Joni Hess

The two candidates in the running to become the next CEO of New Orleans' public recreation department said they would deepen its community presence, protect public dollars and create more recreational opportunities for youth and adults.

“That does not mean that it won't be painful to figure out a way to get there, because the reality is that in all likelihood, to fund the Right to Counsel, we are going to have to cut something else,” Morrell said.

The New Orleans Recreation and Development Commission tapped Patrice Bell as its new chief executive Thursday, carving a fresh path forward for an agency beloved by residents and marred by

The New Orleans Recreation and Development Commission selected a new chief executive Thursday, carving a fresh path forward for an agency beloved by residents and marred by criticism.

By JONI HESS AND SOPHIE KASAKOVE | Staff writer of 8 This fall, the New Orleans City Council faces a dilemma: They can either raise property taxes , and weather public blowback.

The New Orleans City Council on Thursday agreed to raise nightly fees for short-term rentals in a bid to narrow a $100 million budget hole and recoup money long owed to manage the lodging program.

The council had already pledged to revise Mayor Helena Moreno’s proposed budget to protect post-Mardi Gras parade cleanup, one of several services that would otherwise be axed under the austere plan. But city workers told members Monday that far more funding is needed to prevent layoffs and other service cuts.

Daniel Garcia can remember how tough it was to visit his father in a Texas detention center, after he was detained by immigration authorities when Garcia was 5 years old.

New Orleans residents heard Monday from three candidates vying to lead New Orleans’ public transportation system, who said they would work to improve service, rightsize the agency’s budget and encourage transit investments.

New Orleans residents heard Monday from three candidates vying to lead New Orleans' public transportation system, who said they would work to improve service, rightsize the agency's budget and encourage transit investments.