The recent deluge debate is set for its next round in the ring otherwise known as the U.S. Capitol. Following the defeat of a measure to curtail skyrocketing flood rates last week, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu introduced a new act today. Last week, Sen. Toomey (R-PA) blocked a Landrieu amendment on flood rates that was made to a large Water Resources bill from going to vote. Landrieu fired back today with the Strengthen Modernize and Reform the National Flood Insurance Program Act (SMART NFIP). 

New Orleans' NBA team may have ditched the Hornets moniker to get their Bayou State mojo working, but the Pelicans will hope to conjure one piece of the Bees' old magic tonight at the league's annual draft lottery. A year ago, the Hornets memorably beat the odds to land the number 1 pick, sending the Brow to the Crescent City. This year, the Pelicans will have to fight off some Magic to land the top spot.

Jacoby Jones makes his money on the football field, but he's been proving all season that he has a New Orleans kid's moves on Dancing with the Stars. On Monday night's episode, the Ravens wide receiver and NOLA native, along with partner Karina Smirnoff, showcased Crescent City attitude in the finals. Lead out by a group steppers, the duo showed some marching band flare and even got a comparison to a... "Mardi Gras parade on Bourbon Street." Well, the dancing was good. Click through to view:

by Ari Braverman of Room 220

“All right! Who’s feeling read-y?” This is how Nik De Dominic asks for volunteers. A voice issues from the middle of three students seated in a conference-style arrangement of tables in a windowless classroom inside Orleans Parish Prison: “Me.”

by John Hagan

Addressing varied topics such as global climate change, growing income disparity, gun control, and his favorite foods (this is New Orleans after all), Tenzin Gyatso, the XIV Dalai Lama brought his message of compassion and peace to New Orleans, a city in desperate need of both.

A Gentilly church was consumed by more than just the holy spirit on Sunday. A man set fire to the building while a service was on progress on May 19, at 10:27am. Cameras caught the arsonist, 36-year-old Sanders Floyd, pouring a combustible liquid on to the bottom of the front doors of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses church (4411 Congress Street) and then setting the fire.

Tonight, grub out in Broadmoor, check out DJ Soul Sister’s weekly film screening, or enjoy some chamber music at the JCC. On this day in 1958, the segregation of the New Orleans streetcars officially ended. Now, more to do this Tuesday.

by Mike Horst

The New Orleans Zephyrs’ hardships on the road continue. Last night, they lost in Fresno, California, to the Grizzlies, 4-2. Jacob Turner took the loss for the Z’s and this game concluded a four game sweep for the Fresno Grizzlies. It is New Orleans’ fifth loss in a row and drops them to a record of 18 wins and 23 losses on the season.

Three years after the Big Oozy, BP is now worried about a leak on the other side of the pond. Unsurprisingly, the British oil giant is worried about the money flowing out of their coffers into Louisiana and the other Gulf states that saw oil on their shores in 2010. According to a report by the BBC, BP HQ thinks their company is in jeopardy because of "fictitious" claim payments. The company is so worried that they want the prime minister to get involved, according to the report.

New Orleans police are looking for a squatting scoundrel following a Sunday night robbery in the French Quarter. About 10:30 p.m., video shows the man, whose face is covered by a bandana, hiding behind a parked car near the intersection of Ursulines Ave. and Dauphine St.

Miles of newly painted bike lanes have New Orleanians leaving their cars at home in favor of two-wheeled vehicles. Trading the truck for the Trek has not gone unnoticed, but the Big Easy is still far down the path to first-class cycling status. This afternoon, District C City Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer and the Regional Planning Committee accepted the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community award.

Photos by Brandon Robert

New Orleans' Social Aide and Pleasure Clubs are undeterred after the horrific Mother's Day shooting, and Central City's Divine Ladies and Unbreakable Men led the marching Sunday for the first time since the tragedy. Photographer Brandon Robert captured the event, a joyous occasion for New Orleanians to show the world that violence has no place in the second lining tradition.  

Questions surrounding the Iberville Redevelopment, a multi-million dollar project that plans to demolish large blocks of public housing, came to the fore at last week's City Council meeting. The legislative debate reopened the public discourse not just on housing, but also the lack of opportunity that many New Orleans residents face. 

Photos by Brandon Robert & Daniel Paschall

This weekend's Boogaloo brought eco-friendly fun to Bayou St. John, and Brandon Robert shot the bands, the crowds, and the canoes from the fest.  Sunday's bicycle second line combined the principles of Boogaloo with brass from Bone Tone and Pocket Aces. Hundreds wheeled up for Bike Easy's event, and photographers Robert and Daniel Paschall captured some highlights. 

Tonight, get fresh at Hollygrove’s annual Party in the Garden, catch a horror flick on St. Claude, or head to Oak Street for the new regular gig from Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. Happy Birthday to local singer/songwriter Susan Cowsill, born May 20, 1959. Now, more to do this Monday.  

Whether you buy their veggies straight from the source or eat them plated at restaurants like Tivoli & Lee, most NOLA folks have enjoyed produce from Hollygrove Market (8301 Olive Street). Tomorrow night, the farm’s fans can show some love at the nonprofit’s Fourth Annual Party in the Garden.