By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist For more than a month now, Attorney General Jeff Landry, a former sheriff’s deputy and the leading candidate for governor of Louisiana, has been airing television commercials about his experience fighting crime. Not to be...
Opinion / Politics / state government
by Gentilly Messenger · Published May 11, 2023 · Last modified May 12, 2023
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist Two like-minded bills that together will fundamentally redefine the recall process for Louisiana elected officials are working their way through the 2023 legislative session in Baton Rouge. Though the new laws, if ultimately approved, will...
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist The International Association of Chiefs of Police has been conducting meetings across New Orleans this week to receive public comment on what citizens want to see in their next police Chief. NOLA Messenger queried more...
elections / Opinion / Politics
by Gentilly Messenger · Published March 30, 2023 · Last modified March 31, 2023
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist Local Democratic elected leaders, small business owners and deep-pocketed donors eagerly lined up Monday night (March 27) to meet Shawn Wilson, who they hope will be the next governor of Louisiana. Wilson resigned earlier this...
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist How many readers can name the candidates who are running for the two judgeships and the state House race on the March 25 ballot? Probably very few. Wedged between Mardi Gras and the St. Joseph...
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist Voting is a privilege that Americans often take for granted. Millions of people in countries around the world are willing to risk their lives for freedom, democracy and fair elections. Yet thousands of New Orleanians...
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist Now that NoLaToya.org submitted 10 boxes of mayoral recall petitions to Registrar of Voters Sandra Wilson, the pressure on Wilson is mounting. She is responsible for the review and authentication of approximately 50,000 signatures, delivered...
elections / Opinion / public safety / Social Action
by Gentilly Messenger · Published February 2, 2023
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist My heart went out to RowVaugh Wells as she watched the evidence unfold last week against the seven rogue Memphis police officers and three first-responders who are alleged to be responsible for the untimely death...
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist A half dozen candidates, including two current officeholders, paid their filing fees on Wednesday (Jan. 25) for one School Board and two judicial races. Qualifying continues through Friday, Jan. 27. Early voting will take place...
City Government / crime / Opinion / public safety
by Gentilly Messenger · Published January 19, 2023
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist Watching yesterday’s special City Council meeting on crime was very painful. It put a spotlight on the fear, frustration and anger of thousands of New Orleanians who recognize that the city has probably never been...
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist Why are so many New Orleanians and visitors getting shot and even killed recently? The answer is fairly simple. People, especially our young people, are turning to guns to resolve the disputes that used to...
elections / Opinion / Politics
by Gentilly Messenger · Published January 5, 2023 · Last modified January 6, 2023
By Danae Columbus, opinion columnist 2023 will be a busy election year in Louisiana. A new governor, other statewide officials, and multiple judges will be selected. Yet the first race of the new year will fill a vacancy in Orleans...
