The motions approved Thursday urge prosecutors to file formal charges against the mayor’s chief of staff and director of intergovernmental relations.
Author Archives: Michael Isaac Stein
Michael Isaac Stein covers New Orleans' cultural economy and local government for The Lens. Before joining the staff, he freelanced for The Lens as well as The Intercept, CityLab, The New Republic, and Pacific Standard. He was recently awarded a fellowship from the Heinrich Boll Foundation, which he used to report on water scarcity, division, and colonialism in Cyprus.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council moving forward with contempt charges against Cantrell officials after judge denies injunction
The city was attempting to block a subpoena issued as part of the City Council’s investigation into the abandoned ‘smart cities’ project.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Judge temporarily blocks ‘smart cities’ investigation subpoena issued to top Cantrell aide
The order is only temporary until the full hearing, which is scheduled for next week.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Cantrell sues City Council to block ‘smart cities’ subpoena
The suit comes the day after Councilwoman Helena Moreno initiated motions to hold three officials in contempt for failing to respond to subpoenas.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council may charge Cantrell officials with contempt for failing to respond to ‘smart cities’ subpoenas
After missing a deadline, the Cantrell administration now plans to comply with the subpoenas.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
City won’t meet deadline to spend $2B in Katrina roadwork funds, Cantrell admin says
Under a new plan, the city will prioritize finishing all roadwork currently underway, rather than rushing to spend everything by August 2023.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Potential conflicts found in another city tech deal after collapse of ‘smart cities’ project
The city insisted on a specific equipment manufacturer for a WiFi contract. The company had previous dealings with firms and city employees at the center of the smart cities investigation.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council says city will likely forfeit millions in post-Katrina roadwork funds without FEMA extension
The council passed a non-binding resolution urging the Cantrell administration to improve the program and secure a FEMA extension.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Inspector General seizes computer from city employee involved in ‘smart cities’ controversy
An attorney for the employee said he believed electronics were also seized from other employees as well, but couldn’t confirm.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Government watchdogs probing $2B Katrina roadwork project as city faces federal deadline
Emails obtained by The Lens indicate the probes may involve conflict of interest allegations against the official in charge of the roadwork program.