diff --git a/packages/backend/src/cache/faiss_index_general.dvc b/packages/backend/src/cache/faiss_index_general.dvc index 7ad686c5..5be20350 100644 --- a/packages/backend/src/cache/faiss_index_general.dvc +++ b/packages/backend/src/cache/faiss_index_general.dvc @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ outs: -- md5: a24860187980809559c1ff0080e1fb04.dir - size: 61608632 +- md5: d07971bfff9fe1cfc9945b4832e4e8cd.dir + size: 61510905 nfiles: 2 hash: md5 path: faiss_index_general diff --git a/packages/backend/src/cache/faiss_index_in_depth.dvc b/packages/backend/src/cache/faiss_index_in_depth.dvc index e6f4e6d1..2c936564 100644 --- a/packages/backend/src/cache/faiss_index_in_depth.dvc +++ b/packages/backend/src/cache/faiss_index_in_depth.dvc @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ outs: -- md5: bc426e6fc45f4d7637595ca2b3ecb29c.dir - size: 61608632 +- md5: e4a10bf562e949f6e4db8f16d360e9a4.dir + size: 61510905 nfiles: 2 hash: md5 path: faiss_index_in_depth diff --git "a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/'They_cannot_keep_up'_\342\200\223_NOPD_Chief_nominee_Anne_Kirkpatrick_weighs_in_on_staffing_and_consent_decree.json" "b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/'They_cannot_keep_up'_\342\200\223_NOPD_Chief_nominee_Anne_Kirkpatrick_weighs_in_on_staffing_and_consent_decree.json" deleted file mode 100644 index 4ec7da0f..00000000 --- "a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/'They_cannot_keep_up'_\342\200\223_NOPD_Chief_nominee_Anne_Kirkpatrick_weighs_in_on_staffing_and_consent_decree.json" +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "messages": [ - { - "page_content": "News\nWeather\nSports\nVERIFY\nSearch\n72\u00b0\nWeather\nADVERTISE WITH US\nWWL+\nRADAR\nHURRICANE CENTER\nAPP\nMORNINGS\nLOUISIANA MADE\nGAS PRICES\nTRAFFIC\nYOUTUBE\nLINKS\nFOOD\nELECTION RESULTS\nINVESTIGATIONS\nCONTESTS\nGREAT DAY\nA+ ATHLETES\nLOCAL NEWS\n'They cannot keep up' \u2013 NOPD Chief nominee Anne Kirkpatrick weighs in on staffing and consent decree\nMayor Cantrell announces her candidate select for Chief position.\nAuthor: Eleanor Tabone\nPublished: 10:00 PM CDT September 11, 2023\nUpdated: 10:00 PM CDT September 11, 2023\nNEW ORLEANS \u2014 Mayor Latoya Cantrell announced her selection for the New Orleans Police Department Superintendent position. Anne Kirkpatrick spoke to Eyewitness News and she says her priority is police safety and getting out of the consent decree.\nAt the press conference the mayor said, \"The leadership I have selected to lead the New Orleans Police Department comes by the way of Anne Kirkpatrick.\"\nADVERTISEMENT\nSCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH THE CONTENT\nAnne Kirkpatrick has 35 years of law enforcement experience, most recently serving as Police Chief of Oakland. Oakland has been under a consent decree for 23 years; she says she plans to develop a good relationship with the federal monitor to get New Orleans out of the consent decree.\nKirkpatrick said, \"What do we have to do to get over the finish line... so I do plan to become very granular with the Federal monitor to clearly lay out the path, and we're going to work it and then we're going to accomplish it.\"\nShe says she intends to map out a recruitment plan to get the departments dwindling numbers back to where they should be, saying, \"For immediate help, immediate relief is to look at laterals, particularly internally or in state.\"\nShe says police safety is her number one priority, \"They cannot keep up, they are not going to be safe unless they are able to have proper staffing with them, and response times do matter and the public expects it.\"\n\nKirkpatrick will now go before city council, as council members get the final say on who becomes Chief. Councilwoman Helena Moreno says a candidate with experience working under a consent decree would be valuable, she said, \"I've got some contacts in Oakland who are familiar with her who I'd like to talk to.\"\nShe went on to say, \"I'd like to know how an outsider is going to be able to be the one to really raise the morale among the ranks.\"\n\nCouncilman Oliver Thomas believes the next chief should be from New Orleans, saying, \"I will be upfront, would not have been first choice, I thought there were other people who were better in terms of the interview process, but her resume fits well in terms of an administrative law enforcement leader, I don't know how well she fits with the culture of the city.\"\nMichelle Woodfork will remain as Interim Superintendent till Sept. 22. Mayor Cantrell says she wants Anne Kirkpatrick in position as Chief by Oct. 5.\nClick here to report a typo.\n\u25ba Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.\nRelated Articles\nCantrell selects Anne Kirkpatrick as finalist for NOPD superintendent\n71-year-old missing, last seen in Seventh Ward\nMan sentenced to 40 years for killing elderly tourist in St. Charles Avenue hotel\nUna inversi\u00f3n en Pemex CFDs podr\u00eda darte un salario extra\nCPX\n|\nSponsored\nAvoid Writing Mistakes With This Desktop App\nGrammarly\n|\nSponsored\nInstall Now\nCompara y c\u00e1mbiate a LA TARJETA\nDisfruta de no pagar la primera anualidad porque va por nuestra cuenta.\nCitibanamex\n|\nSponsored\nConoce m\u00e1s\nOpere CFDs de oro con un broker de confianza\nAcceda al mercada de oro con IC Markets\nIC Markets\n|\nSponsored\nRegistrarse\nInvierte en Pemex CFDs y podr\u00edas obtener un segundo ingreso desde casa\nCPX\n|\nSponsored\nLA TARJETA es tu mejor opci\u00f3n\nPodr\u00e1s disfrutar de 3 meses sin intereses y no pagar la primera anualidad.\nCitibanamex\n|\nSponsored\nConoce m\u00e1s\nSon of Buc-ee's co-founder faces 28 charges of invasive visual recording at his residences\nWWLTV\nNOPD makes a second arrest in Walgreens double homicide investigation\nWWLTV\nLOADING NEXT ARTICLE...\nBefore You Leave, Check This Out\nGood Samaritan shot outside Sam's Club while saving victim from armed purse snatchers\nFootball game suspended after shots fired near Thibodaux High Stadium\nJP deputies shoot man after chase, crash in Metairie\nShooting in New Orleans East leaves two shot, NOPD investigates\nFourth Down Friday: Prep football scores\nChild arrested for texting about shooting up Slidell school\nSlidell Police say no threat from 'suspicious package'\nMayor Cantrell gives unclear messaging on saltwater response\nForecast: The Saints aren't letting Derek Carr do what he does best\nJobs\nTerms of Service\nPrivacy Policy\nAd Choices\nEEO Public File Report\nFCC Online Public Inspection File\nClosed Caption Procedures\nDo Not Sell or Share My Personal Information\n\u00a9 2023 WWL-TV. All Rights Reserved.", - "url": "https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/they-cannot-keep-up-nopd-chief-nominee-anne-kirkpatrick-weighs-in-on-staffing-and-consent-decree/289-0beaa1e4-b91f-42ab-bd6b-c69428601e1a", - "title": "'They cannot keep up' \u2013 NOPD Chief nominee Anne Kirkpatrick weighs in on staffing and consent decree" - } - ] -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/City_Council_questions_911_call_center_director_Tyrell_Morris_over_life-threatening_failures.json b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/City_Council_questions_911_call_center_director_Tyrell_Morris_over_life-threatening_failures.json deleted file mode 100644 index 37747603..00000000 --- a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/City_Council_questions_911_call_center_director_Tyrell_Morris_over_life-threatening_failures.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "messages": [ - { - "page_content": "Skip to content\n75\u00b0\nNew Orleans, LA\nNews\nLive\nVideo\nHurricane Center\nSaltwater Intrusion\nCity Council questions 911 call center director Tyrell Morris over life-threatening failures\nUpdated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 9:00 PM CDT\nShare on FacebookEmail This LinkShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on LinkedIn\nCRIME\nTwo shot on Bourbon Street early Saturday morning\nUpdated: 6 hours ago\nCRIME\nShots reported fired near Thibodaux High School during football game; game canceled\nUpdated: 15 hours ago\nCRIMETRACKER\nJefferson deputies shoot armed suspect following pursuit of stolen vehicle\nUpdated: 15 hours ago\nNEWS\nGretna Fest draws in a large crowd on Day 1\nUpdated: 15 hours ago\nNEWS\nMrs. Heather's pumpkin patch attracts thousands of people just in time for fall\nUpdated: 19 hours ago\nCRIME\nDeputy involved shooting in Old Metairie\nUpdated: 19 hours ago\nNews\nLive\nWeather\nSports\nInvestigations\nEspa\u00f1ol\nNOLA Weekend\nWVUE\n1025 S. Norman C. Francis Pkwy.\nNew Orleans, LA 70125\n(504) 486-6161\nPublic Inspection File\nPUBLICFILE@FOX8LIVE.COM - (504) 486-6161\nTerms of Service\nPrivacy Policy\nEEO Statement\nFCC Applications\nAdvertising\nDigital Advertising\nClosed Captioning/Audio Description\nAt Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Click here to learn more about our approach to artificial intelligence.\nA Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - \u00a9 2002-2023 Gray Television, Inc.", - "url": "https://www.fox8live.com/video/2023/03/15/city-council-questions-911-call-center-director-tyrell-morris-over-life-threatening-failures/", - "title": "City Council questions 911 call center director Tyrell Morris over life-threatening failures" - } - ] -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/Entergy_again_sues_New_Orleans_City_Council_over_$1_million_reliability_fine.json b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/Entergy_again_sues_New_Orleans_City_Council_over_$1_million_reliability_fine.json deleted file mode 100644 index 6f8b6563..00000000 --- a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/Entergy_again_sues_New_Orleans_City_Council_over_$1_million_reliability_fine.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "messages": [ - { - "page_content": "Skip to content\n75\u00b0\nNew Orleans, LA\nNews\nLive\nVideo\nHurricane Center\nSaltwater Intrusion\nEntergy again sues New Orleans City Council over $1 million reliability fine\nEntergy(WLBT)\nBy Verite News\nPublished: May. 23, 2023 at 10:08 AM CDT\nShare on FacebookEmail This LinkShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on LinkedIn\nNEW ORLEANS (Verite) - For the second time in less than four years, Entergy New Orleans is suing the City Council to stop it from collecting a $1 million fine over increasingly frequent power outages in the city. The new lawsuit was filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court on Friday (May 19).\nThe company has been fighting the fine, imposed due to frequent power failures in prior years, since it was first imposed in 2019. Entergy New Orleans sued to block its imposition and obtained a judgment in its favor last year.\nHowever, the council almost immediately started working to reimpose it. In response, Entergy warned the council in an April letter that any further attempts to collect the penalty would lead to \u201cexpensive litigation\u201d that would ultimately be paid for by New Orleans residents \u2014 through their tax dollars and electric bills.\nCouncilwoman Helena Moreno told Verite last week that the council \u2014 which regulates Entergy New Orleans \u2014 would move forward with attempts to collect the fine despite the foreboding letter.\nAnd now, Entergy is following through on the threat.\nThe lawsuit asks the court to throw out an April 20 council vote \u2014 which reopened the regulatory process that could lead to the reimposition of the fine \u2014 and prohibit the council from making another attempt to open it again.\nThe fine was first levied in 2019 following a council investigation that found that the number of \u201cfair-weather\u201d outages had grown rapidly throughout the past decade, particularly in 2016 and 2017. The investigation also found that the falling reliability correlated with decisions by Entergy New Orleans\u2019 to pull millions of dollars out of its budgets for grid maintenance and improvement.\nEntergy sued, and last year, Civil District Court Judge Rachael Johnson ruled in the company\u2019s favor, vacating the fine because the council didn\u2019t have any clear reliability standards in place at the time.\nThe council argued that it had the right as Entergy New Orleans\u2019 regulator to penalize the company for inadequate reliability even without a specific threshold. But instead of appealing the decision, the council accepted the ruling and passed a new set of regulations earlier this year setting clear minimum reliability standards.\nCouncil members said that the new rules would not only allow them to fine the company for future reliability problems, but could be used to retroactively levy the 2019 fine. Under the fine schedule in the new regulations, Entergy\u2019s poor reliability in 2016 and 2017 \u2014 for which the council originally levied a $1 million fine \u2014 would have resulted in a fine of almost the exact same amount: $1,005,000.\nEntergy, however, argued in its letter to the council and in its new lawsuit that the court\u2019s ruling still applies to the 2019 fine despite the new rules. It is again arguing that the fine is improper because of the lack of standards when the council approved it.\n\u201cThe legal defects underlying the Penalty Resolution cannot be cured retroactively,\u201d the lawsuit said.\n\u201cThe Council is attempting to reimpose a fine for reliability performance that occurred more than six years ago and before the Council developed reliability standards,\u201d Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini told Verite in an email. \u201cThe Court previously struck down the $1 million fine because there were no reliability standards in place at the time of the reliability performance at issue.\u201d\nIn a Monday (May 22) afternoon statement, Councilman JP Morrell, who chairs the council committee responsible for regulating the company, called the lawsuit \u201cdisappointing,\u201d but not surprising.\n\u201cAt some point, Entergy New Orleans\u2019 continued avoidance to do right by its ratepayers must end so that accountability may begin,\u201d Morrell said.\n\u201cThe company continues to act to avoid paying the consequences for its own actions,\u201d Moreno added in the statement. \u201cThe people of New Orleans deserve better.\u201d\nThis article first appeared on Verite and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.\nCopyright 2023 WVUE. All rights reserved.\nUna inversi\u00f3n en Pemex CFDs podr\u00eda darte un salario extra\nCPX\n|\nSponsored\nBorrow at 6.83% or less*\nInteractive Brokers\n|\nSponsored\nOpen your account today!