Eileen Fleming

Thousands of New Orleans residents may be skipping their morning shower, due to a boil-water advisory that remains in effect for most of the city.

An environmental group that’s been studying Gulf Coast wetlands for the past decade is shifting its attention north. The America’s Wetland Foundation is focusing on the source of delta construction: the Mississippi River. The new project is called The Big River Works.

Thousands of Venezuelan citizens living in the United States are heading to New Orleans to cast votes in their country’s presidential election. Many are coming from Florida, where opposition to President Hugo Chavez is strong.

New Orleanians are waking up for the first time without their Monday edition of the Times-Picayune. It doesn’t exist anymore. Some readers shared their thoughts on cutbacks taking effect at the paper, and if they’ll give a new venture a chance.

A federal judge in New Orleans has signed off on a $37.5 million settlement involving companies that provided trailers to thousands left homeless from Gulf Coast hurricanes seven years ago. Some residents claim the trailers contained chemicals that made them sick.

Students at the Batiste Cultural Arts Academy in New Orleans are being taught by a special teacher this week. Actress Alfre Woodard is giving lessons on her craft.

The Coast Guard is investigating an oil platform that caught fire 35 miles off the Louisiana coast. Three people on the rig in the Gulf of Mexico have been safely evacuated.

A New Orleans community center destroyed by Hurricane Katrina is getting a $5 million renovation. The new facility is set to be completed by this spring.

A State Department official is in New Orleans with advice on traveling safely while out of the county. Audiences will include University of New Orleans students and delegates at the AARP convention.