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.
Category: Government & 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Council to hire outside investigator for its probe into ‘smart cities’ contract-fixing allegations
The investigator will have 45 days to review documents, subpoena witnesses and issue a report.
City walks back restrictive social media policy to settle First Amendment lawsuit filed by two city employees
Following the publication of a less restrictive policy, the plaintiffs and the city filed a joint motion to dismiss the suit on Wednesday.
‘I see how this looks’: Council grills top Cantrell official over ‘smart cities’ deal
The City Council passed a resolution requesting an IG investigation into potential ethical violations in the procurement process.
‘Smart cities’ contractors drop out of project as investigation intensifies
The city official at the center of the contract-fixing allegations is set to answer questions under oath at a City Council meeting this week.
