New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Thursday presented a proposed $722 million city general fund budget for next year, an increase of $21 million — or 2.8 percent — above this year’s expected $702 million budget. Much of the increase will go to public safety, such as the police and fire departments, as well as […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Uncategorized
Cantrell proposes compromise on property tax rates in new revenue forecast
Also on Wednesday, the City Council voted to lower assessed property values for thousands of property owners appealing this summer’s controversial reassessments.
Posted inSchools
NOLA Public Schools asks board for more in property taxes next year
If the board doesn’t approve a tax “roll forward,” city schools stand to lose about $9 million, CFO says.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Gubernatorial primary results: Edwards to face Rispone in November runoff
Gov. John Bel Edwards fell short of winning a second term outright. He will now face Republican businessman Eddie Rispone in the runoff. New Orleans property tax amendment, a priority for Mayor Cantrell, fails by a wide margin. Cynthia Lee Sheng to be the first woman president of Jefferson Parish. See Saturday’s results on our maps.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 52: ‘They’re only going to be reviewing 25 student files at every school they go to for this city-wide audit’
NOLA Public Schools begins its city-wide audit of student records, the City Planning Commission votes against a proposal to add beds at the New Orleans jail, technology is helping pinpoint the impacts of the Bonnet Carre spillway diversion, and coverage from The Lens on Saturday night for election results.
Posted inOpinion
David v. Goliath: The October March to save lives in Louisiana’s ‘Death Alley’
Rise St. James and Concerned Citizens of St. John plan a second march to raise awareness about the impact of the chemical industry in Louisiana’s ‘Death Alley.’
Posted inSchools
Citywide school audit will cover about 5 percent of high school student files
A former deputy superintendent says the audit is a good start, but the district needs to look at more than what is currently planned.
Posted inCriminal Justice
City Planning Commission votes against increasing jail capacity
The request to increase the bed cap from 1,438 to 1,731 will now go to the New Orleans City Council.
Posted inOpinion
Fontainebleau State Park: We Need Wilderness Now More Than Ever
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser’s proposed hotel-convention center complex at Fontainebleau State Park raises both environmental and human health concerns.
Posted inSchools
School district’s new high school accountability director starts work at Kennedy
Position was created in the wake of Kennedy HS graduation scandal.