Katie Jane Fernelius
@kjfernelius.bsky.social
Journalist in New Orleans with VeriteNews.org. Work in BBC World Service, The Guardian, Oxford American, The Nation, In These Times, The Assembly NC, The New Republic, INDY Week & elsewhere.
📧: kfernelius@veritenews.org
👩🏼💻: kjfernelius.com
📧: kfernelius@veritenews.org
👩🏼💻: kjfernelius.com
Pinned
Hey #NewOrleans, I’m a journalist covering the local government for @veritenewsnola.bsky.social! At Verite, we engage with the community & try to dig into stories that have real impact on people, especially those who are marginalized. So, don’t be a stranger: I’m open to your questions & concerns!
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
What we know, 10:20pm
—VA Dems flip Gov, LG, *and* AG
—BIG Dem gains in VA House
—Dems win NJ-Gov
—Mamdani wins
—Dems keep PA supreme court
—Larry Krasner & Bragg win
— GA Dems flip 2 statewide offices
—JD Vance’s half-brother loses Cincy
—Dems sweep Orlando council
—ME anti-mail vote measure loses
—VA Dems flip Gov, LG, *and* AG
—BIG Dem gains in VA House
—Dems win NJ-Gov
—Mamdani wins
—Dems keep PA supreme court
—Larry Krasner & Bragg win
— GA Dems flip 2 statewide offices
—JD Vance’s half-brother loses Cincy
—Dems sweep Orlando council
—ME anti-mail vote measure loses
November 5, 2025 at 3:19 AM
What we know, 10:20pm
—VA Dems flip Gov, LG, *and* AG
—BIG Dem gains in VA House
—Dems win NJ-Gov
—Mamdani wins
—Dems keep PA supreme court
—Larry Krasner & Bragg win
— GA Dems flip 2 statewide offices
—JD Vance’s half-brother loses Cincy
—Dems sweep Orlando council
—ME anti-mail vote measure loses
—VA Dems flip Gov, LG, *and* AG
—BIG Dem gains in VA House
—Dems win NJ-Gov
—Mamdani wins
—Dems keep PA supreme court
—Larry Krasner & Bragg win
— GA Dems flip 2 statewide offices
—JD Vance’s half-brother loses Cincy
—Dems sweep Orlando council
—ME anti-mail vote measure loses
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Disturbing allegations in this lawsuit. Story by Verite education reporter Safura Syed.
Parents accuse Bonnabel High employees of hitting, humiliating special education student
The federal civil rights suit was based on footage from in-classroom cameras, which will soon be required in special education classrooms around the state.
The federal civil rights suit was based on footage from in-classroom cameras, which will soon be required in special education classrooms around the state.
Parents accuse Bonnabel High employees of hitting, humiliating special education student
The federal civil rights suit was based on footage from in-classroom cameras, which will soon be required in special education classrooms around the state.
veritenews.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Disturbing allegations in this lawsuit. Story by Verite education reporter Safura Syed.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
The state of Louisiana, under the direction of Trump-allied Gov. Jeff Landry, is trying to takeover the finances of the city of New Orleans. It's majority-Black, the state's largest city and a Democratic stronghold.
State begins process of potential takeover of New Orleans finances
A little-known state committee will meet Wednesday to determine whether the financially troubled city meets legal criteria for a takeover.
A little-known state committee will meet Wednesday to determine whether the financially troubled city meets legal criteria for a takeover.
State begins process of potential takeover of New Orleans finances
A little-known state committee will meet Wednesday to determine whether the financially troubled city meets legal criteria for a takeover.
veritenews.org
October 28, 2025 at 8:00 PM
The state of Louisiana, under the direction of Trump-allied Gov. Jeff Landry, is trying to takeover the finances of the city of New Orleans. It's majority-Black, the state's largest city and a Democratic stronghold.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Complaint: Pregnant immigration detainees in Louisiana and Georgia experiencing abuse, neglect
Mistreatment of pregnant people in detention facilities has resulted in miscarriage in some cases, civil rights groups allege.
Mistreatment of pregnant people in detention facilities has resulted in miscarriage in some cases, civil rights groups allege.
Complaint: Pregnant immigration detainees in Louisiana and Georgia experiencing abuse, neglect
Mistreatment of pregnant people in detention facilities has resulted in miscarriage in some cases, civil rights groups allege.
veritenews.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Complaint: Pregnant immigration detainees in Louisiana and Georgia experiencing abuse, neglect
Mistreatment of pregnant people in detention facilities has resulted in miscarriage in some cases, civil rights groups allege.
