Maya Bell
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Articles by Maya Bell
New Orleans East residents push city officials, advisors to open City Hall annex in the region
Residents of New Orleans East pushed advisors and city officials on Tuesday (Nov. 10) to relocate some city services to an annex in that region of the city as part of discussions about potentially renovating or relocating City Hall. Renovating City Hall has been a difficult task, with two previous mayoral administrations attempting to move City Hall to a new location and failing.
N.O. City Council votes unanimously to increase property taxes
9th November 2026 · 0 Comments By Maya Bell Contributing Writer (Veritenews.org) – The New Orleans City Council on last Thursday (Nov. 5) voted unanimously to pass a partial millage roll forward – which will result in higher property taxes for city residents – after hearing a mix of criticism and support from residents in attendance.
New Orleans City Council votes unanimously to increase property taxes
The New Orleans City Council on Thursday (Nov. 5) voted unanimously to pass a partial millage roll forward — which will result in higher property taxes for city residents — after hearing a mix of criticism and support from residents in attendance. Joe Giarrusso, the city’s chief administrative officer, said the higher millage rates would raise $23 million, of which $21 million would go to the city’s general fund, the Department of Parks and Parkways and the New Orleans Fire and Police departments.
Letlow on track to win Senate race
U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Monroe, was closing on victory in the U.S. Senate election on Tuesday (Nov. 3) following a closer-than-predicted race against Jamie Davis, a farmer and former member of the Tensas Parish Police Jury. As of 10:45 p.m., Letlow was up 53% to Davis’ 47%. Though a number of votes were outstanding in several populous parishes, including Orleans and East Baton Rouge, the vast majority of the state had been counted. And it did not appear that Davis would be able to pull ahead.
Callais plaintiffs target Louisiana’s lone majority-Black congressional district
The plaintiffs whose lawsuit led to the dismantling of one of Louisiana’s two majority-Black congressional districts in Louisiana are now targeting the remaining district, a move that could severely dilute Black voting power in the state. A three-judge panel heard arguments on Tuesday on whether Louisiana v. Callais, the case that led to the elimination of the majority-Black 6th Congressional District, should remain open. The judges did not immediately issue a ruling.
After landmark voting rights ruling, plaintiffs target Louisiana’s lone majority-Black congressional district
The plaintiffs whose lawsuit led to the dismantling of one of Louisiana’s two majority-Black congressional districts in Louisiana are now targeting the remaining district, a move that could severely dilute Black voting power in the state. A three-judge panel heard arguments on Tuesday (Oct. 27) on whether Louisiana v. Callais, the case that led to the elimination of the majority-Black 6th Congressional District, should remain open. The judges did not immediately issue a ruling.
At City Council town halls, residents voice concern with tax hikes, make suggestions for what to pay for with funds raised
New Orleans residents voiced their frustration at the prospect of higher property taxes at two town hall meetings held by New Orleans City Councilmember over the past week about a potential millage “roll forward” which would increase property taxes. At the town halls, held at Jesuit High School on Oct. 22 and Cabrini High School on Oct.
The New Orleans African American Museum celebrates 30 years and new renovations
26th October 2026 · 0 Comments By Maya Bell Contributing Writer (Veritenews.org) – African American Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary and broke ground on renovations on Tuesday (Oct. 20) at its location on Governor Nicholls Street. At the groundbreaking ceremony, museum board members and city officials spoke at the Tremé Hero Gardens about phase one of a project to restore the museum’s buildings.
The New Orleans African American Museum celebrates 30 years and new renovations
The New Orleans African American Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary and broke ground on renovations on Tuesday (Oct. 20) at its location on Governor Nicholls Street. At the groundbreaking ceremony, museum board members and city officials spoke at the Tremé Hero Gardens about phase one of a project to restore the museum’s buildings. Gia Hamilton, the CEO and chief curator of the museum, said that phase one involves restoring four of the six buildings owned by the museum.
