The Times picked two of their senior-most writers to report this story. They assembled a large team and worked for weeks to create an in-depth, three-part investigation into the church. One of the best stories they've done in years.

Having lived for a while in New Orleans, this insightful review only confirms my worst suspicions. The author clearly knows the city and has done his homework. He interviews a variety of local culture experts who have returned, some who have not, and quotes a very bleak municipal report. The combination gives us a believable (albeit dismal) assessment of the city's cultural landscape. My only criticism - which derives more from my own grief at the situation than a reproach of the reporting: are there no voices left with anything encouraging to say?