Mistreatment of pregnant people in detention facilities has resulted in miscarriage in some cases, civil rights groups allege.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Loss of $120M in expected FEMA funding threatens city’s ability to pay bills, officials say
A Cantrell administration official says that FEMA has not been kicking out expected funding because of New Orleans’ status as a ‘sanctuary city’ on immigration. . New Orleans, facing a $160M deficit, may…
A Cantrell administration official says that FEMA has not been kicking out expected funding because of New Orleans’ status as a ‘sanctuary city’ on immigration. . New Orleans, facing a $160M deficit, may…
Loss of $120M in expected FEMA funding threatens city’s ability to pay bills, officials say
A Cantrell administration official says that FEMA has not been kicking out expected funding because of New Orleans’ status as a ‘sanctuary city’ on immigration. . New Orleans, facing a $160M deficit, may not be able to make its payroll.
veritenews.org
October 23, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Loss of $120M in expected FEMA funding threatens city’s ability to pay bills, officials say
A Cantrell administration official says that FEMA has not been kicking out expected funding because of New Orleans’ status as a ‘sanctuary city’ on immigration. . New Orleans, facing a $160M deficit, may…
A Cantrell administration official says that FEMA has not been kicking out expected funding because of New Orleans’ status as a ‘sanctuary city’ on immigration. . New Orleans, facing a $160M deficit, may…
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Landry warns Louisiana won’t issue SNAP benefits for November if shutdown persists
More than 800,000 people in Louisiana receive SNAP benefits.
More than 800,000 people in Louisiana receive SNAP benefits.
Landry warns Louisiana won’t issue SNAP benefits for November if shutdown persists
More than 800,000 people in Louisiana receive SNAP benefits.
veritenews.org
October 23, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Landry warns Louisiana won’t issue SNAP benefits for November if shutdown persists
More than 800,000 people in Louisiana receive SNAP benefits.
More than 800,000 people in Louisiana receive SNAP benefits.
Wait, I feel like this – reported by Axios! – is kind of a big deal. Apparently, AG Liz Murrill is considering taking over the city of New Orleans' finances ???
www.axios.com/local/new-or...
www.axios.com/local/new-or...
October 23, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Wait, I feel like this – reported by Axios! – is kind of a big deal. Apparently, AG Liz Murrill is considering taking over the city of New Orleans' finances ???
www.axios.com/local/new-or...
www.axios.com/local/new-or...
The Mayor isn't the only city-wide office we vote for in New Orleans. We also vote for two City Council at-large seats. Yet those races have gotten considerably less attention this year. So, we decided to talk to candidates – and dig deeper into their platforms for @veritenews.org. Check 'em out!
October 9, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The Mayor isn't the only city-wide office we vote for in New Orleans. We also vote for two City Council at-large seats. Yet those races have gotten considerably less attention this year. So, we decided to talk to candidates – and dig deeper into their platforms for @veritenews.org. Check 'em out!
Today, Sandra Green Thomas, the chief of staff for Cm Eugene Green, posted a distressing video on TikTok of what appears to be a deceased person outside Duncan Plaza, near City Hall. She blamed the opioid addiction crisis and also Unity of New Orleans.
October 9, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Today, Sandra Green Thomas, the chief of staff for Cm Eugene Green, posted a distressing video on TikTok of what appears to be a deceased person outside Duncan Plaza, near City Hall. She blamed the opioid addiction crisis and also Unity of New Orleans.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Challengers look to unseat 3 City Council incumbents
JP Morrell, Freddie King and Eugene Green face competition in their reelection bids for New Orleans City Council.
JP Morrell, Freddie King and Eugene Green face competition in their reelection bids for New Orleans City Council.
Challengers look to unseat 3 City Council incumbents
JP Morrell, Freddie King and Eugene Green face competition in their reelection bids for New Orleans City Council.
veritenews.org
October 6, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Challengers look to unseat 3 City Council incumbents
JP Morrell, Freddie King and Eugene Green face competition in their reelection bids for New Orleans City Council.
JP Morrell, Freddie King and Eugene Green face competition in their reelection bids for New Orleans City Council.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
This is what I’ve been reporting on for months. Agencies are taking money and repurposing it against Congressional instructions, and there’s no way to know what they are taking the money from or what they are using it for.
Billions in Taxpayer Dollars Have Become Virtually Untraceable
The Trump administration’s aggressive approach to overhauling the executive branch has obscured how federal dollars are actually being spent — even for the members of Congress.
www.notus.org
September 26, 2025 at 2:05 PM
This is what I’ve been reporting on for months. Agencies are taking money and repurposing it against Congressional instructions, and there’s no way to know what they are taking the money from or what they are using it for.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
New Orleanians are being priced out of the city. Can the next assessor make a difference?
