| By DREW BROACH | Staff writer |
GONE TO SEED: With crime and other quality-of-life concerns prompting some of the highest levels of resident disapproval of New Orleans and its leaders in years, blight is under a renewed spotlight. Residents regularly ask what's to be done about properties that have gone to seed, including the notable major eyesores such as the riverside Market Street Power Plant, the former Navy office complex in Bywater, the Plaza Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District or the old Lindy Boggs Medical Center in Mid-City. Want more stories like this? Sign up for our free NOLA Business Insider newsletter, emailed weekday mornings. HELP WANTED: Staffing shortages and infighting among a dwindling number of decision-makers are hampering investigations of chemical fires, explosions and other petrochemical industry accidents in Louisiana and across the United States, according to a new federal inspector’s report. The five-seat U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has only two members, and the agency has several “mission-critical” staff positions that have remained unfilled for more than year. Get more environment articles by subscribing to our free Louisiana Coastal Watch newsletter, emailed weekly. LETDOWN: At 3-7, the New Orleans Saints just aren’t performing up to fans’ expectations this year. They’re so bad that a ticket to Sunday’s game against the Rams at the Caesars Superdome is cheaper than one to the Celtics-Pelicans game Friday night at the Smoothie King Center. And one of the team’s best players will miss the Rams game, his first because of injury in 12 years. Their record makes one wonder how the Saints pulled off such a decisive victory over the Raiders in Week 8, eh? Here’s one explanation. Meanwhile, with Andy Dalton still the Saints starting quarterback, Jameis Winston bides his time. We also have free Saints and Pelicans newsletters. Welcome to the weekend. Catch the latest news all day on NOLA.com. D.B. | 