The City Council has asked a judge to be added to an ongoing lawsuit that seeks to invalidate a 2020 agreement that some council members believe is costing the city millions of dollars.
Author Archives: Madeline Aruffo
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Cantrell asks judge to dismiss suit against Wisner Donation
The suit was filed over disputed legal fees. But the plaintiffs are also requesting that a 2020 agreement extending the land trust in perpetuity be nullified.
Posted inHurricane Ida
Housing advocates: Weak renter protections can result in ‘life-endangering crisis’ after damaging storms
A ‘Healthy Homes Ordinance’ considered by the New Orleans City Council in 2015 and 2017 went nowhere following criticism, legal concerns.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Evictions suspended in New Orleans due to court closures
First and Second City Courts closed through Sept. 19, but illegal evictions remain a concern. Renters who evacuated should notify their landlords.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Louisiana prosecutors begin reporting data on witness arrests
After The Lens reported that prosecutors had failed to report how often they used controversial witness warrants, two years after a law requiring the reports took effect, most DA’s offices have submitted the information.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Immigrant advocacy groups file administrative complaint alleging ICE fails to follow release protocols
The complaint follows the release of 80 Haitian immigrants last week.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Prosecutors failed to report data on arrests of victims and witnesses, despite requirement in state law
Two years after the legislature passed a law requiring DA’s offices to submit annual data on the use of material witness warrants, the reports only started coming in last week.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
In suit over legal fees, attorneys ask to invalidate agreement between Cantrell and Edward Wisner trust
The suit primarily seeks to recover fees from BP oil spill litigation. It is not clear how the dispute is connected to the 2020 agreement extending the Wisner Donation in perpetuity.
Posted inSchools
SUNO changes procedures after multiple students report that scholarships were not honored
Months after a report by The Lens on the problems, there is no word yet on an audit the university says is underway. And the Southern University chairman says the board will not be taking up the issue.
Posted inCriminal Justice
DA’s office asks state appeals court to reverse ruling in fake subpoena records case
A district court judge awarded an attorney more than $50,000 last year. The lawyers who represented her are seeking nearly $135,000 for legal fees and costs associated with the multi-year suit.