Slow progress in New Orleans...

On August 29, 2005, as Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, the levees constructed by the US Corps of Engineers failed in five places and New Orleans filled with water (top picture).

A few days later, a chemical fire loomed over the skyline. Nearly a year later, the water is gone and the smoke has cleared, but the rebuilding and recovery have been slow.

I had the opportunity to see the damage first-hand last November. Beyond description. I keep hoping that people will come back and rebuild the city. My plans are to make a return visit to New Orleans in November. Hopefully, there will be positive news to report.

(Photo: Vincent Laforet / The New York Times)