A progressive candidate is challenging longtime Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams for the job.
A progressive candidate is challenging longtime Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams for the job.
New Orleanians are being priced out of the city. Can the next assessor make a difference?
A progressive candidate is challenging longtime Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams for the job.
veritenews.org
September 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
New Orleanians are being priced out of the city. Can the next assessor make a difference?
A progressive candidate is challenging longtime Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams for the job.
A progressive candidate is challenging longtime Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams for the job.
There's a lot of good attention being paid to the mayoral race. But might I suggest you turn your attention down ballot to another critical citywide race, the assessor's race?
My latest feature for @veritenews.org –
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/n...
My latest feature for @veritenews.org –
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/n...
New Orleanians are being priced out of the city. Can the next assessor make a difference? - Verite News New Orleans
A progressive candidate is challenging longtime Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams for the job.
veritenews.org
September 26, 2025 at 3:54 PM
There's a lot of good attention being paid to the mayoral race. But might I suggest you turn your attention down ballot to another critical citywide race, the assessor's race?
My latest feature for @veritenews.org –
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/n...
My latest feature for @veritenews.org –
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/n...
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Many people asked and @veritenews.org delivered! Here's a feature the City Assessor's race, featuring:
- What the city assessor even does
- Why the race is important
- Where the top candidates stand on the issues
And more, brought to you by @kjfernelius.bsky.social!
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/n...
- What the city assessor even does
- Why the race is important
- Where the top candidates stand on the issues
And more, brought to you by @kjfernelius.bsky.social!
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/n...
New Orleanians are being priced out of the city. Can the next assessor make a difference? - Verite News New Orleans
A progressive candidate is challenging longtime Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams for the job.
veritenews.org
September 26, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Many people asked and @veritenews.org delivered! Here's a feature the City Assessor's race, featuring:
- What the city assessor even does
- Why the race is important
- Where the top candidates stand on the issues
And more, brought to you by @kjfernelius.bsky.social!
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/n...
- What the city assessor even does
- Why the race is important
- Where the top candidates stand on the issues
And more, brought to you by @kjfernelius.bsky.social!
veritenews.org/2025/09/26/n...
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Incumbents don’t show at council forum on Entergy, Delta Utilities regulation
JP Morrell, the council utilities chair who is seeking reelection to his at-large seat, said he was concerned that one of the organizers was biased.
JP Morrell, the council utilities chair who is seeking reelection to his at-large seat, said he was concerned that one of the organizers was biased.
Incumbents don’t show at council forum on Entergy, Delta Utilities regulation
JP Morrell, the council utilities chair who is seeking reelection to his at-large seat, said he was concerned that one of the organizers was biased.
veritenews.org
September 25, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Incumbents don’t show at council forum on Entergy, Delta Utilities regulation
JP Morrell, the council utilities chair who is seeking reelection to his at-large seat, said he was concerned that one of the organizers was biased.
JP Morrell, the council utilities chair who is seeking reelection to his at-large seat, said he was concerned that one of the organizers was biased.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Rep. Delisha Boyd’s campaign paid her daughter while she also worked for an outside PAC
www.nola.com/gambit/news/...
www.nola.com/gambit/news/...
Rep. Delisha Boyd’s campaign paid her daughter while she also worked for an outside PAC
State Rep. Delisha Boyd’s New Orleans City Council campaign committee paid her daughter Kristen Boyd more than $2,000 this summer for “campaign work” even as she was also being paid as the chairperson...
www.nola.com
September 23, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Rep. Delisha Boyd’s campaign paid her daughter while she also worked for an outside PAC
www.nola.com/gambit/news/...
www.nola.com/gambit/news/...
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Second-line clubs say NOPD parading requirements are confusing, restrictive
The enforcement crackdown comes shortly before the upcoming 2025-2026 second-line season. A City Council hearing on the issue is set for Thursday (Aug. 7).
The enforcement crackdown comes shortly before the upcoming 2025-2026 second-line season. A City Council hearing on the issue is set for Thursday (Aug. 7).
Second-line clubs say NOPD parading requirements are confusing, restrictive
The enforcement crackdown comes shortly before the upcoming 2025-2026 second-line season. A City Council hearing on the issue is set for Thursday (Aug. 7).
veritenews.org
August 6, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Second-line clubs say NOPD parading requirements are confusing, restrictive
The enforcement crackdown comes shortly before the upcoming 2025-2026 second-line season. A City Council hearing on the issue is set for Thursday (Aug. 7).
The enforcement crackdown comes shortly before the upcoming 2025-2026 second-line season. A City Council hearing on the issue is set for Thursday (Aug. 7).