\nCheck out the Bond Marketplace to find the best bond yields\nInteractive Brokers\n|\nSponsored\nThis Desktop App Helps You Write More Effectively\nGrammarly for Windows and Mac provides instant suggestions to make your writing clear and compelling. It works across the apps and sites where you do your most important writing: Slack, Word, LinkedIn, and beyond. Install it now!\nGrammarly\n|\nSponsored\nOpere CFDs de oro con un broker de confianza\nAcceda al mercada de oro con IC Markets\nIC Markets\n|\nSponsored\nUna inversi\u00f3n en Amazon CFDs podr\u00eda darte un salario extra\nCPX\n|\nSponsored\nEl verano est\u00e1 a la vuelta de la esquina. Obt\u00e9n hasta 52% de descuento.\nSandos Hoteles\n|\nSponsored\nCompara y c\u00e1mbiate a LA TARJETA\nDisfruta de no pagar la primera anualidad porque va por nuestra cuenta.\nCitibanamex\n|\nSponsored\n\u00a1Los abuelitos mexicanos lo describen como tener un par de rodillas casi nuevas!\nConsejos De Salud\n|\nSponsored\nLos seguros de auto m\u00e1s baratos de los que nadie habla\nSeguro de Auto| Enlaces Publicitarios\n|\nSponsored\nMost Read\nOrleans daycare worker accused of deliberately burning infant\u2019s hand in scalding water, NOPD says\nEscaped juvenile offender Lynell Reynolds arrested in Texas, US Marshals say\nFormer Loranger teacher arrested amid claims she gave birth to student\u2019s child\nNew Orleans teacher arrested, accused of driving juvenile escapee Lynell Reynolds to Texas\nJunior high student arrested after discovery of \u2018hit list\u2019 at Mandeville school\nLatest News\nWoman shoots two people on Bourbon Street early Saturday, NOPD says\nTwo shot on Bourbon Street early Saturday morning\nScalise talks his candidacy for House Speaker; reacts to Trump endorsing Jordan\nShots reported fired near Thibodaux High School during football game; game suspended\nShots reported fired near Thibodaux High School during football game; game canceled\nNews\nLive\nWeather\nSports\nInvestigations\nEspa\u00f1ol\nNOLA Weekend\nWVUE\n1025 S. Norman C. Francis Pkwy.\nNew Orleans, LA 70125\n(504) 486-6161\nPublic Inspection File\nPUBLICFILE@FOX8LIVE.COM - (504) 486-6161\nTerms of Service\nPrivacy Policy\nEEO Statement\nFCC Applications\nAdvertising\nDigital Advertising\nClosed Captioning/Audio Description\nAt Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Click here to learn more about our approach to artificial intelligence.\nA Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - \u00a9 2002-2023 Gray Television, Inc.", - "url": "https://www.fox8live.com/2023/05/23/entergy-again-sues-new-orleans-city-council-over-1-million-reliability-fine/", - "title": "Entergy again sues New Orleans City Council over $1 million reliability fine" - } - ] -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/How_should_New_Orleans_spend_the_millions_left_in_pandemic_relief_aid_A_new_debate_begins.json b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/How_should_New_Orleans_spend_the_millions_left_in_pandemic_relief_aid_A_new_debate_begins.json index 298ddd62..ee1af2a2 100644 --- a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/How_should_New_Orleans_spend_the_millions_left_in_pandemic_relief_aid_A_new_debate_begins.json +++ b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/How_should_New_Orleans_spend_the_millions_left_in_pandemic_relief_aid_A_new_debate_begins.json @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ { "messages": [ { - "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nHow should New Orleans spend the millions left in pandemic relief aid? A new debate begins\nBY MATT SLEDGE | Staff writer\nApr 4, 2023\n3 min to read\n1 of 2\nPeople who live on the streets are fed a hot meal in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022.\nSTAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nSolutions for crime and homelessness would claim tens of millions of the city\u2019s remaining federal relief dollars under a plan unveiled by Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration on Tuesday, while progressive groups made a much larger pitch that would also call for the use of money from the general fund.\nIn the city\u2019s vision, the New Orleans Health Department would quarterback programs designed to prevent violence, such as mental health services for school children and a rejuvenated street team of violence \u201cinterrupters.\u201d\nAlong with a $10 million plan targeting homelessness, the plan would use $38.4 million of the remaining $53.6 million in pandemic relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.\nA coalition of progressive groups, by contrast, told the City Council that the city\u2019s one-time spending should rise much higher. They proposed a $147 million package, including $107 million for housing, that would also draw from a growing pot of unspent general fund dollars.\nThe council members who will have the final say sounded receptive notes but didn\u2019t make firm commitments. Next week, they will hear from the city\u2019s chief administrative officer, Gilbert Monta\u00f1o, who prefers keeping more money socked away.\nThe debate that will play out in the coming weeks is in many ways a repeat of the 2023 budget process, which culminated in a last-minute, $262 million amendment to use one-time funds. Advocates said they were caught off guard in December, and this time around, they\u2019re keen to make their voices heard.\n\u201cNow the question is, how do you reconcile what the city wants to do with the (relief) money with what we heard today from advocacy groups and from people interested in how that money is spent?\u201d said City Council member Joe Giarrusso, who chairs the budget committee.\nCity plan\nThe late-breaking budget amendment last year aimed lots of one-time money at the most urgent issue for many voters -- violent crime. Big spends included $22.5 million for police recruitment and retention, $30 million for new criminal justice software and $4.9 million for juvenile probation and parole.\nBut some advocates complained that far too many of those funds were directed at punitive measures instead of social services. The Cantrell administration is now proposing a package aimed at preventing and interrupting violence through non-policing measures.\nThe city\u2019s plan includes $10 million for a joint program between NOLA Public Schools and Children\u2019s Hospital to place mental health professionals, case managers and expanded services in the \u201chighest risk\u201d schools where kids need help to address trauma. Separately, the school system would partner with the city's Office of Workforce Development for an $8.1 million program to put at-risk high schoolers on career paths.\nMayor LaToya Cantrell and Dr. Jennifer Avegno, pictured in 2020 \nPHOTO BY MAX BECHERER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE/NEW ORLEANS ADVOCATE\nOther expenditures would include $500,000 for a rebooted violence interruption street team, $1 million for a blight remediation partnership between Tulane public health researchers and city code enforcement, $2.5 million for pocket parks, $5 million for financial assistance programs and $1 million for food security programs.\nThe city\u2019s package is designed to put a \u201cdown payment\u201d on projects that have been proven to reduce crime, said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, health department director. The City Council in January passed a motion mandating that her department create a violence reduction program.\n\u201cIf you don\u2019t make significant investments in the root causes of crime and violence \u2013 and certainly, from the public health perspective, shootings and killings, which are a major cause of mortality in this city \u2013 then you\u2019re not getting a lot for your money,\u201d she said.\nSeparately, the city would spend $10 million on reducing homelessness.\nThe city\u2019s proposals draw only from American Rescue Plan Act funds. However, advocates note that the city also has a growing pot of unspent general fund dollars \u2013 pegged at $274 million in a recent city report.\nCAO Gilbert Montano, right \nPHOTO BY BRETT DUKE / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE\nMonta\u00f1o said that number represents an unaudited point-in-time figure. He acknowledged that the city\u2019s fund balance is \u201csizable\u201d but said he wants to keep a healthy reserve in place for emergencies and economic downturns.\n\u201cIf we don\u2019t protect the city for the future, then I don't think we\u2019re being good stewards,\u201d he said.\nAdvocates\u2019 plan\nThe community groups pitching the council on Tuesday proposed a much more aggressive spending plan. They said it would be a mistake to continue using the federal pandemic relief dollars to build up the city\u2019s fund balance.\nPresenters from the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice and the Vera Institute said they had contacted dozens of community groups for input and conducted their own vetting project to come up with a wish-list of mostly existing projects that could benefit from infusions of one-time cash.\nThe top item on that list was $107 million for housing, including $70 million for the construction of affordable rental housing, $15 million for reducing street homelessness and $10 million for the renovation of existing but substandard rental units.\nOther proposals include a $20 million investment in youth development through community organizations and $18 million for \"community equity\" projects including $5 million for free public transit fares, $5 million for food banks and food producers, and $5.2 million in direct cash assistance for people who were left out of earlier rounds of government assistance during the pandemic.\nWill Snowden, director of Vera Institute of Justice's New Orleans office\nPROVIDED PHOTO\nWhile last year\u2019s budget appropriated tens of millions to agencies that respond to crime, Will Snowden, the director of the Vera Institute in New Orleans, said it was time to pivot to addressing root causes. He saw the groups\u2019 proposal as a floor, rather than a ceiling.\n\u201cThere can be more. When we\u2019re having conversations in New Orleans about what provides public safety and what creates public safety, it is these kinds of investments,\u201d he said.\nEmail Matt Sledge at msledge@theadvocate.com.\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nCity ARPA plan\nCity of New Orleans Apr 5, 2023\nMORE INFORMATION\nThe Nightly Top 5: Catch up on today's top stories\nDebate continues over how New Orleans should spend millions in pandemic relief aid, S&WB walks back its threat to cut water to tenants wit\u2026\nTags\nHardwall\nThis Day in History\nSponsored by Connatix\nRecommended for you\nRecommended by\nSECTIONS\nHOME\nNEWS\nOPINION\nSPORTS\nENTERTAINMENT/LIFE\nNEWSLETTERS\nGAMES\nSERVICES\nCLASSIFIEDS\nSEARCH\nSUBSCRIBE | GROUPS\nDIGITAL ADVERTISING\nHELP/CONTACT US\nRSS FEEDS\nMEDIA KIT\nEEDITION\nCAREERS\nTEACHER'S LINK\nREVIEWING THE RECORD\nOUR SITES\nOBITUARIES\nJOBS\nCELEBRATIONS\nNIE\nCLASSIFIEDS\nHOMES\nPETS\nARCHIVES\nSTORE\nCONTACT INFORMATION\nnola.com\n840 St. Charles Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70130\nPhone: 504-529-0522\n\nNews Tips:\nnolanewstips@theadvocate.com\nOther questions:\nsubscriberservices@theadvocate.com\nNeed help?\nReport a delivery issue\nCreate a temporary stop\nSign up for recurring payments\nPay your bill\nUpdate your billing info\n\n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 NOLA.com 840 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\n This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.", + "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nHow should New Orleans spend the millions left in pandemic relief aid? A new debate begins\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.\n This story is for subscribers.\nSign up for full digital access.\nAlready a print or digital subscriber? Log in here.\n$1/5 MONTHS UNLIMITED DIGITAL ACCESS\n$1\n1-YEAR UNLIMITED DIGITAL ACCESS\n$119.88\nCancel anytime. $1/5 months offer auto renews at $19.95, billed every four weeks.", "url": "https://www.nola.com/news/politics/how-should-new-orleans-spend-millions-of-one-time-funds-new-debate-begins/article_ef36af06-d320-11ed-b9fe-978f03c2909b.html", "title": "How should New Orleans spend the millions left in pandemic relief aid? A new debate begins" } diff --git a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_City_Council_agrees_to_audit_Entergy_management_after_series_of_failures.json b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_City_Council_agrees_to_audit_Entergy_management_after_series_of_failures.json deleted file mode 100644 index 2ac6e441..00000000 --- a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_City_Council_agrees_to_audit_Entergy_management_after_series_of_failures.json +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9 +0,0 @@ -{ - "messages": [ - { - "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nNew Orleans City Council agrees to audit Entergy management after series of failures\nBY ANTHONY MCAULEY | Staff writer\nMar 16, 2021\n4 min to read\n1 of 2\nNew Orleans City Council member Helena Moreno, who chairs the utility, cable, telecommunications and technology committee, agreed Tuesday to a full management audit of Entergy New Orleans after activists said such a probe was necessary to explain soaring bills, last month's rolling power cuts and other failures.\nPHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE | THE NEW ORLEANS ADVOCATE\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nThe City Council agreed Tuesday to a full management audit of Entergy New Orleans after a series of recent failures resulted in power cuts to nearly four times as many of the city's residents as needed during the February freeze across the South.\nCouncilmember Helena Moreno, chairperson of the Utilities, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee that oversees the City Council's responsibilities as regulator of Entergy New Orleans, agreed to the audit in response to a request from a dozen activist groups, including the Alliance for Affordable Energy, the main energy consumers' watchdog in Louisiana.\nThe terms and scope of the audit will be set at a future council meeting, but it is expected to go much further than the investigations already underway into the failures that led to the outages on Mardi Gras, as well as the separate probe into the recent spikes in winter bills for Entergy New Orleans customers.\nThe audit is expected to include a review of oversight of Entergy New Orleans and customers' ability to question bills and service, according to Moreno's chief of staff, Andrew Tuozzolo.\n+4\nFor Entergy customers trying to dispute bills and get answers, 'it's hell,' they say\nMany seek to navigate power utility's bureaucracy but never seem to get a straight answer\nThe announcement came after Entergy executives were asked to explain what led to the outages on the night of Mardi Gras. Those power cuts included a major Sewerage & Water Board drinking water facility as well as more than 25,000 of the city's residential and business customers.