🌱 Public Service Commissioner Race + Cantrell Travel Expenses

Howdy! Shannon Denney here with your fresh copy of the New Orleans Daily, full of all the local news you need to know right now. In today's issue of the Daily, you'll find news about these stories and more:

• Mayor LaToya Cantrell's travel expenses controversy has progressed.
• There might be a new solution to skyrocketing utility bills.
• The trash pickup saga might finally be coming to a close.

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But first, today's weather:

Hot. High: 94 Low: 78.

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Here are the top stories today in New Orleans:

1. New Orleans City Council says it is prepared to dock Mayor Cantrell's 2023 salary if she continues to refuse to repay the city for the air travel upgrades she made in the past year by about $30,000. Cantrell currently owes the city around $29,000 in upgrades due to NOLA's policy of requiring city employees to use the cheapest travel option available or use their own money to finance upgrades. (WWLTV.com)
2. After a year where utility bills for many New Orleanians drastically increased, the race for the new Public Services Commissioner is on. The roll of Public Service Commissioner is to advocate on the behalf of the public for fairly priced utility bills such a gas, water and power. The election will be held on Nov. 8. (WDSU New Orleans)
3. After months of inconsistent trash pickup, the city has finally awarded new contracts to IV Waste and Waste Pro that will take effect on Nov. 7 in addition to the "emergency routes" that IV Waste has already been taking care of. (FOX 8 Local First)

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Today in New Orleans:

• Garden Volunteers at Longue Vue House and Gardens (8:30 a.m.)
• French Quarter Jazz Piano Hour at Jean Lafitte National Park (2 p.m.)
• Fountains of Rome and Tchaikovsky 6 with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (7:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• The New Orleans Jazz Museum's Best of The Beat™ Music Awards will be returning this year on Nov. 10! The ceremony honors musicians, bands and music nominated by the local music community and voted on by the public. (New Orleans Jazz Museum via Instagram)
• Join NORD on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. with FitNOLA for their HBCU Night at Greenway Station! Wear your HBCU gear for an evening of fitness and fun. (New Orleans Recreation Development Commission via Facebook)
• You can support Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana's Adoption and Maternity program by purchasing a raffle ticket for a chance to win your choice of three vacation getaways during the Sept. 21 GolfStar Classic tournament at TPC Louisiana. (Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update!

— Shannon Denney

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