Convention Center approves 2020 spending plan, defers vote on major architectural contract
Populous contract vote delayed following board member questions on legality.
Category
News
Timely coverage of the people, policies, and events shaping New Orleans and Louisiana. This category delivers clear, factual reporting that keeps readers informed about local government, community issues, and stories that matter most to everyday residents.
Facing closure or takeover, Coghill’s special education warning extended
The school failed to provide special education services to nine students and the district extended its August warning which seeks to remedy that.
Facing loss of state funds, Orleans school board votes for property tax ‘roll forward,’ increasing taxes for many residents
The move is expected to net city schools $15.1 million next year.
School district recommends that Coghill and Craig lose charters, seven others renewed or extended
The district has yet to announce details on what happens next for the two schools. (Marta Jewon/The Lens)
Edwards wins second term
Governor narrowly defeats challenger Eddie Rispone in runoff. See the full election results here.
Ahead of major tourism industry merger, council members worry about accountability and public input in the city’s tourism future
The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, a public municipal entity, will transfer the majority of its staff, mission and funding to the private nonprofit New Orleans & Company on Jan. 1.
District Attorney asks for more funding ahead of second implementation phase of Louisiana’s “Raise the Age” law
Starting in 2020, 17 year olds accused of violent crimes will be automatically routed to juvenile courts instead of the adult system.
Advocates: City Council should use power of the purse to force criminal district court to change its use of bail and court fees
The city gave the court $3.8 million in additional funding this year. Reform advocates argue that the money should be contingent on reform.
Councilwoman Kristin Palmer has ‘serious skepticism’ that the city will be able to enforce new STR rules under Cantrell’s draft budget
Council members also questioned whether the Cantrell administration is properly tracking and allocating millions in funds dedicated to short-term rental enforcement.
Council passes $1 million fine and lower allowed profit for Entergy, over objections from Mayor Cantrell and the company
Entergy threatened to bring litigation against the city or try to change the profit rate again next year, which would cost customers an additional $7 million in regulatory costs, the company claimed.