\nIn addition to the investigation by the City Council, which regulates Entergy New Orleans, the state Public Service Commission also is investigating Entergy Louisiana over winter billing.\nThe regulators set the overall level Entergy can charge ratepayers by capping its \"return on equity\" in each jurisdiction. They also can and frequently do investigate specific charges and require the utility to rebate customers if they're found to have overcharged or delivered poor service. However, a full management audit is rare.\nThe rolling black outs in February had been needed as part of much broader cuts required by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, known as MISO, as the unprecedented cold snap strained the regional system close to its breaking point.\nEntergy is one of more than 50 transmission operators across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba, who buy, sell and exchange power as part of the MISO grid. The freeze had overloaded the entire southern part of that system.\nThe strain was nowhere near as bad as that seen in Texas, where the system nearly collapsed and prolonged blackouts led to extreme hardship and dozens of deaths.\nHowever, the rolling outages implemented by Entergy were supposed to be spread between all of its regional customers and New Orleans ended up taking about 50% of those allocated to the whole of Louisiana, when it accounts for only about 15% of the state's customers.\n+5\nEntergy said it cut 3 times more power to New Orleans than needed during blackouts. It was more.\nWhen Entergy New Orleans executives admitted to the City Council two weeks ago that it had shut off three times as much power as needed during\u2026\nThe council committee heard Tuesday from Entergy's director of system planning and operations, Mike Goin, and the head of distribution, Eli Viamontes, that New Orleans took an outsized share of the power cuts largely because Entergy hadn't checked its computer inputs to make sure the sequence of \"feeders\" were cut in a manner that spread the burden.\nDavid Ellis, Entergy New Orleans CEO, said the utility had not had to implement rolling cuts for two decades and had to respond to events quickly.\n\"This event was very fast and it occurred right after there was a public appeal\" for customers to cut back on usage, he said.\nBut Moreno said after the presentations by Entergy executives that it was clear the company hadn't tested its systems appropriately.\n\"I hate to say it but it just was a complete failure on y\u2019all\u2019s part,\" she said. \"Ratepayers were left in the cold and the dark by mistakes that you made.\"\nEntergy also took the heat from council members for failing to communicate in a timely manner. The council heard that Entergy had not put out a press release about the Mardi Gras cuts until four minutes before the cuts came to an end, which was well after many restaurants and other city businesses already had to shut down for the night.\n+4\nEntergy should pay $1B in refunds, damages to customers over faulty power plant, regulators say\nEntergy Corp. wrongfully charged customers over eight years for a nuclear power station that often malfunctioned and was repeatedly deemed uns\u2026\nEntergy also was quizzed about why the outage map appeared to show that cuts were concentrated in the city's less advantaged neighborhoods, such as parts of Central City and New Orleans East.\nEllis said he was personally offended by the suggestion, made in comments submitted by Monique Harden, a director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, that neighborhoods had been selected for power cuts based on socio-economic factors, noting that he and his family were products of such neighborhoods.\nHarden responded: \"Instead of getting angry with me, he should work on improving Entergy's service and commit to ensuring equity,\" noting that a \"computer glitch\" wasn't a sufficient explanation for how the priority list for cuts last month had been determined in the first place.\nJohn Hawkins, another Entergy distribution manager, told the council committee that those who were at the top of the list for cuts last month would now move to the bottom of the list for future cuts.\nCity Council launches investigation into Entergy's handling of winter storm, rolling blackouts\nThe New Orleans City Council voted at its meeting Thursday to begin a forensic investigation into Entergy New Orleans and its handling of last\u2026\nThe group of activists that called for the management audit in Monday's letter included: 350 New Orleans, A Community Voice, Audubon Louisiana, Coalition Against Death Alley, Climate Reality Project, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, Greater New Orleans Interfaith Climate Coalition, Louisiana League of Conscious Voters, Sierra Club, Sustainable Energy Economy Solutions, and VAYLA- New Orleans.\nThe letter said the audit should range widely, looking at reasons for the \"sky high\" bills customers have been receiving in recent months, the lack of transparency about how charges are determined, top level compensation at the utility, as well as measures Entergy New Orleans is taking to address climate change.\n\"We cannot afford nor do we seek yet another special meeting that involves a presentation by Entergy in lieu of concrete regulatory action,\" the activists wrote on Monday.\nEntergy reports record profit of nearly $1.4 billion even as demand was hit by pandemic\nEntergy Corp. reported a record profit of nearly $1.4 billion last year, up 11% from 2019, despite lower sales across the board as demand for \u2026\nThe activists pointed to an audit ordered in late 2019 by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission of Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and its subsidiaries.\nThe five-month audit by independent energy consultant Munro Tulloch resulted in $21 million of immediate cost savings and identified a further $26 million that could be made within a year and passed through to ratepayers. It also found lax oversight by management and underinvestment in key infrastructure.\nAt Tuesday's council committee meeting, Entergy lawyer Alyssa Maurice-Anderson said that Entergy customers could expect lower bills in April, despite a rise in fuel costs. A decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that Entergy should return some deferred tax payments to ratepayers would offset the higher natural gas prices, she said.\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nMORE INFORMATION\nWhat caused 8,500 customers in New Orleans to lose power? A balloon, Entergy says\nIt was short-lived, but a mass outage left thousands of New Orleanians without power mid-Monday morning. The reason? A basic party store balloon.\n+4\nEntergy could have avoided mass Mardi Gras blackout, New Orleans consultants say\n20,000 customers were left without electricity on bitterly cold night\n+2\nNew Orleans City Council launches probe into 'unacceptable' Entergy blackouts on Mardi Gras Day\nNew Orleans City Council members have launched a formal probe into Entergy New Orleans' power shutoffs to thousands of customers on Mardi Gras\u2026\n+3\nS&WB to switch to Entergy New Orleans power in major shift in drainage system operations\nFor years, the Sewerage & Water Board has struggled with aging and unreliable equipment that powers its massive system of pumps, leaving t\u2026\n+3\nNew Orleans City Council members vow to turn down Entergy campaign donations\nNew Orleans City Council members won't accept political donations from Entergy New Orleans or other public contractors under a resolution a co\u2026\nThis Day in History\nSponsored by Connatix\nRecommended for you\nRecommended by\nSECTIONS\nHOME\nNEWS\nOPINION\nSPORTS\nENTERTAINMENT/LIFE\nNEWSLETTERS\nGAMES\nSERVICES\nCLASSIFIEDS\nSEARCH\nSUBSCRIBE | GROUPS\nDIGITAL ADVERTISING\nHELP/CONTACT US\nRSS FEEDS\nMEDIA KIT\nEEDITION\nCAREERS\nTEACHER'S LINK\nREVIEWING THE RECORD\nOUR SITES\nOBITUARIES\nJOBS\nCELEBRATIONS\nNIE\nCLASSIFIEDS\nHOMES\nPETS\nARCHIVES\nSTORE\nCONTACT INFORMATION\nnola.com\n840 St. Charles Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70130\nPhone: 504-529-0522\n\nNews Tips:\nnolanewstips@theadvocate.com\nOther questions:\nsubscriberservices@theadvocate.com\nNeed help?\nReport a delivery issue\nCreate a temporary stop\nSign up for recurring payments\nPay your bill\nUpdate your billing info\n\n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 NOLA.com 840 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\n This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.", - "url": "https://www.nola.com/news/business/new-orleans-city-council-agrees-to-audit-entergy-management-after-series-of-failures/article_aea2bd02-865d-11eb-a4dc-4ff26eb0bf9e.html", - "title": "New Orleans City Council agrees to audit Entergy management after series of failures" - } - ] -} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_S&WB_needs_sweeping_changes_if_it_wants_to_avoid_more_pitfalls,_BGR_says.json b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_S&WB_needs_sweeping_changes_if_it_wants_to_avoid_more_pitfalls,_BGR_says.json index 72963c75..16b442f6 100644 --- a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_S&WB_needs_sweeping_changes_if_it_wants_to_avoid_more_pitfalls,_BGR_says.json +++ b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_S&WB_needs_sweeping_changes_if_it_wants_to_avoid_more_pitfalls,_BGR_says.json @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ { "messages": [ { - "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nNew Orleans S&WB needs sweeping changes if it wants to avoid more pitfalls, BGR says\nBY BEN MYERS | Staff writer\nMay 17, 2023\n5 min to read\n1 of 2\nNew Orleans Sewerage & Water Board executive director Ghassan Korban stands in the control room as employees monitor weather at the Carrollton Water Plant on June 10, 2022.\nSTAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nThe New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board is overseen by a board controlled by the mayor. Its funding is determined by the City Council, and it is regulated by the Louisiana Legislature\u2019s laws.\nThat serving of three masters is the reason for historic neglect of the city\u2019s water infrastructure, leading to drainage failures, boil water advisories and a lack of accountability that worsen the risks of living in an already vulnerable city.\nThat is according to a new report from the Bureau of Governmental Research, which called for sweeping changes to the S&WB\u2019s governing structure. Either the S&WB needs to be abolished and folded completely into city government, or it needs far greater autonomy, the report said.\nStorm clouds move in around the Sewerage and Water Board water tower closest to Claiborne Av. at the Carrollton Water Plant in New Orleans, Friday, June 10, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)\nSophia Germer\n\u201cThe status quo is not serving us well. We really need to choose one path or the other,\u201d said Rebecca Mowbray, BGR\u2019s chief executive. \u201cThe structure of the Sewerage and Water Board is really the root cause of a lot of the water-related problems that New Orleanians experience.\u201d\nMany of the recommendations are a repeat from 2011, when the BGR suggested a series of measures to strengthen the S&WB\u2019s independence. The report, issued Wednesday, reups some of those suggestions, such as creating metrics for the City Council to approve rate proposals and tax levies.\nConverting the utility to a city department is a new suggestion, one that BGR previously said was a bad idea because of City Hall dysfunction.\nMowbray said city leaders, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell, seem to have grown more focused on drainage after repeated street flooding in 2017. Still, the report says consolidation would require extensive planning to ensure City Hall is capable of subsuming 1,300 employees, an annual capital budget $440 million and another $580 million in outstanding debt. \nOfficials open to changes\nA Sewerage and Water Board sticker is stuck to machinery inside a water tower at the Carrollton Water Plant in New Orleans, Friday, June 10, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)\nSophia Germer\nCantrell and four council members who responded to inquiries said they were still weighing the report, but they were either open to consolidation or didn\u2019t reject it.\n\u201cPlacing the Sewerage & Water Board under city control as a city department would seem to be the best solution for coordination of systems,\u201d District D Council member Eugene Green said in a statement.\nA spokesperson for City Council President JP Morrell said he was still reviewing the report, but said that the legislature has too much control over the local utility.\nCantrell said the BGR is \u201csaying what the Sewerage and Water Board has been saying for years, which is that our governing structure is too complex.\u201d\nDuring a news conference Wednesday, Cantrell said she would work with the board to come up \u201cthe best next steps.\" In a statement, the S&WB said the report \"accurately characterizes the challenges we face, and we welcome the recommendation of an assessment of our governance structure, including either path forward the report suggests.\"\nSewerage and Water Board employees work in the boiler room at the Carrollton Water Plant in New Orleans, Friday, June 10, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)\nSophia Germer\nCatch basin issue\nFolding the S&WB into city government would end the division of labor between the S&WB and City Hall when it comes to different parts of the drainage system. The S&WB controls the primary pipes and pumping stations that push storm water out of the city, but the Department of Public Works maintains catch basins and smaller pipes that feed into the parts that the S&WB controls.\nThat arrangement \u2014 unique among 51 peer cities, according to BGR \u2014 has been a coordination nightmare and contributed to the 2017 floods, according to an analysis.\nThe Sewerage and Water Board's Carrollton plant is shown Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021.\nSTAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD\nCity Council Vice President Helena Moreno has long championed giving control for all drainage components to the S&WB, in line with the BGR. But Moreno and the BGR differ when it comes to giving the S&WB funding for the additional workload.\nThe BGR says a storm water fee is likely needed. Moreno said merging the two systems would create cost savings.