A federal judge denied the Southern Poverty Law Center’s request to make a formal objection.
Posted inBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens episode 164: ‘There’s no magic’
Magic Johnson pitches a ‘smart cities’ deal. A potential end to federal monitoring of special education in New Orleans. And a city panel decides to give much-criticized jail healthcare contractor Wellpath another chance.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Judge threatens contempt for city officials over Phase III delays
The judge said he will likely give the city until mid-May to complete a required FEMA report.
Posted inSchools
City Council approves agreement to send $1.5 m annually to NOLA Public Schools
A new millage, if approved by voters later this month, will raise $21 million annually for 1,000 new early childhood education seats.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council freezes budgets of two struggling departments to force Mayor Cantrell to make changes
The council characterizes the moves as accountability measures for underperforming departments. But the Cantrell administration says they could make things worse.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
NBA legend Magic Johnson tells City Council to back Cantrell’s ‘smart cities’ project, despite missing details
The City Council still needs to approve the multi-year contract for the contract, but so far, that contract hasn’t been presented to the public or Council President Helena Moreno.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Sponsor defers bill ending medical co-pays for prisoners
After DOC objections, New Orleans legislator says she will work out a compromise, which could result in reduced, rather than eliminated, medical fees for some.
Posted inCoronavirus
In final report, district shows few COVID-19 cases but it’s unclear how many schools are reporting
Only four schools reported cases or quarantines. It’s unclear whether the majority of city public schools submitted reports.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Judge, DOJ, civil rights attorneys not buying city’s claim that FEMA is delaying Phase III
The city was ordered to submit documents proving that FEMA requires additional public engagement prior to construction of the jail facility. A federal judge said the documents produced “simply do not support that contention.”
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City considering merging EMS and Fire Department
EMS unaware of any merger plans prior to remarks from mayor, spokesman says.