New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was formally arraigned in federal court on corruption charges Wednesday — a case that has deepened long-standing tensions between her administration and the City Council. With just one month until New Orleans elects her successor, and less than a week until the WWL Louisiana Mayoral Debate, the top candidates are weighing in on how they would repair the strained relationship between City Hall and the council. In this video: -Councilmembers Helena Moreno and Oliver Thomas discuss how they would build collaboration if elected mayor. -Senator Royce Duplessis, while not on council, has said cooperation with council is essential to progress. -WWL political analyst Clancy DuBos explains why the mayor-council relationship is so critical for New Orleans’ future — and why dysfunction at City Hall is top of mind for voters. Key context: -Mayor Cantrell’s administration and the council have clashed over travel, spending, and executive appointments. -Judges have stepped in, vetoes have been overridden, and cooperation has broken down. -With Cantrell’s arraignment, the stakes for the next mayor could not be clearer: voters want a leader who can “make the city function again.” 🗓️ Upcoming Event: The WWL Louisiana Mayoral Debate airs Tuesday, September 16 -Pre-debate coverage: 6:30 p.m. -Live debate: 7–8 p.m. -Watch on WWL Louisiana and WWL+ #NewOrleans #MayorCantrell #Election2025 #WWL