\n\u201cThis remains a no brainer situation,\u201d Moreno said in a prepared statement. \u201cThe operations and efficiency of (the S&WB) must improve and a drainage merger is a critical step that can\u2019t come soon enough.\u201d\nState oversight\nThe S&WB is subject to more than 80 state laws, giving lawmakers from every corner of the state a say in how the city\u2019s water systems are regulated.\nAnd with the mayor serving as the board president of a state-created utility, there is confusion over who is ultimately accountable for its management, .\nWater rates and tax levies are approved by the City Council, which, according to BGR, tends to cave to political pressure to keep rates low. That political pressure increases as infrastructure and public confidence erodes, and the cost burden gets kicked to future generations.\n\u201cThe City Council's hand in setting rates, it now injects too much politics,\u201d Cantrell told reporters on Wednesday. By the same token, the council lacks other ways to hold the S&WB accountable, the report says.\n\u201cOne of the few cards that they can really play is to raise hell about funding,\u201d Mowbray said.\nBilling woes\nThat dynamic surfaced last year, when the council refused to consider rate hikes until the S&WB fixed a meter reading system known to produce wildly inflated bills. The utility also has faced criticism for its difficult-to-navigate appeals process.\nWorkers investigate after an explosion at the the Sewerage & Water Board\u00d5s Carrollton water plant in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. Three workers were injured in the explosion that harmed two turbines.\nStaff photo by SOPHIA GERMER\nTo take politics out of utility funding, BGR recommends the council adopt a matrix for evaluating the S&WB\u2019s funding proposals. District A City Council member Joe Giarrusso said he\u2019s not opposed to the idea, but that council members\u2019 discretion should not be discarded entirely.\n\u201cIf billing isn\u2019t fixed, how do you go to the public who feels like they\u2019re paying more money than they should, and then say, by the way, we\u2019ve increased your sewer and water rates?\u201d Giarrusso said.\nMowbray credited Cantrell for hiring the S&WB\u2019s current executive director, Ghassan Korban, a civil engineer who previously ran Milwaukee\u2019s public works.\nWater flows into the street after an explosion at the Sewerage & Water Board\u00d5s Carrollton water plant in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. Three workers were injured in the explosion that harmed two turbines.\nStaff photo by SOPHIA GERMER\nUnder Korban\u2019s leadership, the S&WB has initiated capital projects to replace its drainage power and underground meters, both considered critical to improving the utility\u2019s service.\nThose two projects alone will run more than $350 million, however, and are part of the reason the S&WB is looking for more revenue.\nAs he has before, Giarrusso said the S&WB should do more to collect on delinquent bills. The S&WB says it was owed $60 million from bills more than 60 days late at the end of March.\nThe S&WB and City Council relationship is at a low point, with the council voting unanimously on May 11 to sue the S&WB for refusing to comply with some parts of new city ordinances related to billing.\nGlass lays on the ground on Spruce street behind the Sewerage & Water Board\u00d5s Carrollton water plant in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. Three workers were injured in the explosion that harmed two turbines.\nStaff photo by SOPHIA GERMER\nThat vote prompted Cantrell to order District C City Council member Freddie King to leave an S&WB executive session on Thursday about the possible upcoming litigation.\nKing serves as the council\u2019s representative on the S&WB, and the episode illustrated another issue identified by the BGR: the City Council representative on the S&WB is inherently conflicted, according to the report.\nGiarrusso said he understood why Cantrell booted King from the executive session, but disagreed that a council representative on the board is problematic.\nStill, he agreed there are too many cooks in the kitchen at the S&WB.\n\u201cWhen you have multiple responsibilities in government for a single function, you're almost destined for failure,\u201d Giarrusso said.\nEmail Ben Myers at bmyers@theadvocate.com. Follow Ben Myers on Twitter, @blevimyers.\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nTags\nHardwall\nThis Day in History\nSponsored by Connatix\nRecommended for you\nRecommended by\nSECTIONS\nHOME\nNEWS\nOPINION\nSPORTS\nENTERTAINMENT/LIFE\nNEWSLETTERS\nGAMES\nSERVICES\nCLASSIFIEDS\nSEARCH\nSUBSCRIBE | GROUPS\nDIGITAL ADVERTISING\nHELP/CONTACT US\nRSS FEEDS\nMEDIA KIT\nEEDITION\nCAREERS\nTEACHER'S LINK\nREVIEWING THE RECORD\nOUR SITES\nOBITUARIES\nJOBS\nCELEBRATIONS\nNIE\nCLASSIFIEDS\nHOMES\nPETS\nARCHIVES\nSTORE\nCONTACT INFORMATION\nnola.com\n840 St. Charles Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70130\nPhone: 504-529-0522\n\nNews Tips:\nnolanewstips@theadvocate.com\nOther questions:\nsubscriberservices@theadvocate.com\nNeed help?\nReport a delivery issue\nCreate a temporary stop\nSign up for recurring payments\nPay your bill\nUpdate your billing info\n\n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 NOLA.com 840 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\n This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.", + "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nNew Orleans S&WB needs sweeping changes if it wants to avoid more pitfalls, BGR says\nBY BEN MYERS | Staff writer\nMay 17, 2023\n5 min to read\n1 of 2\nNew Orleans Sewerage & Water Board executive director Ghassan Korban stands in the control room as employees monitor weather at the Carrollton Water Plant on June 10, 2022.\nSTAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nThe New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board is overseen by a board controlled by the mayor. Its funding is determined by the City Council, and it is regulated by the Louisiana Legislature\u2019s laws.\nThat serving of three masters is the reason for historic neglect of the city\u2019s water infrastructure, leading to drainage failures, boil water advisories and a lack of accountability that worsen the risks of living in an already vulnerable city.\nThat is according to a new report from the Bureau of Governmental Research, which called for sweeping changes to the S&WB\u2019s governing structure. Either the S&WB needs to be abolished and folded completely into city government, or it needs far greater autonomy, the report said.\nStorm clouds move in around the Sewerage and Water Board water tower closest to Claiborne Av. at the Carrollton Water Plant in New Orleans, Friday, June 10, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)\nSophia Germer\n\u201cThe status quo is not serving us well. We really need to choose one path or the other,\u201d said Rebecca Mowbray, BGR\u2019s chief executive. \u201cThe structure of the Sewerage and Water Board is really the root cause of a lot of the water-related problems that New Orleanians experience.\u201d\nMany of the recommendations are a repeat from 2011, when the BGR suggested a series of measures to strengthen the S&WB\u2019s independence. The report, issued Wednesday, reups some of those suggestions, such as creating metrics for the City Council to approve rate proposals and tax levies.\nConverting the utility to a city department is a new suggestion, one that BGR previously said was a bad idea because of City Hall dysfunction.\nMowbray said city leaders, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell, seem to have grown more focused on drainage after repeated street flooding in 2017. Still, the report says consolidation would require extensive planning to ensure City Hall is capable of subsuming 1,300 employees, an annual capital budget $440 million and another $580 million in outstanding debt. \nOfficials open to changes\nA Sewerage and Water Board sticker is stuck to machinery inside a water tower at the Carrollton Water Plant in New Orleans, Friday, June 10, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)\nSophia Germer\nCantrell and four council members who responded to inquiries said they were still weighing the report, but they were either open to consolidation or didn\u2019t reject it.\n\u201cPlacing the Sewerage & Water Board under city control as a city department would seem to be the best solution for coordination of systems,\u201d District D Council member Eugene Green said in a statement.\nA spokesperson for City Council President JP Morrell said he was still reviewing the report, but said that the legislature has too much control over the local utility.\nCantrell said the BGR is \u201csaying what the Sewerage and Water Board has been saying for years, which is that our governing structure is too complex.\u201d\nDuring a news conference Wednesday, Cantrell said she would work with the board to come up \u201cthe best next steps.\" In a statement, the S&WB said the report \"accurately characterizes the challenges we face, and we welcome the recommendation of an assessment of our governance structure, including either path forward the report suggests.\"\nSewerage and Water Board employees work in the boiler room at the Carrollton Water Plant in New Orleans, Friday, June 10, 2022. (Photo by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)\nSophia Germer\nCatch basin issue\nFolding the S&WB into city government would end the division of labor between the S&WB and City Hall when it comes to different parts of the drainage system. The S&WB controls the primary pipes and pumping stations that push storm water out of the city, but the Department of Public Works maintains catch basins and smaller pipes that feed into the parts that the S&WB controls.\nThat arrangement \u2014 unique among 51 peer cities, according to BGR \u2014 has been a coordination nightmare and contributed to the 2017 floods, according to an analysis.\nThe Sewerage and Water Board's Carrollton plant is shown Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021.\nSTAFF PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD\nCity Council Vice President Helena Moreno has long championed giving control for all drainage components to the S&WB, in line with the BGR. But Moreno and the BGR differ when it comes to giving the S&WB funding for the additional workload.\nThe BGR says a storm water fee is likely needed. Moreno said merging the two systems would create cost savings.\n\u201cThis remains a no brainer situation,\u201d Moreno said in a prepared statement. \u201cThe operations and efficiency of (the S&WB) must improve and a drainage merger is a critical step that can\u2019t come soon enough.\u201d\nState oversight\nThe S&WB is subject to more than 80 state laws, giving lawmakers from every corner of the state a say in how the city\u2019s water systems are regulated.\nAnd with the mayor serving as the board president of a state-created utility, there is confusion over who is ultimately accountable for its management, .\nWater rates and tax levies are approved by the City Council, which, according to BGR, tends to cave to political pressure to keep rates low. That political pressure increases as infrastructure and public confidence erodes, and the cost burden gets kicked to future generations.\n\u201cThe City Council's hand in setting rates, it now injects too much politics,\u201d Cantrell told reporters on Wednesday. By the same token, the council lacks other ways to hold the S&WB accountable, the report says.\n\u201cOne of the few cards that they can really play is to raise hell about funding,\u201d Mowbray said.\nBilling woes\nThat dynamic surfaced last year, when the council refused to consider rate hikes until the S&WB fixed a meter reading system known to produce wildly inflated bills. The utility also has faced criticism for its difficult-to-navigate appeals process.\nWorkers investigate after an explosion at the the Sewerage & Water Board\u00d5s Carrollton water plant in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. Three workers were injured in the explosion that harmed two turbines.\nStaff photo by SOPHIA GERMER\nTo take politics out of utility funding, BGR recommends the council adopt a matrix for evaluating the S&WB\u2019s funding proposals. District A City Council member Joe Giarrusso said he\u2019s not opposed to the idea, but that council members\u2019 discretion should not be discarded entirely.\n\u201cIf billing isn\u2019t fixed, how do you go to the public who feels like they\u2019re paying more money than they should, and then say, by the way, we\u2019ve increased your sewer and water rates?\u201d Giarrusso said.\nMowbray credited Cantrell for hiring the S&WB\u2019s current executive director, Ghassan Korban, a civil engineer who previously ran Milwaukee\u2019s public works.\nWater flows into the street after an explosion at the Sewerage & Water Board\u00d5s Carrollton water plant in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. Three workers were injured in the explosion that harmed two turbines.\nStaff photo by SOPHIA GERMER\nUnder Korban\u2019s leadership, the S&WB has initiated capital projects to replace its drainage power and underground meters, both considered critical to improving the utility\u2019s service.\nThose two projects alone will run more than $350 million, however, and are part of the reason the S&WB is looking for more revenue.\nAs he has before, Giarrusso said the S&WB should do more to collect on delinquent bills. The S&WB says it was owed $60 million from bills more than 60 days late at the end of March.\nThe S&WB and City Council relationship is at a low point, with the council voting unanimously on May 11 to sue the S&WB for refusing to comply with some parts of new city ordinances related to billing.\nGlass lays on the ground on Spruce street behind the Sewerage & Water Board\u00d5s Carrollton water plant in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. Three workers were injured in the explosion that harmed two turbines.\nStaff photo by SOPHIA GERMER\nThat vote prompted Cantrell to order District C City Council member Freddie King to leave an S&WB executive session on Thursday about the possible upcoming litigation.\nKing serves as the council\u2019s representative on the S&WB, and the episode illustrated another issue identified by the BGR: the City Council representative on the S&WB is inherently conflicted, according to the report.\nGiarrusso said he understood why Cantrell booted King from the executive session, but disagreed that a council representative on the board is problematic.\nStill, he agreed there are too many cooks in the kitchen at the S&WB.\n\u201cWhen you have multiple responsibilities in government for a single function, you're almost destined for failure,\u201d Giarrusso said.