Here are three things you need to know about the new Xavier-Ochsner medical school
Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, a collaboration between the largest healthcare provider in the state and Xavier University, will welcome in its inaugural class of students in August 2027. The school was granted preliminary accreditation on Wednesday (Oct. 14), making it one of five historically Black colleges or universities in the nation that has a medical school. Creating the new medical school has been a years-long process.
Committee advising on city government complex discusses role of AI in planning process
A committee formed to advise the city on the renovation and potential relocation of city government buildings discussed how artificial intelligence might affect planning at a meeting on Wednesday (Oct. 14). New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno formed the advisory committee in January and it began meeting in August to discuss how the city should approach relocating and renovating city buildings in the future.
Lauren Jewett challenges Steve Scalise for congressional seat in a heavily Republican district
Special education teacher Lauren Jewett was told before the start of her congressional campaign that her challenge of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise’s congressional seat would be similar to David v. Goliath. Jewett, a Democrat who has taught special education in Louisiana for 15 years, has never won elected office despite two previous runs. Scalise, a Republican who has represented Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District since 2008, is finishing out his ninth term at the U.S House of Representatives.
St. Tammany Library Control Board votes on collection criteria, access to some books angers residents
The St. Tammany Library Control Board voted unanimously on Monday (Sep. 29) to change its collection policy that decides what book materials are chosen for the library. While board members said it was merely an update for an over 20 year old policy, the vote faced opposition from anti-censorship groups such as St. Tammany Library Alliance and Queer Northshore, who said it would allow the board to exclude books that discuss race, sexuality and gender identity.
Records show the NOPD met drone usage reporting requirements. Some say that’s not enough.
Last month, a coalition of pro-privacy groups that obtained digital records of the New Orleans Police Department’s controversial drone program said they found a problem: It appeared that, in nearly 80% of deployments, officers had failed to provide critical information justifying the use of a drone, in violation of departmental policy.
New Orleans residents voice frustrations on city’s $8 sanitation fee increase proposal
Dozens of New Orleans residents voiced their frustration with a proposal to raise the city’s monthly sanitation fee by $8.25 — to $32.25 from $24 — at a town hall at the Martin Luther King Charter Elementary School in the Lower 9th Ward on Tuesday (Sept. 1). The meeting was the first of two hosted by District E Councilmember Jason Hughes, whose district includes the Lower 9th Ward, in advance of an expected City Council vote on Thursday.
New Orleans privacy advocates push for suspension of the NOPD drone program
Local privacy advocacy and First Amendment groups recommended at a city council committee meeting on Monday (Aug. 31) that the New Orleans Police Department suspend its Drone First Responder Program amid a push for more transparency into how the department uses its drones. The groups made the recommendation after they discovered what they called an incomplete log of the NOPD’s usage of drones.
New Orleans struggles to keep up with stray animal population amid budget talks
As the New Orleans City Council and the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) discuss how to offset a shortfall caused by budget cuts, animal shelters picking up the slack said they worry they can’t keep up with an increase in stray animals in the city. The organization is contracted by the city to provide animal welfare, including animal control services, veterinary support and spay and neutering of animals.
New Orleans City Council discusses increasing oversight of NOPD drone usage
New Orleans City Council members discussed implementing stricter reporting rules on the New Orleans Police Department’s use of drones on Wednesday (Aug. 5). At the Budget, Audit, and Board of Review and Governmental Affairs committees, City Council discussed a new ordinance that requires the city’s police department to meet with council members serving on the Criminal Justice Committee.
Advisory committee kicks off work to consider a City Hall makeover
A new committee created by New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno that will look at how to renovate City Hall and other municipal buildings is holding a kickoff meeting at the Union Passenger Terminal on Loyola Avenue on Thursday (Aug. 6). In addition to evaluating City Hall renovation plans, the committee will appoint new members, including choosing a chair and vice chair, review the current condition of existing municipal buildings and consider the scope of the organization at its first meeting.
