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.
Once again, The Lens is partnering with ProPublica's Electionland coalition to report on long lines, registration problems and other issues that prevent eligible voters from casting a ballot. We need your help.
Economists cast doubt on the work of UNO's Hospitality Research Center. For the first time, OPSB denies industrial tax exemption. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal rules for The Lens in public records suit.
An astroturfing company finds itself between feuding billionaires. And we finally learn what mayor LaToya Cantrell knew about the city's 911 director before she abruptly called for his firing last month.
Emails, memos accuse the former 911 executive director of racism, sexism and general mismanagement. The complaints go back to the Landrieu administration.
Mayor Cantrell appears to have broken state law with private Sewerage and Water Board conference calls. Group proposes strict new rules for short-term rentals.
This week featured a look at New Orleans charter schools that have developed reputations for accommodating kids with special needs. It was produced in partnership with The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education.
All three ousted deputy directors recently received large pay raises. Meanwhile, the utility, citing a financial crisis, has been shutting off water service to delinquent customers.
The Lens obtained the names of the first 44 customers who faced disconnection from the Sewerage and Water Board. Some complained of unfair treatment, mysterious bills and longstanding disputes with the utility.
The governing board of the Orleans Parish Communication District, which runs the city’s 911 service, fired longtime Executive Director Stephen Gordon in a meeting that, to put it mildly, was unusual. The move came at the strong recommendation of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who doesn’t directly run the 911 board but has considerable sway over it.
