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Category
Government & Politics

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.
by Michael Isaac Stein May 5, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

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.
by Michael Isaac Stein May 4, 2022 Updated May 4, 2022

‘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.
by Michael Isaac Stein April 27, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

‘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.
by Michael Isaac Stein April 25, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

Council opens formal investigation into ‘smart cities’ deal

Council members also approved a resolution to halt a proposed short-term contract for the project, which could be adopted without their approval.
by Michael Isaac Stein April 21, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

Responding to council subpoena, city turns over hundreds of pages on smart cities deal

The documents include a draft contract and hundreds of emails showing frequent communications going back years between city officials, a ‘pro bono’ consultant and companies that would eventually win the city bid for the project.
by Michael Isaac Stein April 18, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

Council members considering subpoena to Cantrell admin for details on Gordon Plaza plan

Council members and Gordon Plaza residents both criticized the administration for providing few details of its plan while taking public credit for taking action.
by Michael Isaac Stein April 14, 2022 Updated April 14, 2022

City releases new information on ‘smart cities’ project after council subpoena

The four-page letter does not address many of the council’s questions and concerns, but it does provide more information about the plan than was previously available.
by Michael Isaac Stein April 12, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

Council president subpoenas Cantrell administration over ‘smart cities’ deal

The Cantrell administration is now considering beginning the project — originally pitched as a multiyear contract — with a one-year agreement, which would not require council approval.
by Michael Isaac Stein April 11, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

Council freezes budgets of two struggling departments to force Mayor Cantrell to make changes

The council characterizes the moves as accountability measures for underperforming departments. But the Cantrell administration says they could make things worse.
by Michael Isaac Stein April 7, 2022 Updated April 7, 2022

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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.
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