City Council committees advance sweeping changes to Sewerage & Water Board
A joint New Orleans City Council committee on Thursday (July 30) voted to advance a series of measures that will make sweeping changes to the Sewerage & Water Board, including increased city oversight of the utility. Councilmembers on the Climate Change and Sustainability and Public Works, Sanitation, and Environment committees also passed a resolution calling on the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to investigate the Sewerage & Water Board’s finances.
Dozens of French Quarter businesses apply for relief funds, but several say it’s not enough
Nearly 50 businesses applied to receive relief funds from the city of New Orleans’ Business Stabilization Fund, created to help companies that have been negatively affected by a months-long construction project on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, ahead of its July 10 application deadline. Last month, Mayor Helena Moreno introduced the $200,000 fund for businesses on Decatur Street after a 10-month-long construction project by the Sewerage & Water Board.
NOPD changes policy on allowing weapons, hazardous materials on police drones
The New Orleans Police Department recently changed course on a proposed policy that would have potentially allowed the use of weapons on drones deployed in the French Quarter. The change came after local organizations pushed back against the policy. The NOPD has been using drones to assist with law enforcement citywide since 2024. When it began using the technology, the department’s policy stated that it would not equip the drones with weapons.
City officials meet with Decatur Street business owners again after some file a lawsuit against the Sewerage & Water Board
French Quarter business owners voiced their frustrations and worries on Tuesday (June 30) after the Sewerage & Water Board said it is removing fencing and is about 90% done with replacing drainage pipes. This comes after several businesses filed a lawsuit to ask a judge to issue an injunction against the Sewerage & Water Board for a lack of communication with the city of New Orleans and owners of businesses on Decatur Street.
French Quarter businesses file suit over Decatur Street construction
A group of Decatur Street businesses filed suit on Friday (June 26) against the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board, asking a state judge for relief after a 10-month-long construction project along the street allegedly kept their customers away and cut into sales.
New Louisiana law allows incarcerated people to get time off for earning an associate’s degree
Charles Amos, 53, said when he was convicted of second-degree murder and given a life sentence in 1995, he didn’t think he would amount to much, but he wanted to change. He began educating himself by reading. Then, in 1999, heard about the Louisiana New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary program at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. For four years, Amos read the Bible and wrote dissertations, all while learning the law for his own case.
New Louisiana law allows incarcerated people to get time off for earning an associate’s degree Original
Charles Amos, 53, said when he was convicted of second-degree murder and given a life sentence in 1995, he didn’t think he would amount to much, but he wanted to change. He began educating himself by reading. Then, in 1999, heard about the Louisiana New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary program at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. For four years, Amos read the Bible and wrote dissertations, all while learning the law for his own case.
New Louisiana law allows incarcerated people to get time off for earning an associate’s degree
Charles Amos, 53, said when he was convicted of second-degree murder and given a life sentence in 1995, he didn’t think he would amount to much, but he wanted to change. He began educating himself by reading. Then, in 1999, heard about the Louisiana New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary program at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. For four years, Amos read the Bible and wrote dissertations, all while learning the law for his own case. kAmx?
New Louisiana law allows incarcerated people to get time off for earning an associate’s degree
Charles Amos, 53, said when he was convicted of second-degree murder and given a life sentence in 1995, he didn’t think he would amount to much, but he wanted to change. He began educating himself by reading. Then, in 1999, heard about the Louisiana New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary program at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. For four years, Amos read the Bible and wrote dissertations, all while learning the law for his own case. kAmx?
Incarcerated people who earn an associate’s degree can now get time off
Charles Amos, 53, said when he was convicted of second-degree murder and given a life sentence in 1995, he didn’t think he would amount to much, but he wanted to change. He began educating himself by reading.
New state law allows incarcerated people to get time off for earning an associate’s degree
Charles Amos, 53, said when he was convicted of second-degree murder and given a life sentence in 1995, he didn’t think he would amount to much, but he wanted to change. He began educating himself by reading.
