| BY CHAD CALDER | Staff writer |
A towering concern: The New Orleans Inspector General's office called on the city to collect $1.2 million in fines and expenses from the owner of the derelict, 45-story Plaza Tower, which it called a safety hazard. The derelict building has been shedding debris, injuring a bicyclist in 2021, and has caught fire and been infiltrated by the homeless. The IG slammed the Cantrell administration's alleged "leniency" in its dealings with the building's owner, Joe Jaeger. Anthony McAuley has the story. And then there was one: Derrick Shepherd, a school board member and former state legislator running for the District 3 seat on the Jefferson Parish Council, was disqualified from the race Monday, leaving incumbent Byron Lee, who's candidacy survived a challenge the same day, the presumptive winner (Shepherd says he will appeal). Marie Fazio has the details on two court hearings packed with allegations that neither candidate lives where he says he does. Jail project defended: The architect of the mental health wing planned for the New Orleans pushed back against critics of his design, saying it has been misrepresented in legal efforts to thwart the controversial project. Joseph Cranney has the story. Thank you for starting your day with Morning Headlines. See the latest news, sports and entertainment coverage at nola.com. Chad | 