\nEmail Ben Myers at bmyers@theadvocate.com. Follow Ben Myers on Twitter, @blevimyers.\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nTags\nHardwall\nThis Day in History\nSponsored by Connatix\nRecommended for you\nRecommended by\nSECTIONS\nHOME\nNEWS\nOPINION\nSPORTS\nENTERTAINMENT/LIFE\nNEWSLETTERS\nGAMES\nSERVICES\nCLASSIFIEDS\nSEARCH\nSUBSCRIBE | GROUPS\nDIGITAL ADVERTISING\nHELP/CONTACT US\nRSS FEEDS\nMEDIA KIT\nEEDITION\nCAREERS\nTEACHER'S LINK\nREVIEWING THE RECORD\nOUR SITES\nOBITUARIES\nJOBS\nCELEBRATIONS\nNIE\nCLASSIFIEDS\nHOMES\nPETS\nARCHIVES\nSTORE\nCONTACT INFORMATION\nnola.com\n840 St. Charles Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70130\nPhone: 504-529-0522\n\nNews Tips:\nnolanewstips@theadvocate.com\nOther questions:\nsubscriberservices@theadvocate.com\nNeed help?\nReport a delivery issue\nCreate a temporary stop\nSign up for recurring payments\nPay your bill\nUpdate your billing info\n\n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 NOLA.com 840 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\nThis website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.\n ", "url": "https://www.nola.com/news/politics/swb-needs-major-changes-to-avoid-more-failures-bgr-says/article_1d13e9c8-f50b-11ed-9c45-67da1c67c50c.html", "title": "New Orleans S&WB needs sweeping changes if it wants to avoid more pitfalls, BGR says" } diff --git a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_argues_case_to_exit_NOPD_consent_decree._After_3_hours,_a_judge_defers_the_ruling..json b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_argues_case_to_exit_NOPD_consent_decree._After_3_hours,_a_judge_defers_the_ruling..json index 07348303..ee3e2934 100644 --- a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_argues_case_to_exit_NOPD_consent_decree._After_3_hours,_a_judge_defers_the_ruling..json +++ b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_argues_case_to_exit_NOPD_consent_decree._After_3_hours,_a_judge_defers_the_ruling..json @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ { "messages": [ { - "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nNew Orleans argues case to exit NOPD consent decree. After 3 hours, a judge defers the ruling.\nBY MISSY WILKINSON and JOHN SIMERMAN | Staff writers Jun 28, 2023\n2 min to read\nBuy Now\nThe U.S. District Courthouse in New Orleans.\nSTAFF FILE PHOTO\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nAlmost a year after filing a motion to end the sprawling reform agreement that has governed the New Orleans Police Department for a decade, Mayor LaToya Cantrell had her day in court.\nAttorneys for the city on Wednesday argued that problems the original federal consent decree was designed to address, including corruption, bias and shoddy policing, have long been ameliorated, despite consistent assertions that the police force should do more. \nU.S. Department of Justice lawyers disagreed, citing ongoing shortcomings that include improper use of force by officers and patterns of unlawful racial discrimination in stops and searches. \nAfter three hours of back-and-forth, U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan said she would take the matter under advisement.\nThe hearing culminated a legal gambit by Cantrell that began last August, when the city filed its motion to exit the deal, casting doubt on the assessments by the federal monitors who report to Morgan. In recent reports, the monitors identified backsliding in areas they'd previously checked off as compliant.\nMorgan had projected that the city would reach a two-year offramp from federal oversight last summer. But that timetable dissolved as the judge and the monitors began to find progress stifled, in part by a steep loss of police officers from the force. Morgan pumped the brakes, stoking a bitter response from Cantrell, who has since taken an aggressive tack against the judge and monitors, in court and public statements. \nCharles Zimmer, outside counsel for the city, told Morgan Wednesday that the NOPD has shown substantial compliance with the demands of the 2012 consent decree, which at the time was the most wide-reaching blueprint for police reform in the country.\nZimmer argued that changes have rendered compliance more onerous, and that perfection shouldn't be the goal. \n\"The city believes the pattern that existed in 2011 has been remedied for years, and we are legally entitled to exit,\" said Daniel Davillier, outside counsel for the city.\nAccording to a review by Independent Police Monitor Stella Cziment, 17 of the 28 instances in which the NOPD used force in 2021 weren't justified, and 37% of police pursuits that year resulted in formal disciplinary investigations. The NOPD's own audit revealed 35% of pat-downs from March 2022 weren't properly documented\u2014a potential Fourth Amendment violation.\nThough the department has exhibited enormous progress, that doesn't equate to full and effective compliance, a DOJ representative argued. \nFormer Mayor Mitch Landrieu agreed to the reforms after a blistering federal investigation portrayed a police department replete with misconduct. Morgan and the monitors have touted improvements since then, though doubts over the will to sustain those efforts remain strong. \n\"This is supposed to be a durable remedy,\" Morgan told the city's attorney. \"Once you're in compliance, the concept is you stay in compliance\u2014not that you can be compliant for two years and then forget about it.\"\nThe exchange between Morgan and Zimmer grew heated when Zimmer likened federal oversight\u2014and the accompanying $16 million paid out to federal monitors over the years\u2014to \"a hostage situation.\"\n\"I do not want you to impugn the integrity of the court to my face,\" Morgan replied.\nCziment, whose office is slated to take on a bigger watchdog role once the feds leave, cited fear in the community over a premature exit from federal oversight, and uncertainty over an NOPD left to its own devices.\n\"There isn't a clear vision of what constitutional policing will look like after the consent decree is done,\" Cziment stated after the hearing. \"As for the use of force and stop, searches and arrests, we share the concerns highlighted by the Department of Justice and the NOPD themselves (via departmental audits.)\"\nMorgan provided no timeline for her ruling.\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nMORE INFORMATION\nMayor defends reinstatement of Jeffrey Vappie to security detail\nSeven months after questions arose about his time spent with Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a French Quarter apartment, New Orleans police officer J\u2026\nNOPD says officer on Cantrell detail violated policies, but monitor says it could've looked harder\nFederal monitors cast a dim view of the New Orleans Police Department\u2019s internal investigation of Officer Jeffrey Vappie over his timesheets while serving on a team securing Mayor LaToya Cantrell, in a report released Thursday.\nNOPD to sell reforms straight to public after federal judge caves on hearing order\nNew Orleans Police Department brass were set to launch a series of public meetings on Wednesday to tout progress on a slew of reforms to the f\u2026\nIn police reform quarrel, New Orleans objects to 'unattainable' goal\nCantrell administration says Justice Department, \"faced with losing control\" is changing the rules\nMonitor slams NOPD over internal affairs, probe of Cantrell security guard\nA New Orleans police internal affairs probe into alleged payroll irregularities involving an officer who was assigned to protect Mayor LaToya \u2026\nCity must defend NOPD probe of mayor's bodyguard, appeals court rules\nA federal appeals court on Monday opposed the city\u2019s objection to a rule to show cause hearing regarding alleged violations of the consent decree that stemmed from its handling of the Vappie probe. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan ordered the city to defend its investigation on Aug. 31.\nThree-day federal court hearing ends over NOPD's investigation of mayor's bodyguard\nMonitors who report to U.S. Judge Susie Morgan claim the city violated several reform mandates in its probe of Officer Jeffrey Vappie\nThis Day in History\nSponsored by Connatix\nRecommended for you\nRecommended by\nSECTIONS\nHOME\nNEWS\nOPINION\nSPORTS\nENTERTAINMENT/LIFE\nNEWSLETTERS\nGAMES\nSERVICES\nCLASSIFIEDS\nSEARCH\nSUBSCRIBE | GROUPS\nDIGITAL ADVERTISING\nHELP/CONTACT US\nRSS FEEDS\nMEDIA KIT\nEEDITION\nCAREERS\nTEACHER'S LINK\nREVIEWING THE RECORD\nOUR SITES\nOBITUARIES\nJOBS\nCELEBRATIONS\nNIE\nCLASSIFIEDS\nHOMES\nPETS\nARCHIVES\nSTORE\nCONTACT INFORMATION\nnola.com\n840 St. Charles Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70130\nPhone: 504-529-0522\n\nNews Tips:\nnolanewstips@theadvocate.com\nOther questions:\nsubscriberservices@theadvocate.com\nNeed help?\nReport a delivery issue\nCreate a temporary stop\nSign up for recurring payments\nPay your bill\nUpdate your billing info\n\n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 NOLA.com 840 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\n This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.", + "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nNew Orleans argues case to exit NOPD consent decree. After 3 hours, a judge defers the ruling.\nBY MISSY WILKINSON and JOHN SIMERMAN | Staff writers Jun 28, 2023\n2 min to read\nBuy Now\nThe U.S. District Courthouse in New Orleans.\nSTAFF FILE PHOTO\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nAlmost a year after filing a motion to end the sprawling reform agreement that has governed the New Orleans Police Department for a decade, Mayor LaToya Cantrell had her day in court.\nAttorneys for the city on Wednesday argued that problems the original federal consent decree was designed to address, including corruption, bias and shoddy policing, have long been ameliorated, despite consistent assertions that the police force should do more. \nU.S. Department of Justice lawyers disagreed, citing ongoing shortcomings that include improper use of force by officers and patterns of unlawful racial discrimination in stops and searches. \nAfter three hours of back-and-forth, U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan said she would take the matter under advisement.\nThe hearing culminated a legal gambit by Cantrell that began last August, when the city filed its motion to exit the deal, casting doubt on the assessments by the federal monitors who report to Morgan. In recent reports, the monitors identified backsliding in areas they'd previously checked off as compliant.\nMorgan had projected that the city would reach a two-year offramp from federal oversight last summer. But that timetable dissolved as the judge and the monitors began to find progress stifled, in part by a steep loss of police officers from the force. Morgan pumped the brakes, stoking a bitter response from Cantrell, who has since taken an aggressive tack against the judge and monitors, in court and public statements. \nCharles Zimmer, outside counsel for the city, told Morgan Wednesday that the NOPD has shown substantial compliance with the demands of the 2012 consent decree, which at the time was the most wide-reaching blueprint for police reform in the country.\nZimmer argued that changes have rendered compliance more onerous, and that perfection shouldn't be the goal. \n\"The city believes the pattern that existed in 2011 has been remedied for years, and we are legally entitled to exit,\" said Daniel Davillier, outside counsel for the city.\nAccording to a review by Independent Police Monitor Stella Cziment, 17 of the 28 instances in which the NOPD used force in 2021 weren't justified, and 37% of police pursuits that year resulted in formal disciplinary investigations. The NOPD's own audit revealed 35% of pat-downs from March 2022 weren't properly documented\u2014a potential Fourth Amendment violation.\nThough the department has exhibited enormous progress, that doesn't equate to full and effective compliance, a DOJ representative argued. \nFormer Mayor Mitch Landrieu agreed to the reforms after a blistering federal investigation portrayed a police department replete with misconduct. Morgan and the monitors have touted improvements since then, though doubts over the will to sustain those efforts remain strong. \n\"This is supposed to be a durable remedy,\" Morgan told the city's attorney. \"Once you're in compliance, the concept is you stay in compliance\u2014not that you can be compliant for two years and then forget about it.\"\nThe exchange between Morgan and Zimmer grew heated when Zimmer likened federal oversight\u2014and the accompanying $16 million paid out to federal monitors over the years\u2014to \"a hostage situation.\"\n\"I do not want you to impugn the integrity of the court to my face,\" Morgan replied.\nCziment, whose office is slated to take on a bigger watchdog role once the feds leave, cited fear in the community over a premature exit from federal oversight, and uncertainty over an NOPD left to its own devices.\n\"There isn't a clear vision of what constitutional policing will look like after the consent decree is done,\" Cziment stated after the hearing. \"As for the use of force and stop, searches and arrests, we share the concerns highlighted by the Department of Justice and the NOPD themselves (via departmental audits.)\"\nMorgan provided no timeline for her ruling.\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nMORE INFORMATION\nMayor defends reinstatement of Jeffrey Vappie to security detail\nSeven months after questions arose about his time spent with Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a French Quarter apartment, New Orleans police officer J\u2026\nNOPD says officer on Cantrell detail violated policies, but monitor says it could've looked harder\nFederal monitors cast a dim view of the New Orleans Police Department\u2019s internal investigation of Officer Jeffrey Vappie over his timesheets while serving on a team securing Mayor LaToya Cantrell, in a report released Thursday.\nNOPD to sell reforms straight to public after federal judge caves on hearing order\nNew Orleans Police Department brass were set to launch a series of public meetings on Wednesday to tout progress on a slew of reforms to the f\u2026\nIn police reform quarrel, New Orleans objects to 'unattainable' goal\nCantrell administration says Justice Department, \"faced with losing control\" is changing the rules\nMonitor slams NOPD over internal affairs, probe of Cantrell security guard\nA New Orleans police internal affairs probe into alleged payroll irregularities involving an officer who was assigned to protect Mayor LaToya \u2026\nCity must defend NOPD probe of mayor's bodyguard, appeals court rules\nA federal appeals court on Monday opposed the city\u2019s objection to a rule to show cause hearing regarding alleged violations of the consent decree that stemmed from its handling of the Vappie probe. