Safura Syed

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Safura Syed

A utility crew restores power at a New Orleans intersection after Hurricane Francine in September 2024. (John Gray/Verite News)NEW ORLEANS – The recent end to a state-led energy efficiency program combined with massive layoffs last month at the federal agency that provides electric bill assistance to low-income households have residents of greater New Orleans worried about how they are going to cool their homes during the hottest months of the year.

4 weeks ago | veritenews.org | Safura Syed

The New Orleans City Council approved an ordinance on Thursday (May 8) that will protect sex workers from arrest and prosecution for prostitution when they have reported crimes committed against them while working. All six members present at the council meeting voted in favor of the proposed ordinance. District C Representative Freddie King wasn’t present, but voted to recommend passage during a council committee hearing last week.

1 month ago | wwno.org | Safura Syed

The New Orleans City Council approved an ordinance on Thursday (May 8) that will protect sex workers from arrest and prosecution for prostitution when they have reported crimes committed against them while working.

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Safura Syed

Sharon Lavigne, founder of the environmental justice group Rise St. James, holds a sign while pointing out where her property was damaged by high wind during Hurricane Francine. (Drew Costley/ Verite News)As a resident of St. James Parish, Barbara Washington is already surrounded by plastics manufacturers, chemical companies and natural gas refineries that populate the parish.

1 month ago | veritenews.org | Safura Syed

As a resident of St. James Parish, Barbara Washington is already surrounded by plastics manufacturers, chemical companies and natural gas refineries that populate the parish. But the local government is looking to pave the way for more industry — at the expense of her community’s health, she told Verite News.