🌱 S&WB Gets Legal Assistance + Pontalba Apartment Controversy

Hey, hello! It's me, Shannon Denney, your host of the New Orleans Patch newsletter. Come along for the most important things happening these days in town. Today you'll read about...

• S&WB hires lawyer
• Pontalba Apartment updates
• Fentanyl crisis

But first, today's weather:

Windy; a p.m. shower or two. High: 54 Low: 47.

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Here are the top stories today in New Orleans:

1. Sewerage & Water Board announced that it has hired an attorney to aid the ongoing FBI investigations, sparking conversations about why the S&WB can't cooperate without outside assistance. The board has also denied media access to subpoenas they have received, despite it being public record. (WWLTV.com)
2. A financial report documents shows that the Pontalba Apartment is actually owned by the City of New Orleans, contrary to claims from the mayor's office. The apartment, which has been a recent subject of scrutiny for Mayor Cantrell, is owned by the city but operated by the French Market Corporation. Though, the corporation is a nonprofit that is also owned by the City. (WDSU New Orleans)
3. The fentanyl crisis is showing no signs of slowing down. The New Orleans Coroner stated that 95% of overdose deaths seen in New Orleans in 2022 were from the deadly substance. In just 2023, NOPD has captured over 50 million fentanyl filled pills and precautions have begun to be taken by law enforcement to combat the rising rates. (FOX 8 Local First)

Today in New Orleans:

• Sprouts at Longue Vue House and Gardens (9:30 AM)
• Monthly Meeting of the New Orleans Secular Humanist Association (2:00 PM)
• Catie Rodgers Trio at the New Orleans Jazz National Park (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City Park Tennis Center is unveiling five new pickleball courts on March 24th, with drop in from 10am-6pm for free play (New Orleans City Park via Instagram)
• NORD's 3rd annual Miline Classic is coming up and open to youth ages 10-18 for a day of fun and basketball! (New Orleans Recreation Development Commission via Facebook)
• The New Orleans Business Alliance is hosting a state ethics training certification webinar next Tuesday! (New Orleans Business Alliance via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Bayou Home Show & Cannata's Festival of Food (March 18)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Shannon Denney

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming New Orleans Patch newsletter? Contact me at neworleans@patch.com