Minneapolis City Council finds MPD investigation audit report concerning
Last week, the Minneapolis Audit Committee released a report that found low staffing, response issues and a lack of communication impacted Moturi’s and Lussiter’s cases. The after-action review of the cases of Davis Moturi’s and Allison Lussier’s deaths shows big gaps in how the Minneapolis Police Department communicates and functions.
Minnesota business accuses Missouri company of discrimination
Southdale Transportation Services, a medical transportation company with a majority East African workforce, claimed that its contract with Medical Transportation Management was terminated because of discrimination. In April, Southdale workers held a press conference at the Minnesota Capitol, calling for support from elected officials. According to a press release, Southdale Transportation Services provides an estimated 10,000 non-emergency trips a month for people with medical needs.
Thousands attend the 20th annual May Day protest to show Minnesota's resilience
On a windy Saturday near Mercado Central, Aztec dancers walked in front of thousands of people marching in shirts sporting different union logos, chanting, “The people united will never be divided.” Other signs read “money for education, not deportation.” At the intersection of Lake Street and Chicago Avenue, about 3,000 union workers and activists celebrated the 20th annual May Day or International Immigrant Workers’ Day.
NDA ban for local municipalities and data centers stalls in the Minnesota House
Minnesota House representatives and community members are calling for a ban on companies using Non-Disclosure Agreements with local municipalities as data center scrutiny increases. A bill prohibiting the use of NDAs with local municipalities stalled with a tie vote in the Judiciary House Committee. Many hope prohibiting the contract will keep efforts to install data centers throughout the state a transparent process. Rep.
Minneapolis City Council members calls for eviction extension after a previous mayoral veto
In the Committee of the Whole meeting, the Minneapolis City Council voted 7-5 to pass a temporary pre-eviction filing extension from 30 days to 45 days. This comes after Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the first ordinance with the extension. The original ordinance had a 60-day extension; the new one is 45 days. In an interview, Council member Aurin Chowdhury (Ward 12) said she wanted to reintroduce the bill after continued calls from residents.
The Minnesota Senate introduced a bill limiting the use of AI chatbots for minors
The Minnesota State Senate is trying to prohibit the use of AI chatbots by minors to combat negative mental health effects. On March 27, Sen. Erin K Maya Quade (DFL-Apple Valley) introduced a bill that would prohibit companies from allowing people under 18 to access AI chatbots. If people disregard the ban, they could face a fine of up to $1,000. At the March 27 Senate meeting, Quade said the bill was important for preventing future harm.
Q&A with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannagan
At a meeting with the University of Minnesota College Democrats, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan answered questions on affordable housing to immigration reform. During the meeting, she said University of Minnesota students would not be left out if she won the Senate race. Flanagan announced her U.S. Senate campaign in March 2025 after current Sen. Tina Smith said she would not be running for reelection, reported CBS News.
Target boycott leaders in Minnesota remain strong after confusion
Pastor Jamal Bryant, a pastor at an Atlanta mega church, announced the end of the “Target Fast” on March 11, which led to immediate controversy, reported USA Today. “I was reading from a different sheet of music,” Bryant said. “I made assumptions that were not true.
Minneapolis’ Public and Wellness facility is put on hold after debate from the City Council
The Minneapolis City Council moved the Community Safety Training and Wellness Center back to discussion after some members questioned its usefulness following Operation Metro Surge. At the Committee of the Whole meeting last Tuesday, the Office of Community Safety requested $6 million from the 2026 Capitol Budget funds to buy the site for the new facility. On Thursday, the city council voted 7-6 to bring the motion back to staff.
‘No Kings’ protest brings almost 200,000 to the State Capitol
On a windy Saturday in St. Paul, hundreds of thousands gathered at the Minnesota Capitol, chanting, “No Billionaires, No Tyrants and No Kings” at the third No Kings rally. Minnesota was chosen as the main protest site because of the recent impacts of Operation Metro Surge, which some protestors described as an erosion of democracy. According to organizers, there were 3,100 protests, with around 200,000 people attending the protest in Minnesota.
