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In the N.O.

Orleans culture

Sheltering in place through the ICE storm

A survey in photo and text, of what New Orleanians are thinking about the local immigrants threatened by Catahoula Crunch.
by Gus Bennett December 12, 2025 Updated December 12, 2025

To combat violence, Young Rollers offer a happier alternative: New Orleans culture

At age 15, Jahmad Randolph gave his club an anti-violence theme and christened it the Young Rollers, to imbue the club with a certain state of mind, rooted in freedom and motion. “It makes you feel light. It makes you hopeful.”
by Katy Reckdahl with photos by Gus Bennett December 7, 2025 Updated December 7, 2025

Murrill: NOPD is breaking laws if it doesn’t ‘fully cooperate’ with ICE, Border Patrol

In the letter, Murrill cited policy in the NOPD Operations Manual that bars NOPD officers from assisting federal immigration authorities except in limited instances.
by Greg LaRose, Louisiana Illuminator December 5, 2025 Updated December 7, 2025

We learned from Katrina what government-created trauma looks like. Let’s not repeat it.

As we learned from Katrina, when government decisions destabilize families and communities, the psychological impact on children is profound and lasting.
by Stacy Overstreet December 4, 2025 Updated December 6, 2025
Four men smile as they stand behind large wooden bins filled with sweet potatoes, loading black “Inspire the City” tote bags during a Thanksgiving food giveaway outside the Mahalia Jackson Center in New Orleans.

Holiday giveaway brings hope to Tremé amid immigration fears

“When I saw the brother Jamar (McNeely) giving out turkeys and hams, I said, ‘Let me bring the vegetables,’” said DeLance Vanderhorst of Healthier NOLA.
by Gus Bennett November 26, 2025 Updated December 2, 2025

Last call at the First and Last Stop

Over the past 75 years, more than a dozen Black proprietors have run the First and Last Stop Bar, a longtime gathering spot for 7th Ward neighbors and Black-masking Indians. But earlier this month, a new owner posted an eviction notice on the door.
by Katy Reckdahl and Gus Bennett November 20, 2025 Updated December 11, 2025

‘I’ll fight for your rights like I fought for my own freedom’

Calvin Duncan, an uncommon man with an all-too-common story, is vying to become clerk of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court – and his campaign may have gathered enough momentum to draw fire from high-powered Louisiana officials.
by Katy Reckdahl October 10, 2025 Updated October 15, 2025

Alfred Marshall, a voice of experience

Marshall is one of the main forces behind the Oct. 11 charter amendment that would amend the New Orleans Bill of Rights to add “conviction history” alongside race, religion, disability, and gender.
by Katie Sikora for ANTIGRAVITY magazine October 10, 2025 Updated October 10, 2025

New Orleans’ lead-heavy lizards could help scientists better grasp toxicity, evolution

The little brown lizards in New Orleans are thriving with blood levels of lead that Tulane scientists say should be lethal, even in far bigger creatures.
by Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator September 19, 2025 Updated September 19, 2025

‘Even in decay, life continues.’

Inspired by the floodwaters after Katrina and the birth of his son, photographer Gus Bennett created a new photography series, Organic Watermarks. Some images include 18 different layers of post-storm textures.
by Gus Bennett August 29, 2025 Updated September 8, 2025

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Sheltering in place through the ICE stormSheltering in place through the ICE stormDecember 12, 2025Gus BennettICE enforcement
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New Orleans does not want or need a mass enforcement operationNew Orleans does not want or need a mass enforcement operationDecember 5, 2025Royce DuplessisGovernment & Politics
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