By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – The co-chairmen of the National Oil Spill Commission are standing by the panel's findings and recommendations to prevent another disaster. Lawmakers took turns commending - and some slamming - the commission's final report. Some say it's premature because it doesn't include findings still being determined on why the blowout preventer failed. Co-chairman William Reilly says the review found systemic failures led to the rig explosion and spill, not one piece of equipment.

By Ian McNulty

New Orleans, La. –
If the mention of food trucks makes you think of carnival-time street food or the regrettable term "roach coach," well, it might be time to take another taste.

By Diane Mack

New Orleans, La. – Love,friendship,betrayal and sacrifice set the stage as the New Orleans Opera Association presents Bizet's The Pearl Fishers. New Orleans born soprano, Lisette Oropesa headlines this Indo-French love story. Performances are Friday January 28th at 8pm and Sunday January 30th at 2:30 pm at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. The production is complimented with dancers from the New Orleans Ballet Theater.

New Orleans, LA – Jack Hopke hosts WWNO's weekly news magazine

By Angela Taylor

New Orleans, LA – For the past month, the Recovery School District has hosted public meetings throughout New Orleans to get feedback on its revised school facilities assignment lists. Angela Taylor reports on what's at stake.

We invite your comments or ideas for future reports: educationmatters@wwno.org

New Orleans, LA – Novelists Patty Friedmann ("Taken Away") and Greg Herren ("Sorceress") talk about their new books for young adults. Win Riley describes making his new documentary about Walker Percy.

Mulligatawny Soup (Serves 6 - 8)

1/2 cup chopped onion
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon curry powder
4 cups chicken broth
1 Granny Smith apple cored and chopped, with the peel on
1/2 cup, cooked white rice
1 cup cooked, diced chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup heavy cream

By Fred Kasten

New Orleans – Today - on "The Sound of Books" - with Fred Kasten - the recent true life novel from New York Times bestselling writer Jeannette Walls - "Half Broke Horses"...

To find out more about Jeannette Walls - and "Half Broke Horses" - please click here .

By Eve Abrams

New Orleans, Louisiana – Nine moths after BP's Macondo Well exploded and oil began gushing into Louisiana's fishing waters, businesses who survive on selling local seafood are still adjusting. Eve Abrams learned that less money and more questions are just part of what local seafood purveyors are having to contend with.

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Mayor Landrieu says two organizations are signing on to run Memorial Hospital when it reopens in New Orleans East. The Franciscan Mission of Our Lady will run the hospital. Daughters of Charity will be in charge of clinical operations. He says it could take more than two years for the 80-bed hospital to reopen, but highlighted other signs of public and private investment.