Skip to content

Focused On

  • Lens Carnival Edition
  • ICE in Orleans
  • Justice
  • In the N.O.
  • Opinion

Main Navigation

The Lens
  • Subscribe
  • ❤ Donate
The Lens
  • Subscribe
  • ❤ Donate

Focused On

  • Lens Carnival Edition
  • ICE in Orleans
  • Justice
  • In the N.O.
  • Opinion

Topics

  • Criminal Justice
  • Environment
  • Government & Politics
  • Land Use
  • Schools

Sign Up for the Latest News

  • The Lens Newsletter
  • About The Lens
  • Our Staff

Follow The Lens

  • Bluesky
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Listen to Behind The Lens Podcast

  • Spotify
  • Lens Carnival Edition
  • Criminal Justice
  • Schools
  • Opinion
  • In the N.O.
  • Environment
  • Podcast
  • About The Lens
  • Support Us

Author: Michael Isaac Stein

About 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.

Council unanimously approves contempt charges for two Cantrell officials for failing to respond to ‘smart cities’ subpoenas

June 9, 2022 Updated June 9, 2022
The motions approved Thursday urge prosecutors to file formal charges against the mayor's chief of staff and director of intergovernmental relations.

Council moving forward with contempt charges against Cantrell officials after judge denies injunction

June 8, 2022 Updated June 9, 2022
The city was attempting to block a subpoena issued as part of the City Council's investigation into the abandoned 'smart cities' project.

Judge temporarily blocks ‘smart cities’ investigation subpoena issued to top Cantrell aide

June 2, 2022 Updated June 2, 2022
The order is only temporary until the full hearing, which is scheduled for next week.

Cantrell sues City Council to block ‘smart cities’ subpoena

June 2, 2022 Updated June 2, 2022
The suit comes the day after Councilwoman Helena Moreno initiated motions to hold three officials in contempt for failing to respond to subpoenas.

Council may charge Cantrell officials with contempt for failing to respond to ‘smart cities’ subpoenas

June 1, 2022 Updated June 2, 2022
After missing a deadline, the Cantrell administration now plans to comply with the subpoenas.

City won’t meet deadline to spend $2B in Katrina roadwork funds, Cantrell admin says

May 26, 2022 Updated May 27, 2022
Under a new plan, the city will prioritize finishing all roadwork currently underway, rather than rushing to spend everything by August 2023.

Potential conflicts found in another city tech deal after collapse of ‘smart cities’ project

May 25, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022
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.

Council says city will likely forfeit millions in post-Katrina roadwork funds without FEMA extension

May 19, 2022 Updated May 19, 2022
The council passed a non-binding resolution urging the Cantrell administration to improve the program and secure a FEMA extension.

Inspector General seizes computer from city employee involved in ‘smart cities’ controversy

May 19, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022
An attorney for the employee said he believed electronics were also seized from other employees as well, but couldn’t confirm.

Government watchdogs probing $2B Katrina roadwork project as city faces federal deadline

May 10, 2022 Updated May 10, 2022
Emails obtained by The Lens indicate the probes may involve conflict of interest allegations against the official in charge of the roadwork program.

Posts navigation

  • «
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • …
  • 41
  • »

About The Lens

The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region. Staunchly defending the public's right to know and deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.

Our reporting has more urgency than ever.

Sign up to get the latest news on New Orleans and the Gulf South sent directly to your inbox.

 
 

Support The Lens

We depend on your support. A generous gift in any amount helps us continue to bring you this service.

Donate Now

Most Popular

Louisiana’s “Lightning Amendment” quietly shifts AI data-center costs onto your electric billLouisiana’s “Lightning Amendment” quietly shifts AI data-center costs onto your electric billFebruary 18, 2026Paul Arbaje, The EquationGovernment & Politics
Black Residents Win Key Ruling in ‘Cancer Alley’ Environmental Racism CaseBlack Residents Win Key Ruling in ‘Cancer Alley’ Environmental Racism CaseFebruary 20, 2026Adam Mahoney, Capital BEnvironment
Innovative or Ill-Advised?: A NOLA addiction doctor leaves after her novel approach raises questions at her hospitalInnovative or Ill-Advised?: A NOLA addiction doctor leaves after her novel approach raises questions at her hospitalFebruary 20, 2026Carolyne HeldmanBehind The Lens

The Lens
The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region. Staunchly defending the public's right to know and deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.
  • Bluesky
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • About The Lens
  • Our Staff
  • Contact us
  • Corrections
  • Support The Lens
  • Get The Lens Newsletter
INN Member LION Member
© 2024 The Lens. All Rights Reserved.

Our reporting has more urgency than ever.


For more than a decade, we have reported on issues as well as public policy meant to address the needs of residents. The Lens seeks to focus on the inherent inequality that has created a multi-tiered system. We, at The Lens seek to uncover, illuminate, inform and take part in a forward-looking community. Join us.

 
 

Continue to The Lens