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan ordered the city to defend its investigation on Aug. 31.\nThree-day federal court hearing ends over NOPD's investigation of mayor's bodyguard\nMonitors who report to U.S. Judge Susie Morgan claim the city violated several reform mandates in its probe of Officer Jeffrey Vappie\nThis Day in History\nSponsored by Connatix\nRecommended for you\nRecommended by\nSECTIONS\nHOME\nNEWS\nOPINION\nSPORTS\nENTERTAINMENT/LIFE\nNEWSLETTERS\nGAMES\nSERVICES\nCLASSIFIEDS\nSEARCH\nSUBSCRIBE | GROUPS\nDIGITAL ADVERTISING\nHELP/CONTACT US\nRSS FEEDS\nMEDIA KIT\nEEDITION\nCAREERS\nTEACHER'S LINK\nREVIEWING THE RECORD\nOUR SITES\nOBITUARIES\nJOBS\nCELEBRATIONS\nNIE\nCLASSIFIEDS\nHOMES\nPETS\nARCHIVES\nSTORE\nCONTACT INFORMATION\nnola.com\n840 St. Charles Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70130\nPhone: 504-529-0522\n\nNews Tips:\nnolanewstips@theadvocate.com\nOther questions:\nsubscriberservices@theadvocate.com\nNeed help?\nReport a delivery issue\nCreate a temporary stop\nSign up for recurring payments\nPay your bill\nUpdate your billing info\n\n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 NOLA.com 840 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\nThis website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.\n ", "url": "https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/judge-offers-no-ruling-on-citys-motion-to-exit-consent-decree/article_1871f7dc-15c9-11ee-ad6c-afaeccd8e9dc.html", "title": "New Orleans argues case to exit NOPD consent decree. After 3 hours, a judge defers the ruling." } diff --git a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_preparing_for_three_months_of_salt_water_in_drinking_water_supply.json b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_preparing_for_three_months_of_salt_water_in_drinking_water_supply.json index 17b01ad8..fd71faa1 100644 --- a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_preparing_for_three_months_of_salt_water_in_drinking_water_supply.json +++ b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/New_Orleans_preparing_for_three_months_of_salt_water_in_drinking_water_supply.json @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ { "messages": [ { - "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nNew Orleans preparing for three months of salt water in drinking water supply\nBy MIKE SMITH | Staff writer\nSep 27, 2023\n1 min to read\nPipes carrying sediment crisscross the Mississippi River where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building an underwater sill with that mud that should slow the flow of saltwater up the Mississippi River south of New Orleans on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)\nStaff photo by Chris Granger NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nNew Orleans may need to deal with salt threatening local drinking water supplies for as long as three months, meaning through January according to current forecasts, a top city official said Wednesday.\nCollin Arnold, New Orleans' homeland security chief, said that timeframe was based on advice from the Army Corps of Engineers.\nThe city, in cooperation with the surrounding region, is hoping to build a pipeline further upriver to pump water that would dilute the salt at treatment plants \u2014 an expensive plan, but one that could potentially be converted into a permanent solution.\n+2\nWhen will the saltwater wedge reach your drinking water system? Here's a timeline.\nPlans made to barge in 36 million gallons of fresh water a day\n\"About 90 days is what we've been told by the Corps of Engineers,\" Arnold said after addressing a City Council committee meeting on the subject. \n\"So we'd be looking at maybe the end of January under under those circumstances.\"\nArnold noted that caution was necessary when estimating timeframes given the unknowns related to the forecast, but said that was the current thinking. Sufficient rain must occur in the Mississippi River basin to flush out the salt moving up from the Gulf of Mexico.\nThe current forecast shows salt reaching the intakes for New Orleans' Carrollton water plant, which supplies water to the city's east bank, around Oct. 28. \nArnold said New Orleans and Jefferson Parish were now focusing on building a pipeline for the east bank in both parishes because barges delivering water would not provide sufficient capacity.\nCost estimates for the pipeline are anywhere from $100 million to $250 million, but federal funds could cover the majority given the White House's disaster declaration for the saltwater intrusion.\nArnold says he hopes construction could begin on the pipeline in seven to 10 days, so long as officials are able to get expedited contracting and approvals.\nContractors are offering assurances that the work could be completed despite the short timeframe, but officials are preparing for the possibility of making bottled water available if there is a gap. The city is also looking at water conservation methods, Arnold said.\nArnold stressed that the city's water remains safe and drinkable. He called on residents not to panic and said the situation was manageable. \nEmail Mike Smith at msmith@theadvocate.com or follow him on Twitter, @MikeJSmith504.\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nMORE INFORMATION\nEverything you need to know about salt water moving inland in Louisiana, including a tracker\nSalt water is creeping up the mouth of the Mississippi River and threatening the drinking supply of several parishes in Southeast Louisiana, i\u2026\nCantrell: Biden administration has issued disaster declaration on saltwater intrusion\nMayor LaToya Cantrell on Wednesday said President Joe Biden has moved forward with a federal disaster declaration for the saltwater intrusion \u2026\n+7\nHow would salt water affect my lawn, garden? Everything you need to know\nSaltwater incursion in the municipal water supply sounds scary. But gardeners shouldn't panic. This has happened before, as recently as 1988. \u2026\n+6\nWhite House declares emergency, pipeline planned as salt threatens drinking water\nThe White House declared an emergency Wednesday for four Louisiana parishes threatened by salt intrusion in drinking water and officials warne\u2026\n+4\nLive updates: Saltwater tracker shows latest location of intrusion near New Orleans\nAn intrusion of salt water moving up the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico is threatening local drinking water supplies. \n+12\nLead contamination could rise as salt water enters New Orleans-area water systems\nThere\u2019s growing concern that the impending intrusion of salt water in the region\u2019s drinking water systems could trigger a spike in lead contam\u2026\nTags\nFej\nThis Day in History\nSponsored by Connatix\nRecommended for you\nRecommended by\nSECTIONS\nHOME\nNEWS\nOPINION\nSPORTS\nENTERTAINMENT/LIFE\nNEWSLETTERS\nGAMES\nSERVICES\nCLASSIFIEDS\nSEARCH\nSUBSCRIBE | GROUPS\nDIGITAL ADVERTISING\nHELP/CONTACT US\nRSS FEEDS\nMEDIA KIT\nEEDITION\nCAREERS\nTEACHER'S LINK\nREVIEWING THE RECORD\nOUR SITES\nOBITUARIES\nJOBS\nCELEBRATIONS\nNIE\nCLASSIFIEDS\nHOMES\nPETS\nARCHIVES\nSTORE\nCONTACT INFORMATION\nnola.com\n840 St. Charles Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70130\nPhone: 504-529-0522\n\nNews Tips:\nnolanewstips@theadvocate.com\nOther questions:\nsubscriberservices@theadvocate.com\nNeed help?\nReport a delivery issue\nCreate a temporary stop\nSign up for recurring payments\nPay your bill\nUpdate your billing info\n\n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 NOLA.com 840 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\n This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.", + "page_content": "Skip to main content\nHomes\nCalendar\nStore\nPublic Notices\nE-Edition\nNewsletters\nSubscribe for $1\nNew Orleans preparing for three months of salt water in drinking water supply\nBy MIKE SMITH | Staff writer\nSep 27, 2023\n1 min to read\nPipes carrying sediment crisscross the Mississippi River where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building an underwater sill with that mud that should slow the flow of saltwater up the Mississippi River south of New Orleans on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)\nStaff photo by Chris Granger NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nNew Orleans may need to deal with salt threatening local drinking water supplies for as long as three months, meaning through January according to current forecasts, a top city official said Wednesday.\nCollin Arnold, New Orleans' homeland security chief, said that timeframe was based on advice from the Army Corps of Engineers.\nThe city, in cooperation with the surrounding region, is hoping to build a pipeline further upriver to pump water that would dilute the salt at treatment plants \u2014 an expensive plan, but one that could potentially be converted into a permanent solution.\n+2\nWhen will the saltwater wedge reach your drinking water system? Here's a timeline.\nPlans made to barge in 36 million gallons of fresh water a day\n\"About 90 days is what we've been told by the Corps of Engineers,\" Arnold said after addressing a City Council committee meeting on the subject. \n\"So we'd be looking at maybe the end of January under under those circumstances.\"\nArnold noted that caution was necessary when estimating timeframes given the unknowns related to the forecast, but said that was the current thinking. Sufficient rain must occur in the Mississippi River basin to flush out the salt moving up from the Gulf of Mexico.\nThe current forecast shows salt reaching the intakes for New Orleans' Carrollton water plant, which supplies water to the city's east bank, around Oct. 28. \nArnold said New Orleans and Jefferson Parish were now focusing on building a pipeline for the east bank in both parishes because barges delivering water would not provide sufficient capacity.\nCost estimates for the pipeline are anywhere from $100 million to $250 million, but federal funds could cover the majority given the White House's disaster declaration for the saltwater intrusion.\nArnold says he hopes construction could begin on the pipeline in seven to 10 days, so long as officials are able to get expedited contracting and approvals.\nContractors are offering assurances that the work could be completed despite the short timeframe, but officials are preparing for the possibility of making bottled water available if there is a gap. The city is also looking at water conservation methods, Arnold said.\nArnold stressed that the city's water remains safe and drinkable. He called on residents not to panic and said the situation was manageable. \nEmail Mike Smith at msmith@theadvocate.com or follow him on Twitter, @MikeJSmith504.\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nMORE INFORMATION\nEverything you need to know about salt water moving inland in Louisiana, including a tracker\nSalt water is creeping up the mouth of the Mississippi River and threatening the drinking supply of several parishes in Southeast Louisiana, i\u2026\nCantrell: Biden administration has issued disaster declaration on saltwater intrusion\nMayor LaToya Cantrell on Wednesday said President Joe Biden has moved forward with a federal disaster declaration for the saltwater intrusion \u2026\n+7\nHow would salt water affect my lawn, garden? Everything you need to know\nSaltwater incursion in the municipal water supply sounds scary. But gardeners shouldn't panic. This has happened before, as recently as 1988. \u2026\n+6\nWhite House declares emergency, pipeline planned as salt threatens drinking water\nThe White House declared an emergency Wednesday for four Louisiana parishes threatened by salt intrusion in drinking water and officials warne\u2026\n+4\nLive updates: Saltwater tracker shows latest location of intrusion near New Orleans\nAn intrusion of salt water moving up the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico is threatening local drinking water supplies. \n+12\nLead contamination could rise as salt water enters New Orleans-area water systems\nThere\u2019s growing concern that the impending intrusion of salt water in the region\u2019s drinking water systems could trigger a spike in lead contam\u2026\nTags\nFej\nThis Day in History\nSponsored by Connatix\nRecommended for you\nRecommended by\nSECTIONS\nHOME\nNEWS\nOPINION\nSPORTS\nENTERTAINMENT/LIFE\nNEWSLETTERS\nGAMES\nSERVICES\nCLASSIFIEDS\nSEARCH\nSUBSCRIBE | GROUPS\nDIGITAL ADVERTISING\nHELP/CONTACT US\nRSS FEEDS\nMEDIA KIT\nEEDITION\nCAREERS\nTEACHER'S LINK\nREVIEWING THE RECORD\nOUR SITES\nOBITUARIES\nJOBS\nCELEBRATIONS\nNIE\nCLASSIFIEDS\nHOMES\nPETS\nARCHIVES\nSTORE\nCONTACT INFORMATION\nnola.com\n840 St. Charles Avenue\nNew Orleans, LA 70130\nPhone: 504-529-0522\n\nNews Tips:\nnolanewstips@theadvocate.com\nOther questions:\nsubscriberservices@theadvocate.com\nNeed help?\nReport a delivery issue\nCreate a temporary stop\nSign up for recurring payments\nPay your bill\nUpdate your billing info\n\n\u00a9 Copyright 2023 NOLA.com 840 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\nThis website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.\n ", "url": "https://www.nola.com/news/environment/new-orleans-prepares-for-three-months-of-salt-intrusion/article_03452ac2-5d64-11ee-ba66-2fb982d2b7c1.html", "title": "New Orleans preparing for three months of salt water in drinking water supply" } diff --git a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/Some New Orleans City Council members voice concerns over mayor's consent decree hearing stance.json b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/Some New Orleans City Council members voice concerns over mayor's consent decree hearing stance.json new file mode 100644 index 00000000..c535b789 --- /dev/null +++ b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/Some New Orleans City Council members voice concerns over mayor's consent decree hearing stance.json @@ -0,0 +1,9 @@ +{ + "messages": [ + { + "page_content": "NOWCAST\nWDSU News at Noon\nWatch on Demand\nMENU\n76\u00b0\nWEATHER\nSEVERE WEATHER There are currently 3 active weather alerts\n1 / 2\nAdvertisement\nSome New Orleans City Council members voice concerns over mayor's consent decree hearing stance\nShare\nUpdated: 8:55 AM CDT Apr 11, 2023\nInfinite Scroll Enabled\nCassie Schirm\nInvestigative Reporter\nPlay Video\nGET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS\nThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.\nYour Email Address\nSUBMIT\nPrivacy Notice\nNEW ORLEANS \u2014\nSome New Orleans City Council members are voicing their concerns over Mayor LaToya Cantrell's stance on city employees attending public consent decree hearings.