"Thanks to the Knight Foundation for this 'knot-hole' [The Vault] through which we, the unwashed, can peer to see just how our tax dollars are being spent by City Hall. Please keep up the good work."
—Eugene B. Kordahl
The Lens (https://thelensnola.org/author/charles-maldonado/)
Charles Maldonado
Charles Maldonado covers the city of New Orleans and other local government bodies. He previously worked for Gambit, New Orleans’ alternative newsweekly, where he covered city hall, criminal justice and public health. Before moving to New Orleans, he covered state and local government for weekly papers in Nashville and Knoxville, Tenn.
CIty denied a public records request from the defense attorney last summer, claiming it would reveal sensitive information related to terrorism prevention. But civil rights groups representing her say the cameras are, in fact, normally used for routine law enforcement and criminal prosecution.
Plus, a City Councilwoman wants the RTA to stop sharing hotel tax revenues with the tourism industry. And a new financial audit of Harney elementary's former charter operator reveals more problems.
Plus, Entergy hits another snag on proposed power plant. NOPD makes some progress meeting consent decree requirements, but it's still not quite there. And rural communities across the state may soon have to take action on their aging water systems.
Hearing is a "comprehensive assessment" of department's progress. The city was originally asked to broadcast it on public access but declined in a December letter to the court.
Plus a year in review from our weekly podcast Behind The Lens. A vote to hand control of McDonogh 35 to a charter group means New Orleans is likely to become the first major city in the country without traditional, direct-run schools. And one of the city's most desirable elementary schools will not accept new pre-K students next year.
The proposal would limit residential whole-home rentals to property owners with homestead exemptions. Kristin Palmer, who authored the plan unveiled last week, said she wants to delay the vote until after the holidays to allow the public to weigh in.
Lawyer asks for federal investigation of Entergy's charitable arm. Teachers have to reapply for their own jobs at charter school facing takeover and eventual closure.
