| By DREW BROACH | Staff writer |
HOLD OFF: Faced with widespread complaints about skyrocketing utility bills, a City Council committee on Tuesday told Entergy New Orleans on Tuesday not to cut off electric service or impose late fees until Nov. 1. Entergy agreed with the move, which will provide temporary relief to customers who have fallen behind on payments during a period of heavy air conditioner use, high natural gas prices and the temporary shutdown of a nuclear plant that provides much of the utility’s electricity. MEET THE NEW BOSS: As the first Black chief executive of a Louisiana port, one of Paul Matthews' priorities when he took the top job at the Port of South Louisiana was to commission a study of ways to open opportunities to a more diverse group of suppliers. He also reshuffled his management team to bring in fresh faces, in recognition of the symbolism of being the first African American to take charge of a Louisiana port since maritime operations began in New Orleans more than three centuries ago. (Subscribe to our free business newsletter.) VERDICT PENDING: The case of U.S. vs. Jason Williams went to the jury Tuesday, which started deliberating whether the Orleans Parish district attorney and an associate at his law firm defrauded the federal government out of more than $200,000 on their business taxes. Thank you for starting your Wednesday with us. You can keep up with the latest news all day on NOLA.com. D.B. | 