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.
Category: Top Story
This category showcases the lead coverage readers need to know, offering context, clarity, and insight into issues shaping New Orleans and beyond.
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.
OPSB approves $300K superintendent contract
Avis Williams, currently the superintendent of Selma City Schools in Alabama, will take the lead at NOLA Public Schools in mid-July.
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.
New NOLA Public Schools superintendent offered $300K per year
The Orleans Parish School Board will vote on its committee’s recommendation at its meeting on Thursday
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.
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.
NBA legend Magic Johnson tells City Council to back Cantrell’s ‘smart cities’ project, despite missing details
The City Council still needs to approve the multi-year contract for the contract, but so far, that contract hasn't been presented to the public or Council President Helena Moreno.
After city contract solicitation produced only two bidders, panel recommends city stay with current jail health vendor
The selection of Wellpath for the multimillion-dollar contract came in spite of criticism from incoming Sheriff Susan Hutson, who takes office next month. The committee vote means the Cantrell administration is now free to negotiate a final contract.
Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation no longer maintaining, paying taxes on remaining properties
The foundation owes nearly $15,000 in back taxes and unpaid fines. But that number may be even larger when taking 2022 taxes into account.
