The Front Page: Mitch Landrieu's infrastructure record, Lafitte's fishermen struggle, and more

The Front Page: Mitch Landrieu's infrastructure record, Lafitte's fishermen struggle, and more

By Chad Calder | Staff writer

LANDRIEU'S LEGACY: Mitch Landrieu made news earlier this month when the Biden administration tapped him to oversee spending related to the $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure program. The announcement showered the former mayor with praise, there were some arched brows back home where potholes and flooded streets are the norm. Reporter Jeff Adelson has a look at Landrieu's legacy when it comes to New Orleans infrastructure.

FISHERMEN STRUGGLE: In and around Jean Lafitte, many commercial fishermen saw their boats and businesses trashed by Hurricane Ida. But even those who's skiffs, trawlers and outboards survive now say the muck and mud Ida pushed up into local canals have rendered them unable to get out and make a living.

CLEANERS, TOO: With employees working from home and fancy dinners and Mardi Gras balls canceled, it's been a tough slog for local cleaners. While many people have started going back to work, there is concern that the long-term change in work habits caused by the pandemic are going to make business in an already squeezed industry even tougher.

HIGH STAKES: With a $325 million casino resort hanging in the balance, millions of dollars are being devoted to convincing St. Tammany voters to support or oppose the project. Reporters Sara Pagones and Marie Fazio have a look at the war being waged in mailboxes, on billboards and over the airwaves.

Thanks for starting your day with us. Keep up all day with everything that's going on in the New Orleans area on NOLA.com.

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