Verite News

Robert Benjamin “R.B.” Hayes broke barriers early in his life, becoming the first Black child to attend high school in the Oklahoma Territory. His career in education included serving at Philander Smith College and George R. Smith College in Missouri. Later, he became dean of New Orleans University, contributing to efforts that led to Dillard University and helping fundraise for the construction of Flint-Goodridge Hospital.

Harold Vandeford, the police chief of Senatobia, routinely used racist slurs in private text messages with colleagues, according to reporters. These texts showed him making multiple offensive statements and describing having "racist moments." This pattern of behavior occurred amid broader complaints about discriminatory policing, following a fatal shooting of a 1-year-old Black toddler.

Amid budget discussions, animal shelters in New Orleans report worrying inability to manage the increasing stray animal population. Following a 38% city cut in funding for animal welfare services, the Louisiana SPCA reduced its operating hours. Consequently, citizen groups and volunteers are forced to take on essential duties like rescue operations.

In New Orleans during Reconstruction, John Baptiste Jourdain investigated the kidnapping of 17-month-old Molly Digby. Two Black women, Ellen Follin and Louisa Murray, were arrested and later acquitted by an integrated jury in January 1871 after claiming a white woman left them with the baby. Subsequently, Jourdain was demoted and left the police force.

A group of over 20 New Orleans restaurants are forming a partnership called "Chefs for Justice" with the ACLU of Louisiana to raise funds. Motivated by concerns over policies impacting civil rights, voting rights, and immigrant rights, participating restaurants plan to use their community platforms to support the nonprofit organization. Chef Adolfo Garcia is leading this effort, which includes an Argentine-style barbeque event on September 14th at La Boca Steakhouse.

Crescent City Farmers Market, which operates on a 'producers only' basis, is facing questions regarding a vendor named Two Dog Farms. Representatives wrote to the governing board of Market Umbrella expressing concern that Two Dog Farms functions partly as a reseller, selling food sourced from other regional farms and conflicting with the market’s identity.

Civil rights attorneys allege that University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC) violated the city’s “ban the box” law by firing employee Devon Jones following a conviction for armed robbery. The legal team argues that the termination was based solely on his criminal background and that his past experience bears no relation to his job duties as a violence interrupter. They further requested that the city conduct a full investigation of the employment action.

President Trump’s mass deportation campaign has placed immigration into the national spotlight, but the legal language used in proceedings remains unfamiliar and confusing to the general public. Advocates argue that the administration has effectively weaponized asylum and immigration procedures, leading to increased arrests and removal orders for immigrants who often held legal protections. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security generally responded by stating that work authorization or pending applications do not confer legal status.

Rosemary Westwood is examining public health in Louisiana for Verite News as part of The New York Times’ Local Investigations Fellowship. She seeks to understand how policy changes, including prohibiting state employees from promoting vaccines and embracing criticism of Covid measures, have impacted residents' everyday lives. Input is requested from families, healthcare providers, and anyone with experience helping shape policies for the Louisiana Department of Health.

Dr. Evelyn Griffin was named Louisiana’s surgeon general by Gov. Jeff Landry, despite having no background or specialty training in infectious disease or public health. Her vision is to help shift the healthcare system toward prevention rather than just treatment, reflecting a focus on eroding government mandates and limiting vaccine access.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission plans to vote next month on a revised rule that requires intervening parties, including corporations and environmental groups, to disclose all out-of-state funding. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta originally proposed the rule, citing concerns about potential foreign interference in energy regulation. However, opponents worry the measure could curb participation in critical regulatory debates after pushing for the proposal to be significantly reworked.

Plaquemines LNG is seeking a multi-billion-dollar expansion using fast-tracked permitting granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under a national energy emergency declared by President Donald Trump. This expedited review, which could more than double the terminal's size, raises environmental alarms as critics warn it may damage up to 470 acres of wetlands in central Plaquemines Parish.

William G. Brown, Louisiana’s first Black superintendent of education, exposed severe financial mismanagement and poor records in the state public school system through an 1873 report. His subsequent call for reform resulted in improvements to school oversight, the construction of 213 schoolhouses, and the defense of desegregation. His achievements contributed a unique chapter to the educational history of Louisiana.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is considering applying for a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Model Cities Initiative, which could fund public safety programs with millions of dollars. However, local advocates argue that receiving the money requires the city to align with Trump administration priorities, including supporting federal immigration enforcement and enacting bans on loitering.

Following a community meeting on July 21 concerning safety issues for RTA passengers, New Orleans Police and the Louisiana National Guard began conducting sweeps near the main branch of the New Orleans Public Library. While some commuters expressed relief regarding the police presence due to drug use and crime, unhoused individuals seeking temporary shelter reported being turned away or ordered to leave by both police and military personnel.

New Orleans City Council discussed implementing stricter reporting rules for the New Orleans Police Department's drone usage, requiring the NOPD to report material changes in drone flights, safety concerns, and other details. The proposal aims to increase transparency and public trust, following past scrutiny over NOPD's drone policies. While residents and advocacy groups expressed support, they argued the ordinance does not go far enough in ensuring accountability.

An advisory committee established by New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno is evaluating City Hall renovation plans and considering a potential annex in New Orleans East. The committee, which held a kickoff meeting on Aug. 6, will assess the building's condition and past issues like mold, while state funding for repairs was previously vetoed by Gov. Jeff Landry.

Dozens of parish leaders and volunteers from Louisiana Deserves Better, a campaign to recall Gov. Jeff Landry and state Attorney General Liz Murrill, have left due to alleged financial mismanagement and poor leadership by the group's chairperson, Marian Gbaiwon. Volunteers attempted to deliver collected signatures to Gbaiwon's headquarters but were met with no response, following internal disputes that led to over 100 leaders and volunteers exiting the campaign.

The article details how slavery in French Louisiana contributed to the wealth and influence of elite families, such as the Haydels, through agricultural production like indigo and sugarcane. It highlights the role of the Company of the West, German settlers, and the exploitation of enslaved people in shaping the region's economy and social hierarchy.

New Orleans City Council committees advanced measures to increase city oversight of the Sewerage & Water Board, including a resolution for a financial audit and changes following House Bill 1243, which grants the city control over the utility’s governing board. The proposed changes require a citywide election to amend the charter, and the council will vote on the measures next Thursday.