Minneapolis City Council passes resolutions to support Graduate Fellows and Trainees in a tense city council meeting
The Minneapolis City Council passed a resolution, 11-2, urging the University of Minnesota to meet with the Graduate Labor Union. The resolution states that the University should resolve the dispute between the University and the Graduate Fellows and trainees. The Graduate Labor Union, or GLU, started in 2024, after the Minnesota Legislature approved a bill recognizing public employees.
MN Senate passes major gun violence prevention laws through judiciary hearing, including a ban on assault weapons
The Minnesota State Senate moved 14 out of 17 bills related to gun violence prevention further into legislation, including a ban on assault weapons, last week. This comes as the Senate and House debate addressing gun violence prevention. The Senate held an almost seven-hour judiciary and public safety hearing on bills relating to gun violence prevention.
Mayor Jacob Frey vetoes ordinance that would extend eviction orders, causing controversy.
Last Wednesday, Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the Pause Rent Eviction ordinance from the Minneapolis City Council, sparking controversy from council members trying to address the Surge’s impacts. The ordinance would have extended the eviction pre-filing notice from 30 days to 60 days, providing residents facing financial hardship as a result of Operation Metro Surge with some relief.
Data center developers face scrutiny from Minnesota residents
Emma Richtman, a Hermantown, Minn. resident, said she only learned about a proposed data center, planned to be only two and a half miles from her house, through a Facebook petition group. “My first reaction was kind of, ‘This is a really big story that I’m hearing about through a petition on Facebook,” Richtman said. “So, I was somewhat taken aback and surprised.
Minnesota launches the Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund for victims of scams
The Minnesota State Senate officially launched the new Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund for victims of fraud. On Feb. 18, the Deputy Attorney General Jessica Whitney gave the first report on the implementation of the Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. The fund takes up to $5 million each year. Fifty percent of the compensation comes from consumer enforcement actions.
City Council votes to give $7 million to relieve small businesses
The Minneapolis City Council voted on $7 million for the small business resilience fund to give businesses a chance to recover from Operation Metro Surge. Last Thursday, the city council voted unanimously to give $7 million from the Downtown Assets Fund to the Small Business Resiliency Fund. This comes after Operation Metro Surge officially ended, reported the Star Tribune. On Friday, two members of Congress said there were only 500 agents in Minnesota.
St. Paul City Council discusses a new ordinance for ICE agents to identify themselves
The St. Paul City Council discussed various immigration ordinances on Wednesday as Immigration Enforcement and Customs slowly pulled back from Minnesota. In a packed city council meeting, the St. Paul City Council discussed two new ordinances pertaining to ICE.
As Operation Metro Surge goes on, Native American community is on high alert
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center and community group Nenookaasi Ozhige opened a low-barrier warming shelter in the Phillips neighborhood last Tuesday. The warming center is also helping guests get tribal IDs and replacement documents. This comes after four men from the Oglala Sioux Tribe were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents two weeks ago. Three of the four members were transferred to a moratorium in Fort Snelling, reported AP News.
Walz calls for a fair investigation following ICE shooting
Gov. Tim Walz, alongside the Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and Major General Shawn Manke of the State National Guard, addressed questions about future investigation following the shooting in south Minneapolis. “I’ve seen the video from several angles, and it's sickening. Minnesota’s justice system will have the last word. The state will handle it, period,” Walz said.
Mayor Frey, MPD Chief O’Hara address ICE shooting in south Minneapolis
Local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian O’Hara, address the Saturday morning ICE-involved shooting of a 37-year-old man in south Minneapolis. O’Hara confirmed multiple ICE agents were involved in the shooting of the Minneapolis resident. The Department of Homeland Security said the man had a handgun during ICE activity on Saturday morning. O’Hara added he knows the person’s name but will not release it. He said the person had a permit to own the firearm.
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