Taking the Bull by the Horns: Helena Moreno Steps Up to Steady New Orleans
There’s a new tone at City Hall.Helena Moreno isn’t waiting to be sworn in to start leading. While still Mayor-elect, she has already become the de facto leader of New…
The Mystery Of The Budget Deficit, Who’s To Blame? What’s The Cause?
We take a look at all the ummm, let’s start by calling them persons of interest. Suspect #1 Former CAO Gilbert Montaño Gilbert Montaño farted and left the room. That’s…
Bonds, Power Plays, and the Future of New Orleans: What’s Really On the Ballot
New Orleans voters face five major items on the ballot. They deal with housing, infrastructure, drainage, and the distribution of power inside City Hall. None of these proposals are symbolic.…
When Right Is Right: Jeff Landry’s SNAP Move Deserves Credit
Common Ground in an Unlikely Place I don’t often find myself agreeing with Governor Jeff Landry. Our views sit on opposite ends of Louisiana’s political spectrum. Yet, even political opposites…
The Peculiar Logic Of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill
— Liz Murrill would rather have people laid off for the holidays than let the city borrow money to make payroll. What a gal, that Liz. — Liz Murrill would…
The City Council’s Distraction Has Pushed New Orleans to the Brink
Warnings Ignored In January 2025, the Cantrell administration formally warned the City Council that New Orleans was facing a “critical juncture.” Then Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño and Finance Director…
New Orleans on the Brink: How Political Theater Let a Fiscal Crisis Explode
The City Council Looked Away New Orleans may be days from losing control of its finances. The council has called in the Legislative Auditor, the mayor requested a $125 million…
Louisiana’s Special Session Is About Power, Not Paperwork
When a governor calls a special session, it usually sounds like routine business. A date change here, a policy fix there. But not this time. The special session happening right…
No Time for a Honeymoon: Helena Moreno Faces New Orleans’ Hard Math
Budget • Services • Leadership Helena Moreno ran a great campaign. Voters responded. Now the real work begins. Reserves are thin. Storm risk remains high. Therefore, every dollar matters. State…
New Orleans in Crisis: The Revenue Pitfall, COVID Cash Temptation, and the Burden on City Workers
New Orleans is staring down a fiscal abyss. Budgets are tight. Revenues lag. City Hall is now discussing using COVID relief money to close recurring deficits — or worse, raising…