The local flood protection authority is trying to determine whether it should let the Army Corps of Engineers add a protective layer to levees that may have been built too low. If the work happens and then the levees have to be raised, it would waste a lot of money — but the protective layer would add protection right away.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Library system again warns of impending cuts as reserve money begins to run out
Council members pledge support for asking voters to increase property taxes to help libraries.
Posted inEnvironment
First of two important court dates coming on wetlands lawsuit against oil and gas
Industry attorneys will try to convince a federal judge that flood-protection board doesn’t have authority to sue.
Posted inSchools
36 RSD charter schools now eligible to return to local School Board control
Charter leaders have two months to decide whether to return to Orleans Parish School Board oversight.
Posted inSchools
Tax to help schools runs into static because RSD would get some money
Next month, New Orleans voters will decide whether to extend an expiring property tax that finances repairs to public school buildings, but the measure is facing resistance from unlikely people: some members of the Orleans Parish School Board. Indeed, three out of the seven members voted against even sending the question to voters. That’s because the measure takes millions of dollars now controlled by the School Board and puts them in the hands of the Recovery School District, even though the state-run district isn’t mentioned anywhere in the ballot proposition.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Update: Civil Service’s leader can legally serve past her expired term
Earlier version of this story provided a misleading impression that chairwoman’s services was improper.
Posted inLand Use, Opinion
Don’t take the Quarter for granted: Urgent reforms are imperative
Collapse of a Royal Street building shows more than love is needed to save the Vieux Carré.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
View U.S. Senate, New Orleans races on our election map
Our maps were updated continually on Election Night as the Secretary of State counted votes. We tracked U.S. Senate, New Orleans judicial races and statewide constitutional amendments important to the city.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Civil Service Commission abruptly changes city hiring practices without explanation
In addition to the lack of discussion on changes, members won’t even confirm how they voted.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Opinion
Chief public defender: Vote tomorrow for judges willing to back sentencing reform
Twenty-year sentences for non-violent, victimless crimes are both unjust and a huge waste of taxpayer dollars.