Old models fading fast
Whether it's private businesses that once ruled their sectors (such as Kodak and Encyclopedia Britannica) or government institutions (such as public education in the little red school house and the post office) or even entire industries (such as media and banking), the old models from the 20th century are fading fast in a 21st century dominated by the Internet and a digital world. As I have written here before, “Innovate or die.”
Governor gets his way
The concluded legislative session perhaps marks the apex of Gov. Bobby Jindal's power over that other branch of government, and the peak came early.
We're worse than Haiti?
Here's a fact that should make anyone who breathes the contaminated air in this state shudder: Haiti commits a greater percentage of its budget (13%) to higher education than Louisiana (11%).
The push for ISDs
Failed legislation to create a southeast school district hasn't stymied interest in splitting up East Baton Rouge Parish's public education system.
Pain at the pump
Private gas station and convenience store owners battle daily with corporate-owned station prices.
Mitch Rotolo
Mitch Rotolo owned only a few of his namesake pizzerias in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit south Louisiana. He had family in Chalmette and lower Plaquemines Parish, and he knew people who lost their firms to the storm. He realized his small business was vulnerable, too, which helped motivate him to shift into growth mode and diversify into more areas. Rotolo took on a partner, with whom he opened two more restaurants, and started working on franchising documents. “When Hurricane Katrina hit, it was like, 'OK, now is our time,'” he says.
The Big Divide
A conflict between growth and preservation pits neighbor against neighbor in struggle over West Feliciana's future.