\nMayor Cantrell issued a statement a few weeks ago barring any city employees from attending public consent decree meetings without her consent.\nAdvertisement\nThis was a move that Interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork asked for the mayor's support on, saying the hearings didn't focus on constitutional policing and wasted resources.\nThe federal judge overseeing the hearings ordered certain city employees to attend the next hearing after the last meeting was canceled due to the mayor's decision on attendance.\nNew Orleans Council President J.P. Morrell, Vice President Helena Moreno, Joseph I. Giarrusso and Leslie Harris issued a letter to several judges voicing their concerns over the mayor's actions.\nThe letter says the fighting is a \"direct attack on democratic values,\" and \"a waste of resources.\nThey asked for a \"greater collaboration\" between the courts and the city to avoid unnecessary fees.\nRecommended\nTaylor Swift 'Eras Tour:' Everything you need to know before tickets go on sale\nThe letter goes on to say that although the council could not control the mayor, they would consider how public funding is used if the problem surrounding attendance at the meetings persists.\nThe next public consent decree hearing is scheduled for April 12.\nTOP PICKS\nAmazon Prime Big Deal Days 2023: The best deals we're seeing for October Prime Day event\nA mom shielding her son from gunmen and a 'pro-peace' academic are among the Americans killed in Israel\nWhat is Hamas?\nPumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds wins World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in California, sets world record\nWDSU NEW ORLEANS\nContact Us\nNews Team\nApps & Social\nEmail Alerts\nCareers\nInternships\nAdvertise\nDigital Advertising Terms & Conditions\nBroadcast Terms & Conditions\nRSS\nEEO Reports\nCaptioning Contacts\nPublic Inspection File\nPublic File Assistance\nFCC Applications\nNews Policy Statements\nHearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.\n\u00a92023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV.\nPrivacy Notice\nYour California Privacy Rights\nInterest-Based Ads\nTerms of Use\nSite Map", + "url": "https://www.wdsu.com/article/new-orleans-council-members-consent-decree-mayor-concerns/43556031", + "title": "Some New Orleans City Council members voice concerns over mayor's consent decree hearing stance" + } + ] +} \ No newline at end of file diff --git "a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/\342\200\230No_excuses\342\200\231:_Frustrated_council_members_press_Richard\342\200\231s_Disposal_over_garbage_failures.json" "b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/\342\200\230No_excuses\342\200\231:_Frustrated_council_members_press_Richard\342\200\231s_Disposal_over_garbage_failures.json" index 7ea61289..f392cc8d 100644 --- "a/packages/backend/src/news_directory/\342\200\230No_excuses\342\200\231:_Frustrated_council_members_press_Richard\342\200\231s_Disposal_over_garbage_failures.json" +++ "b/packages/backend/src/news_directory/\342\200\230No_excuses\342\200\231:_Frustrated_council_members_press_Richard\342\200\231s_Disposal_over_garbage_failures.json" @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ { "messages": [ { - "page_content": "Skip to main content\nFun & Free\nNewsletter\nAdvertise\nClassifieds\nCalendar\nBECOME A MEMBER\nNext Up\nNEXT UP\nNew steakhouse Medium Rare opens in Uptown\nMedium Rare is not a traditional steakhouse.\n\u2018No excuses\u2019: Frustrated council members press Richard\u2019s Disposal over garbage failures\nBY SARAH RAVITS\nJan 6, 2023\nA Richard's Disposal truck \nPHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD/ THE TIMES-PICAYUNE\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nFrustrated New Orleans City Council members are demanding swift action from Mayor LaToya Cantrell\u2019s administration to resolve Richard\u2019s Disposal\u2019s ongoing failure to haul off residential waste. \nCouncil members Freddie King, Joe Giarrusso and Lesli Harris issued a joint statement Friday, calling on the Department of Sanitation to come up with new plans, citing escalating public health concerns and a declining quality of life for fed-up residents who have complained for months about missed pickups and overflowing, festering bins. \n\u201cThere can be no excuses,\u201d said Giarrusso, who represents District A. \u201cThe trash needs to be collected. This is urgent. This is about delivering basic services. This is a public health issue. The solution is self-evident: Immediate supplementation must be provided with a focus on the missed routes.\u201d \nThe call for action is part of the Council\u2019s ongoing push to get waste management on track in New Orleans.\nAlthough overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Metro Services' trash collection woes, Richard's record has also been inadequate for much of the last year and a half following Hurricane Ida. \n\u201cThe lack of basic trash and recycling pickup service is unacceptable,\u201d District B's Harris said. \u201cIt\u2019s time for the City to get to the bottom of this issue. The Department of Sanitation must announce a plan to stabilize trash collection across Service Area 2.\u201d \nFor months, residents in the service area \u2014 which encompasses large swaths of Uptown, Mid-City, Broadmoor, Gentilly, Ninth Ward and Algiers, have been in distress over the city\u2019s failure to provide this basic municipal service. \n\u201cWe are still seeing a high volume of calls about missed trash and recycling collections in District C on both sides of the river,\u201d said King. \u201cThis issue does not seem to be improving.\" \nAs Carnival season kicks off, the council members emphasized the need for swift action as the city\u2019s population is expected to swell with tourists and celebrations in the coming weeks. \nHarris, who chairs the council\u2019s Quality of Life Committee, said, \u201cit should not be the responsibility of residents to constantly report missed pickups.\" \nCantrell's administration also acknowledged the problem Friday afternoon and issued a statement, saying they were confident that they will find a solution. \"The City of New Orleans is aware of Richard's failure to live up to the demands of its contract,\" a spokesperson said. \"The administration has been working toward a solution that will ensure the residents will receive the sanitations they pay for and that they deserve.\" \nThis story has been updated with a statement from the Cantrell administration. \nBECOME A GAMBIT MEMBER AND JOIN OUR KREWE TODAY\nFor more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. We\u2019ve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, danced in the streets with you and cried over our collective loss with you. And we\u2019re plannin\u2019 on being here for 40 more. To do that, we need your help. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission\nSUPPORT GAMBIT\nEmail Sarah Ravits at sravits@gambitweekly.com\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nGambit's Events Calendar\nFor more upcoming events visit calendar.gambitweekly.com\nOct\n7\nFestival\nInternational Arts Festival\nSat, Oct 7, 2023\nOct\n7\nFestival\nTwin Steeples' 2023 Village Arts Market\nSat, Oct 7, 2023\nOct\n7\nArt\n\"Murmuration\"\nSat, Oct 7, 2023\nOct\n7\nMore Events\nWomen's Music & Food Festival\nSat, Oct 7, 2023\nC'est What?\nWhat are you most looking forward to eating this fall?\nGumbo\nIt's a month ending in \"r,\" so oysters\nSome Louisiana game, like duck\nI've been freebasing pumpkin spice since Oct. 1\nVote View Results\nAbout Gambit\nCurrent Issue of Gambit\nNewsletter Sign-Up\nHome Delivery\nAd Info & Rates\nNational Advertising\nAbout Us\nCareers at Gambit\nArchives\nContact\nPuzzles\nComing to New Orleans?\nArt\nEvents\nMusic\nFestivals\nGambit Ink Settings Privacy Statement Terms of Use\n\n\u00a9 2023 Gambit\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\n This website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.", + "page_content": "Skip to main content\nFun & Free\nNewsletter\nAdvertise\nClassifieds\nCalendar\nBECOME A MEMBER\n\u2018No excuses\u2019: Frustrated council members press Richard\u2019s Disposal over garbage failures\nBY SARAH RAVITS\nJan 6, 2023\nA Richard's Disposal truck \nPHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD/ THE TIMES-PICAYUNE\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nFrustrated New Orleans City Council members are demanding swift action from Mayor LaToya Cantrell\u2019s administration to resolve Richard\u2019s Disposal\u2019s ongoing failure to haul off residential waste. \nCouncil members Freddie King, Joe Giarrusso and Lesli Harris issued a joint statement Friday, calling on the Department of Sanitation to come up with new plans, citing escalating public health concerns and a declining quality of life for fed-up residents who have complained for months about missed pickups and overflowing, festering bins. \n\u201cThere can be no excuses,\u201d said Giarrusso, who represents District A. \u201cThe trash needs to be collected. This is urgent. This is about delivering basic services. This is a public health issue. The solution is self-evident: Immediate supplementation must be provided with a focus on the missed routes.\u201d \nThe call for action is part of the Council\u2019s ongoing push to get waste management on track in New Orleans.\nAlthough overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Metro Services' trash collection woes, Richard's record has also been inadequate for much of the last year and a half following Hurricane Ida. \n\u201cThe lack of basic trash and recycling pickup service is unacceptable,\u201d District B's Harris said. \u201cIt\u2019s time for the City to get to the bottom of this issue. The Department of Sanitation must announce a plan to stabilize trash collection across Service Area 2.\u201d \nFor months, residents in the service area \u2014 which encompasses large swaths of Uptown, Mid-City, Broadmoor, Gentilly, Ninth Ward and Algiers, have been in distress over the city\u2019s failure to provide this basic municipal service. \n\u201cWe are still seeing a high volume of calls about missed trash and recycling collections in District C on both sides of the river,\u201d said King. \u201cThis issue does not seem to be improving.\" \nAs Carnival season kicks off, the council members emphasized the need for swift action as the city\u2019s population is expected to swell with tourists and celebrations in the coming weeks. \nHarris, who chairs the council\u2019s Quality of Life Committee, said, \u201cit should not be the responsibility of residents to constantly report missed pickups.\" \nCantrell's administration also acknowledged the problem Friday afternoon and issued a statement, saying they were confident that they will find a solution. \"The City of New Orleans is aware of Richard's failure to live up to the demands of its contract,\" a spokesperson said. \"The administration has been working toward a solution that will ensure the residents will receive the sanitations they pay for and that they deserve.\" \nThis story has been updated with a statement from the Cantrell administration. \nBECOME A GAMBIT MEMBER AND JOIN OUR KREWE TODAY\nFor more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. We\u2019ve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, danced in the streets with you and cried over our collective loss with you. And we\u2019re plannin\u2019 on being here for 40 more. To do that, we need your help. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission\nSUPPORT GAMBIT\nEmail Sarah Ravits at sravits@gambitweekly.com\nFacebook\nTwitter\nEmail\nPrint\nCopy article link\nSave\nGambit's Events Calendar\nFor more upcoming events visit calendar.gambitweekly.com\nOct\n10\nMusic\nRichard \"Piano\" Scott\nTue, Oct 10, 2023\nOct\n10\nMusic\nThe Villians\nTue, Oct 10, 2023\nOct\n10\nMusic\nYusa & Victor Campbell\nTue, Oct 10, 2023\nOct\n10\nMusic\nColin Myers\nTue, Oct 10, 2023\nC'est What?\nWhat are you most looking forward to eating this fall?\nGumbo\nIt's a month ending in \"r,\" so oysters\nSome Louisiana game, like duck\nI've been freebasing pumpkin spice since Oct. 1\nVote View Results\nAbout Gambit\nCurrent Issue of Gambit\nNewsletter Sign-Up\nHome Delivery\nAd Info & Rates\nNational Advertising\nAbout Us\nCareers at Gambit\nArchives\nContact\nPuzzles\nComing to New Orleans?\nArt\nEvents\nMusic\nFestivals\nGambit Ink Settings Privacy Statement Terms of Use\n\n\u00a9 2023 Gambit\nPowered by BLOX Content Management System from BLOX Digital.\nThis website stores data such as cookies to enable essential website functionality, marketing, personalization and analytics. By remaining on this website you indicate your consent. See updated terms and conditions.