New Orleans scored several wins in the legislative session that otherwise "felt like a relentless assault" on the city, leaders say.

Why it matters: While New Orleans lost major political battles over redistricting and the court system, lawmakers approved changes that could reshape the city's troubled water utility and steer millions of dollars toward long-delayed projects.

The big picture: Louisiana lawmakers ended a session Monday that featured repeated clashes between Democrats from New Orleans and Republicans from elsewhere in the state.

• "This session felt like a relentless assault on New Orleans, but I am proud of how our delegation rose to meet it with courage and unity," City Council member Lesli Harris said in a statement.
• She pointed to the Republican-led redistricting efforts and the court overhaul, which reduces the number of judges and clerks in New Orleans.
• New Orleans' elected leaders advocated for two majority-Black districts and two separate clerk seats. They lost both fights.

Yes, but: City leaders point to several tangible victories, including legislative reform for the Sewerage and Water Board that gives the City Council local control of the quasi-state agency.

• Mayor Helena Moreno yesterday announced a task force to guide the proposed SWBNO reforms and their implementation.
• Orleans Parish legislators also secured millions in capital funds for the Municipal Auditorium ($16M), SWBNO water treatment plants ($14M), Lincoln Beach ($5.5M) and other projects, according to a press release from the city.

What we're watching: Lawmakers approved several measures that could shape the city's future development.

• West End: Lawmakers established a partnership between Orleans and Jefferson parishes with the goal of developing the vacant commercial space along the lake.
• Downtown governance: A study will analyze the jurisdictional authority throughout downtown, the French Quarter and the riverfront with the purpose of recommending consolidation.
• New City Hall: The city was awarded $2 million to plan a new building.

What's next: Gov. Jeff Landry signed the new legislative map into law, but the rest of the bills still need his signature.

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These are some of the buzzier bills that passed in the legislative session. Some have been signed, while others need Gov. Jeff Landry's signature.

🔎 Brake tags: Landry yesterday signed into law a bill that ends the state's traditional inspection sticker and replaces it with a QR-code sticker linked to vehicle registrations.

• New Orleans, Kenner and Westwego can still require their own inspections, though, the Shreveport Times reports.

🚙 Blackout license plates: Louisiana now can sell blackout license plates that are popular in other states. Landry signed this bill into law last month.

• They feature white letters and numbers on an all-black background.

🎈 Balloon ban: Intentional, outdoor releases of Mylar and latex helium balloons are banned as of Aug. 1, the Louisiana Illuminator reports.

🚑 911 fees: The bill increases monthly charges for mobile users in the state from $1.25 to $2. It is expected to generate an extra $10 million for the city's 911 center, The Times-Picayune says.

What didn't pass: A bill to name a bridge after President Trump stalled after getting a lot of attention earlier in the session.

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🇸🇳 Dakar reopened last night in a bigger location Uptown. The famous tasting menu will be served inside, with a new à la carte option on the patio.

• The patio is expected to open early next month, we're told.
• See 18 more restaurants that recently opened or are in the works.

💰 Mayor Helena Moreno says the city needs a second loan to stabilize its finances — something she's been warning of for months. She said she'll request approval at tomorrow's City Council meeting to pursue a $110 million loan. (Press release)

🦪 Casamento's, the old-school oyster restaurant on Magazine Street, says this fall "is looking like our final season," according to its website.

• Third-generation owner C.J. Gerdes says he wants to retire but is open to converting to private dining or selling the business. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

🏊‍♂️ Public pools in New Orleans are now open for the season. (Full list)