Brief New Orleans media roundup

by: Laura Wintroub

Mon Aug 23, 2010 at 14:39:37 PM EDT

Lots of interesting stuff happening in New Orleans these days.  The upcoming five year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is nearly upon us, and the long-term effects of the oil spill remain somewhat unknown.  Add in a new mayor and a major city budget deficit, and the activity is more than palpable.

Mayor Mitch Landrieu addressed a gathering at the National Press Club last week.  Among other statements, he predicted that the joint recovery from Katrina and the BP oil spill will take at least another five years.  While that timeframe doesn't come as a surprise, it does reinforce just how much rebuilding work remains.

For other Katrina anniversary media coverage, check out this NPR guide to television retrsopectives airing this week in honor of the five year anniversary.  And for a jolt back to present day, today's New York Times has an article about the progress of the city's new defense system against future mega storms.

Lastly, for a look at what's happening locally, the Times Picayune just posted this listing of Katrina fifth anniversary events taking place throughout the city this week.  There's an incredibly rich collection of talks, tours, and service events planned.  Also included in the post are some of the photos originally published before, during, and after the storm.