🌱 S&WB Won't Seek Rate Hike + NOPD Attends Narcan Training

Good morning, friends! It's me, Shannon Denney, your host of the New Orleans Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Today's briefing includes news about:

• No rate hike from the S&WB for now.
• Pontalba Apartment controversy.
• NOPD tries to combat fentanyl crisis.

But first, today's weather: Showers, heavy t-storms. High: 72 Low: 49.

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Here are the top stories today in New Orleans:

1. Sewerage and Water Board announced that it will not be seeking a rate hike anytime soon. The executive director of Utility at the S&WB expressed that they are aware that a rate hike lacks the support it would need from the public to make it happen. The board will be trying to collect the $150 million it is owed before they attempt a hike. (WDSU New Orleans)
2. The Inspector General claims that the use of the Pontalba Apartment in the French Quarter, historically reserved for the mayor's use, should cease on account of it not being fiscally responsible. The apartment is worth $40,000 and the Inspector General feels that the agreement between the French Market Corporation and the Mayor's Office is sketchy at best. (WWLTV.com)
3. As the fentanyl crisis continues to skyrocket, NOPD officers attended a Narcan training for first responders on Tuesday. 60 officers workshopped delivering Narcan, a drug given to people who are overdosing on fentanyl, with help from the DEA, FBI and ATF on how to administer the drug. (WGNO New Orleans)

Today in New Orleans:

• Behind the Scenes Tour at Longue Vue House and Gardens (12:30 PM)
• Sidiki Conde and Wowo Souakoli at the New Orleans Jazz National Park (2:00 PM)
• Tulane University Baseball vs Columbia (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The New Orleans Jazz Museum is hosting the Jack and Jill of America New Orleans Chapter Perspectives in Black History Fashion Show fundraiser on March 18. (New Orleans Jazz Museum via Instagram)
• NORD's Easter Eggstravaganza is coming up on Saturday, April 1 at three separate locations. (New Orleans Recreation Development Commission via Facebook)
• Friends of Lafitte Greenway has free Hip-Hop Kickboxing classes! Go out to the Great Lawn every Wednesday at 6 p.m. (Friends of Lafitte Greenway via Facebook)

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Featured events:

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

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Shannon Denney

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