The New Orleans City Council on Wednesday asked the state auditor to probe city spending during Mayor LaToya Cantrell's second term, one of several steps members took Wednesday to try to fend off a potential state takeover of city finances and seek the support of Gov. Jeff Landry to pursue a $125 million loan to help make payroll.

New Orleans' political leaders are scrambling to show they're capable of managing the city's budget ahead of a meeting in Baton Rouge later Wednesday afternoon, where a panel of state officials at Landry’s request will consider whether to appoint a fiscal administrator for the city.

Landry in a social media post Tuesday also urged the State Bond Commission to reject the city's request to sell $125 million in short-term bonds so that it can address budget gaps

See Full Page