City Council tells criminal court to return more than half-million dollars in bail and conviction fees paid by defendants over last two years
State law dictates that the money be handed over to the city
About this project
The Center for Public Integrity and Columbia Journalism Investigations collaborated on this project with newsrooms around the country.
Disasters are driving a mental health crisis
From climate-fueled storms to COVID-19, mounting catastrophes are sowing stress and trauma. The country’s one program to help reaches only a fraction of survivors.
Behind The Lens episode 95: Save the date
A Metairie wedding venue with a political connection. The People's DA Coalition unveils a new platform to reduce incarceration. And more.
City Council advances proposal to cut library tax funding by 40 percent, claiming that the cut will come ‘without detriment to the library system’
The proposal would go before voters in the Dec. 5 election.
City Council passes ordinance bringing public defender budget closer to DA’s office
Public defenders call it ‘historic moment for New Orleans,’ but there are questions as to whether the ordinance is binding.
Library to see 40 percent budget cut under Cantrell property tax proposal
Mayor wants to rededicate library taxes to infrastructure, maintenance.
Coalition unveils DA platform aimed at ending mass incarceration in New Orleans
The People’s DA Coalition proposes ending use of the habitual offender statute and prosecuting ‘quality-of-life’ crimes, among other reforms
New Orleans charter schools, district team up to access funding for homeless students
The NOLA Public Schools district is the lead educational agency and will reimburse charter schools for eligible expenses.
A Metairie wedding venue has stayed open despite complaints about flouting coronavirus restrictions. Its paid consultant — Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken — spoke to state officials on its behalf.
Public policy professor says the councilwoman doesn’t appear to have violated any laws. But he says it doesn’t look good.