\n ", "url": "https://www.nola.com/gambit/news/the_latest/no-excuses-frustrated-council-members-press-richard-s-disposal-over-garbage-failures/article_e62546c4-8df8-11ed-bab6-2b43058e872b.html", "title": "\u2018No excuses\u2019: Frustrated council members press Richard\u2019s Disposal over garbage failures" } diff --git a/packages/backend/src/preprocessor.py b/packages/backend/src/preprocessor.py new file mode 100644 index 00000000..f14f8a77 --- /dev/null +++ b/packages/backend/src/preprocessor.py @@ -0,0 +1,247 @@ +import logging +import os +from langchain.document_loaders import ( + Docx2txtLoader, + JSONLoader, +) +from langchain.text_splitter import RecursiveCharacterTextSplitter +from langchain.embeddings import OpenAIEmbeddings +from langchain.chains import LLMChain, HypotheticalDocumentEmbedder +from langchain.prompts import PromptTemplate +from langchain.vectorstores.faiss import FAISS +from langchain.llms import OpenAI +from pathlib import Path +import shutil + + +logger = logging.getLogger(__name__) +dir = Path(__file__).parent.absolute() + + +def create_embeddings(): + llm = OpenAI() + + base_embeddings = OpenAIEmbeddings() + + general_prompt_template = """ + As an AI assistant, your role is to provide concise, balanced summaries from the transcripts of New Orleans City Council meetings in response to the user's query "{user_query}". Your response should not exceed one paragraph in length. If the available information from the transcripts is insufficient to accurately summarize the issue, respond with 'Insufficient information available.' If the user's query extends beyond the scope of information contained in the transcripts, state 'I don't know.' + Answer:""" + + in_depth_prompt_template = """ + As an AI assistant, use the New Orleans City Council transcript data that you were trained on to provide an in-depth and balanced response to the following query: "{user_query}" + Answer:""" + + general_prompt = PromptTemplate( + input_variables=["user_query"], template=general_prompt_template + ) + in_depth_prompt = PromptTemplate( + input_variables=["user_query"], template=in_depth_prompt_template + ) + + llm_chain_general = LLMChain(llm=llm, prompt=general_prompt) + llm_chain_in_depth = LLMChain(llm=llm, prompt=in_depth_prompt) + + general_embeddings = HypotheticalDocumentEmbedder( + llm_chain=llm_chain_general, + base_embeddings=base_embeddings, + ) + in_depth_embeddings = HypotheticalDocumentEmbedder( + llm_chain=llm_chain_in_depth, base_embeddings=base_embeddings + ) + + return base_embeddings, base_embeddings + + +def metadata_func_minutes_and_agendas(record: dict, metadata: dict) -> dict: + metadata["title"] = record.get("title") + metadata["page_number"] = record.get("page_number") + return metadata + + +def create_db_from_minutes_and_agendas(doc_directory): + logger.info("Creating database from minutes...") + all_docs = [] + for doc_file in os.listdir(doc_directory): + if not doc_file.endswith(".json"): + continue + doc_path = os.path.join(doc_directory, doc_file) + loader = JSONLoader( + file_path=doc_path, + jq_schema=".messages[]", + content_key="page_content", + metadata_func=metadata_func_minutes_and_agendas, + ) + + data = loader.load() + text_splitter = RecursiveCharacterTextSplitter( + chunk_size=15000, chunk_overlap=10000 + ) + docs = text_splitter.split_documents(data) + all_docs.extend(docs) + logger.info("Finished database from minutes...") + return all_docs + + +def metadata_func(record: dict, metadata: dict) -> dict: + metadata["timestamp"] = record.get("timestamp") + metadata["url"] = record.get("url") + metadata["title"] = record.get("title") + metadata["publish_date"] = record.get("publish_date") + + return metadata + + +def metadata_news(record: dict, metadata: dict) -> dict: + metadata["url"] = record.get("url") + metadata["title"] = record.get("title") + return metadata + + +def create_db_from_news_transcripts(news_json_directory): + logger.info("Creating database from CJ transcripts...") + all_docs = [] + for doc_file in os.listdir(news_json_directory): + if not doc_file.endswith(".json"): + continue + doc_path = os.path.join(news_json_directory, doc_file) + loader = JSONLoader( + file_path=doc_path, + jq_schema=".messages[]", + content_key="page_content", + metadata_func=metadata_news, + ) + + data = loader.load() + text_splitter = RecursiveCharacterTextSplitter( + chunk_size=500, chunk_overlap=250 + ) + docs = text_splitter.split_documents(data) + all_docs.extend(docs) + logger.info("Finished database from news transcripts...") + return all_docs + + +def create_db_from_cj_transcripts(cj_json_directory): + logger.info("Creating database from CJ transcripts...") + all_docs = [] + for doc_file in os.listdir(cj_json_directory): + if not doc_file.endswith(".json"): + continue + doc_path = os.path.join(cj_json_directory, doc_file) + loader = JSONLoader( + file_path=doc_path, + jq_schema=".messages[]", + content_key="page_content", + metadata_func=metadata_func, + ) + + data = loader.load() + text_splitter = RecursiveCharacterTextSplitter( + chunk_size=20000, chunk_overlap=10000 + ) + docs = text_splitter.split_documents(data) + all_docs.extend(docs) + logger.info("Finished database from CJ transcripts...") + return all_docs + + +def create_db_from_fc_transcripts(fc_json_directory): + logger.info("Creating database from FC transcripts...") + all_docs = [] + for doc_file in os.listdir(fc_json_directory): + if not doc_file.endswith(".json"): + continue + doc_path = os.path.join(fc_json_directory, doc_file) + loader = JSONLoader( + file_path=doc_path, + jq_schema=".messages[]", + content_key="page_content", + metadata_func=metadata_func, + ) + + data = loader.load() + text_splitter = RecursiveCharacterTextSplitter( + chunk_size=20000, chunk_overlap=10000 + ) + docs = text_splitter.split_documents(data) + all_docs.extend(docs) + logger.info("Finished database from FC transcripts...") + return all_docs + + +def create_db_from_public_comments(pc_json_directory): + logger.info("Creating database from FC transcripts...") + all_docs = [] + for doc_file in os.listdir(pc_json_directory): + if not doc_file.endswith(".json"): + continue + doc_path = os.path.join(pc_json_directory, doc_file) + loader = JSONLoader( + file_path=doc_path, + jq_schema=".messages[]", + content_key="page_content", + metadata_func=metadata_func, + ) + + data = loader.load() + text_splitter = RecursiveCharacterTextSplitter( + chunk_size=1000, chunk_overlap=500 + ) + docs = text_splitter.split_documents(data) + all_docs.extend(docs) + logger.info("Finished database from Public Comments...") + return all_docs + + +def create_db_from_youtube_urls_and_pdfs( + fc_json_directory, + cj_json_directory, + doc_directory, + pc_directory, + news_directory, + general_embeddings, + in_depth_embeddings, +): + fc_video_docs = create_db_from_fc_transcripts(fc_json_directory) + cj_video_docs = create_db_from_cj_transcripts(cj_json_directory) + pdf_docs = create_db_from_minutes_and_agendas(doc_directory) + pc_docs = create_db_from_public_comments(pc_directory) + news_docs = create_db_from_news_transcripts(news_directory) + + all_docs = fc_video_docs + cj_video_docs + pc_docs + news_docs + + db_general = FAISS.from_documents(all_docs, general_embeddings) + db_in_depth = FAISS.from_documents(all_docs, in_depth_embeddings) + + cache_dir = dir.joinpath("cache") + if not os.path.exists(cache_dir): + os.makedirs(cache_dir) + + save_dir_general = cache_dir.joinpath("faiss_index_general") + save_dir_in_depth = cache_dir.joinpath("faiss_index_in_depth") + + db_general.save_local(save_dir_general) + db_in_depth.save_local(save_dir_in_depth) + + db_general.save_local(save_dir_general) + db_in_depth.save_local(save_dir_in_depth) + + logger.info( + f"Combined database for general model transcripts created frfom all video URLs and PDF files saved to {save_dir_general}" + ) + logger.info( + f"Combined database for in-depth model transcripts created from all video URLs and PDF files saved to {save_dir_in_depth}" + ) + + # copy results to cloud function + dest_dir_general = dir.parent.parent.joinpath( + "googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_general" + ) + dest_dir_in_depth = dir.parent.parent.joinpath( + "googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_in_depth" + ) + + shutil.copytree(save_dir_general, dest_dir_general, dirs_exist_ok=True) + shutil.copytree(save_dir_in_depth, dest_dir_in_depth, dirs_exist_ok=True) + + return db_general, db_in_depth diff --git a/packages/external-data/src/__main__.py b/packages/external-data/src/__main__.py index 5a20faea..f710209b 100644 --- a/packages/external-data/src/__main__.py +++ b/packages/external-data/src/__main__.py @@ -1,14 +1,34 @@ import os from news_extractor import url_to_json_selenium import json +from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor + +MAX_WORKERS = 5 + + +def process_url(url): + try: + data = url_to_json_selenium(url) + output_dir = "../../backend/src/news_directory" + sanitized_title = ( + data["messages"][0]["title"] + .replace(" ", "_") + .replace("/", "-") + .replace("?", "") + ) + filename = f"{sanitized_title}.json" + filename = os.path.join(output_dir, filename) + + with open(filename, "w") as f: + f.write(json.dumps(data, indent=4)) + except Exception as e: + print(f"Exception for URL {url}: {str(e)}") + def main(): - # Predefined list of URLs url_list = [ - 'https://www.nola.com/news/politics/how-should-new-orleans-spend-millions-of-one-time-funds-new-debate-begins/article_ef36af06-d320-11ed-b9fe-978f03c2909b.html', - "https://www.wdsu.com/article/new-orleans-mayor-latoya-cantrell-consent-decree-hearing-jeffrey-vappie/44951427", + "https://www.nola.com/news/politics/how-should-new-orleans-spend-millions-of-one-time-funds-new-debate-begins/article_ef36af06-d320-11ed-b9fe-978f03c2909b.html", "https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/judge-offers-no-ruling-on-citys-motion-to-exit-consent-decree/article_1871f7dc-15c9-11ee-ad6c-afaeccd8e9dc.html", - "https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/they-cannot-keep-up-nopd-chief-nominee-anne-kirkpatrick-weighs-in-on-staffing-and-consent-decree/289-0beaa1e4-b91f-42ab-bd6b-c69428601e1a", "https://www.nola.com/news/environment/new-orleans-prepares-for-three-months-of-salt-intrusion/article_03452ac2-5d64-11ee-ba66-2fb982d2b7c1.html", "https://lailluminator.com/2023/07/28/new-orleans-police-use-of-facial-recognition-nets-zero-arrests-in-9-months/", "https://lailluminator.com/2023/06/03/theyre-guzzlers-new-orleans-ignores-clean-fleet-law-during-50-million-vehicle-buying-spree/", @@ -16,29 +36,18 @@ def main(): "https://www.fox8live.com/video/2023/03/15/city-council-questions-911-call-center-director-tyrell-morris-over-life-threatening-failures/", "https://www.nola.com/news/politics/swb-needs-major-changes-to-avoid-more-failures-bgr-says/article_1d13e9c8-f50b-11ed-9c45-67da1c67c50c.html", "https://lailluminator.com/2023/02/18/frequent-outages-could-lead-to-big-fines-for-entergy-new-orleans-under-new-standards/", - "https://www.nola.com/news/business/new-orleans-city-council-agrees-to-audit-entergy-management-after-series-of-failures/article_aea2bd02-865d-11eb-a4dc-4ff26eb0bf9e.html", "https://www.nola.com/gambit/news/the_latest/no-excuses-frustrated-council-members-press-richard-s-disposal-over-garbage-failures/article_e62546c4-8df8-11ed-bab6-2b43058e872b.html", - "https://www.fox8live.com/2023/05/23/entergy-again-sues-new-orleans-city-council-over-1-million-reliability-fine/", - - + "https://www.wdsu.com/article/new-orleans-council-members-consent-decree-mayor-concerns/43556031", + "https://fightbacknews.org/articles/city-new-orleans-attempts-exit-consent-decree-protesters-demand-community-control-police", ] - # Ensure the output directory exists output_dir = "../../backend/src/news_directory" if not os.path.exists(output_dir): os.makedirs(output_dir) - # Loop over the URLs and call url_to_json for each - for url in url_list: - data = url_to_json_selenium(url) - - # Construct filename using title - sanitized_title = data['messages'][0]['title'].replace(" ", "_").replace("/", "-").replace("?", "") - filename = f"{sanitized_title}.json" - filename = os.path.join(output_dir, filename) + with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=MAX_WORKERS) as executor: + executor.map(process_url, url_list) - with open(filename, 'w') as f: - f.write(json.dumps(data, indent=4)) if __name__ == "__main__": main() diff --git a/packages/external-data/src/news_extractor.py b/packages/external-data/src/news_extractor.py index 14fe6589..cbb4ba6e 100644 --- a/packages/external-data/src/news_extractor.py +++ b/packages/external-data/src/news_extractor.py @@ -3,37 +3,43 @@ from selenium.webdriver.support.ui import WebDriverWait from selenium.webdriver.support import expected_conditions as EC from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By +import time -def url_to_json_selenium(url): + +def url_to_json_selenium(url, retries=3, retry_delay=10): options = webdriver.ChromeOptions() - options.add_argument('--headless') - options.add_argument('--no-sandbox') - options.add_argument('--disable-dev-shm-usage') - driver = webdriver.Chrome(options=options) + options.add_argument("--headless") + options.add_argument("--no-sandbox") + options.add_argument("--disable-dev-shm-usage") + + for _ in range(retries): + driver = webdriver.Chrome(options=options) + driver.set_page_load_timeout(120) - driver.get(url) + try: + driver.get(url) - content = "" - title = "" + element_present = EC.presence_of_element_located((By.TAG_NAME, "body")) + WebDriverWait(driver, 20).until(element_present) + content = driver.find_element(By.TAG_NAME, "body").text + title = driver.find_element(By.TAG_NAME, "h1").text + driver.quit() - try: - # Extract details - element_present = EC.presence_of_element_located((By.TAG_NAME, 'body')) - WebDriverWait(driver, 10).until(element_present) - content = driver.find_element(By.TAG_NAME, 'body').text - title = driver.find_element(By.TAG_NAME, 'h1').text # Assuming h1 contains the title - except Exception as e: - content = str(e) - finally: - driver.quit() + data = { + "messages": [ + { + "page_content": content, + "url": url, + "title": title, + } + ] + } + return data - # Construct the data dictionary - data = { - 'messages': [{ - 'page_content': content, - 'url': url, - 'title': title, - }] - } - - return data + except Exception as e: + driver.quit() + if _ < retries - 1: + time.sleep(retry_delay) + else: + print(f"Exception for URL {url}: {e}") + return None diff --git a/packages/googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_general.dvc b/packages/googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_general.dvc index 7ad686c5..5be20350 100644 --- a/packages/googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_general.dvc +++ b/packages/googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_general.dvc @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ outs: -- md5: a24860187980809559c1ff0080e1fb04.dir - size: 61608632 +- md5: d07971bfff9fe1cfc9945b4832e4e8cd.dir + size: 61510905 nfiles: 2 hash: md5 path: faiss_index_general diff --git a/packages/googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_in_depth.dvc b/packages/googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_in_depth.dvc index e6f4e6d1..2c936564 100644 --- a/packages/googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_in_depth.dvc +++ b/packages/googlecloud/functions/getanswer/cache/faiss_index_in_depth.dvc @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ outs: -- md5: bc426e6fc45f4d7637595ca2b3ecb29c.dir - size: 61608632 +- md5: e4a10bf562e949f6e4db8f16d360e9a4.dir + size: 61510905 nfiles: 2 hash: md5 path: faiss_index_in_depth diff --git a/packages/web/app/api/v1/cards/route.ts b/packages/web/app/api/v1/cards/route.ts index ad3b97f1..037fc41c 100644 --- a/packages/web/app/api/v1/cards/route.ts +++ b/packages/web/app/api/v1/cards/route.ts @@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ export const dynamic = "force-dynamic"; const supabaseUrl = process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_SUPABASE_URL || "PLACEHOLDER"; const supabaseSecretServiceKey = - process.env.SUPABASE_SERVICE_ROLE_SECRET || "PLACEHOLDER"; + process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_SUPABASE_ANON_KEY || "PLACEHOLDER"; /* Create card * Not creating directly from client because: diff --git a/packages/web/components/BetaCard.tsx b/packages/web/components/BetaCard.tsx index 6d43b6c7..39726e20 100644 --- a/packages/web/components/BetaCard.tsx +++ b/packages/web/components/BetaCard.tsx @@ -164,78 +164,6 @@ const BetaCard = ({ card }: { card: ICard }) => { )} - - {/* Comments Section */} -
- - - {showComments && ( - <> -

- -
- setDisplayName(e.target.value)} - /> -
- - -
-