News You Can Use – October 9, 2025 – TOP STORY: Fifth Circuit issues key ruling in New Orleans STR case

Today’s “News You Can Use” leads with a key court decision in New Orleans, where most of the city’s restrictions were upheld except the ban on corporate ownership.

1) TOP STORY: New Orleans, LA — federal appeals court ruling to watch

A Fifth Circuit decision in the long-running New Orleans short-term rental litigation adds another chapter to a case closely watched for its implications on local authority and platform compliance.
Links:

• Gambit / NOLA.com

2) Illinois — state expands hotel tax to STR platforms in 2025

Illinois moved to apply its hotel tax to short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb, clarifying collection and remittance responsibilities statewide beginning in 2025.
Links:

• VATupdate

3) Norfolk, VA — City Council raises STR tax rate

Norfolk approved an increase to the short-term rental tax rate, with attention on larger multi-bedroom listings and parity across lodging types.
Links:

• 13News Now

• The Virginian-Pilot

4) Mentor, OH — city weighs lifting its STR ban

Mentor is considering ending its prohibition on short-term rentals, potentially replacing the ban with a regulated framework.
Links:

• Cleveland.com

5) Hilton Head Island, SC — residents, businesses voice concerns on proposed rules

Community feedback continues as officials weigh new STR regulations; a separate report notes council did not move forward with a moratorium.
Links:

• WTOC

• Yahoo News

6) San Diego, CA — ballot measure proposed to tax vacation rentals

City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera is floating a ballot measure to add a tax on vacation home rentals, positioning it as part of a broader housing/quality-of-life strategy.
Links:

• OB Rag

7) Vail, CO — letter raises concerns about STR tax approach

A local letter-to-the-editor voices concern over Vail’s STR tax direction, highlighting fairness and economic impacts as ballot discussions continue.
Links:

• Vail Daily (Opinion)

8) Nantucket, MA — Planning Board to review STR proposals

Nantucket’s Planning Board is scheduled to review updated STR proposals, keeping the island’s long-running debate in motion ahead of future votes.
Links:

• Nantucket Current

9) Lenox, MA — public hearing set on STR rules

Lenox will hold a hearing on proposed short-term rental regulations as the town refines zoning and operational standards.
Links:

• The Berkshire Eagle

10) Crystal Beach (Fort Erie), ON — more parking options for STRs

Council is expanding parking options for short-term rental properties in the Crystal Beach area, addressing a frequent neighborhood friction point.
Links:

• Niagara Falls Review

11) Tampa Bay, FL — fatal standoff at STR sparks policy debate

A deadly law-enforcement standoff at a Pinellas Park Airbnb is prompting renewed discussion about STR safety, screening, and local oversight tools.
Links:

• ABC Action News / WFTS Tampa Bay

  Questions or concerns about how these stories might impact Newport Beach STRs? Feel free to reach out — we’re here to help.

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