, Chreece is important because it is helping to build a positive light around the local hip hop artists of the city. It brings everyone together, everyone can have a great time, and so many people are getting the opportunity to show everybody what they can do. It’s amazing! I love that Chreece is as big as it is, and I can’t wait to see it get bigger and bigger every year!”- Drayco McCoy“Chreece is important because one common critique with our, as well as most, hip-hop communities is how segmented the scenes can appear to be. This festival is directly and purposefully designed to be inclusive, both for the wide array of artists, styles, and sounds, in addition to both creatives and fans alike. Chreece is like one huge picnic table that everyone is invited to come participate in on some level. It's also all about love, respect, creativity, and proving to the rest of the community that the beauty in the music is firmly rooted in those principles.”- DJ Metrognome“Chreece is important because it shows that hip hop can succeed in this city. Chreece I was exactly what everyone IN the scene knew it would be: fun, peaceful, successful & a sell out. There was no violence, no arrests, no major damages/vandalism.“Chreece is also incredibly important because it can show civic leaders of Indianapolis that the city is absolutely perfect to host a SXSW-style music festival. The cultural districts of Fountain Square, Downtown, Mass Ave and even Garfield Park are so close to each other that it could support 30,40,50k people with no problems. Chreece could be the lynchpin that springs forward to something huge for a city that's already extremely adept at hosting large scale events.”- Trilli“Chreece is the conduit between the artists and people of Indianapolis. There is a ton of music in the city, so it's nice to have a festival that exposes the entire hip-hop scene in one nice package.”TXTBOOK“Chreece is important because it is the foundation to something big. We went from shows with 12 people at Locals Only (RIP) to a multi-venue all-day event that sold out before the sun went down. Chreece is great for awareness. It has promoters and talent buyers realizing the worth of quality Indy hip-hop, and squashes the long association with hip-hop and negativity."There's successful shows in Indy all the time now. We went from being able to book at one-two venues to being able to book anywhere. That’s huge to me. The more support we get here at home, the quicker we will see Indy gain support on a national level with its music. Chreece plays a major role in moving forward with that. I plan to do whatever it takes to keep that idea moving.”Fre$co“This festival is important because it allows the city to hear the underground talent thriving within Indy's circle whom are recognized on a regional, national and international level. It also allows artists to share a common ground which promotes local collaboration. Chreece: where you can find the wave!”-Joey French“Chreece is important because it brings everyone together. It was such a positive experience last year and will be even bigger and better this year. Oreo and everyone involved do a great job of picking the artists.”-Knags“I personally would like to expand on a song of mine from my most recent EP Alpha & Omega. This collection of music is available on Apple Music, Spotify, & the Tidal platform. The song in particular that I will give a brief insight to is "All I Know", featuring the great talents of EJAAZ. The concept of this song streams from a multi functional phrase "four days in the same clothes". The meaning of these joined words can be used to describe everything from the work ethic of a hustler on the street corner, to a corporate business man putting in long hours to rise in the ranks of his company. Either way the phrase embodies the concept that the two persons describe are so busy working toward their goals, that they have no time to eat, sleep, or have a change of clothes. The beauty of this is whoever you are and no matter what you do, the song can in some way relate to your grind to reach the top of whatever industry you are apart of. This is what became my inspiration to create this song, along with a need to express my mentality as a person and how this trait carries over to myself as an artist."- Young Fuze | http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/why-is-chreece-important-to-indianapolis-hip-hop-scene/Content?oid=4214139 | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.nuvo.net/0baba9cedef2c59bdb18fa3db995c91bf5a135d0cbc2dc1be2883189ec4ebaa4.json |
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