Arthur Hunter and Royce Duplessis /think/ they are pulling a Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani move... I'm not convinced that is what is actually happening though.
veritenews.org/2025/08/07/a...
veritenews.org/2025/08/07/a...
Arthur Hunter drops out of mayoral race, endorses Duplessis - Verite News New Orleans
Hunter fell in recent polling following Sen. Royce Duplessis' formal entry into the race.
veritenews.org
August 7, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Arthur Hunter and Royce Duplessis /think/ they are pulling a Brad Lander and Zohran Mamdani move... I'm not convinced that is what is actually happening though.
veritenews.org/2025/08/07/a...
veritenews.org/2025/08/07/a...
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Hear from the candidates: New Orleans City Council at-large
New Orleanians will get to cast three votes for the New Orleans City Council: one for who will represent their specific council district and two for at-large seats.
New Orleanians will get to cast three votes for the New Orleans City Council: one for who will represent their specific council district and two for at-large seats.
Hear from the candidates: New Orleans City Council at-large
New Orleanians will get to cast three votes for the New Orleans City Council: one for who will represent their specific council district and two for at-large seats.
veritenews.org
August 7, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Hear from the candidates: New Orleans City Council at-large
New Orleanians will get to cast three votes for the New Orleans City Council: one for who will represent their specific council district and two for at-large seats.
New Orleanians will get to cast three votes for the New Orleans City Council: one for who will represent their specific council district and two for at-large seats.
This week, hear from the major at-large candidates for New Orleans City Council. We asked them about affordability, utility regulation, zoning, and much more!
veritenews.org/guides/2025-...
Next week, we will share the questionnaires from the candidates for the five district seats.
veritenews.org/guides/2025-...
Next week, we will share the questionnaires from the candidates for the five district seats.
City Council At-Large Race - Verite News New Orleans
View the city council at-large candidates in New Orleans upcoming election this fall and read their responses to our questionnaire.
veritenews.org
August 7, 2025 at 2:40 PM
This week, hear from the major at-large candidates for New Orleans City Council. We asked them about affordability, utility regulation, zoning, and much more!
veritenews.org/guides/2025-...
Next week, we will share the questionnaires from the candidates for the five district seats.
veritenews.org/guides/2025-...
Next week, we will share the questionnaires from the candidates for the five district seats.
This makes me very sad. My favorite OB/GYN in the city worked at Planned Parenthood. She gave me two IUDs over the years; both times, easy & painless.
Planned Parenthood has always been a safe, compassionate place for me & others to receive necessary healthcare.
www.nola.com/news/healthc...
Planned Parenthood has always been a safe, compassionate place for me & others to receive necessary healthcare.
www.nola.com/news/healthc...
Planned Parenthood to close in Louisiana after more than 40 years. See details.
"This is not a decision we wanted to make," said Melaney Linton, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, adding that "political warfare" on the nonprofit by its opponents forced the cl...
www.nola.com
August 5, 2025 at 6:04 PM
This makes me very sad. My favorite OB/GYN in the city worked at Planned Parenthood. She gave me two IUDs over the years; both times, easy & painless.
Planned Parenthood has always been a safe, compassionate place for me & others to receive necessary healthcare.
www.nola.com/news/healthc...
Planned Parenthood has always been a safe, compassionate place for me & others to receive necessary healthcare.
www.nola.com/news/healthc...
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
Now that Topgolf deal is dead, where does River District stand?
River District developers say they’re moving ahead with plans for affordable housing, music museum and more.
River District developers say they’re moving ahead with plans for affordable housing, music museum and more.
Now that Topgolf deal is dead, where does River District stand?
River District developers say they’re moving ahead with plans for affordable housing, music museum and more.
veritenews.org
August 1, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Now that Topgolf deal is dead, where does River District stand?
River District developers say they’re moving ahead with plans for affordable housing, music museum and more.
River District developers say they’re moving ahead with plans for affordable housing, music museum and more.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
This aspiring Louisiana pilot can’t fly with sickle cell disease. So he’s editing his genes.
Daniel Cressy will be the first patient in Louisiana to complete the gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease.
Daniel Cressy will be the first patient in Louisiana to complete the gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease.
This aspiring Louisiana pilot can’t fly with sickle cell disease. So he’s editing his genes.
Daniel Cressy will be the first patient in Louisiana to complete the gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease.
veritenews.org
August 1, 2025 at 8:11 PM
This aspiring Louisiana pilot can’t fly with sickle cell disease. So he’s editing his genes.
Daniel Cressy will be the first patient in Louisiana to complete the gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease.
Daniel Cressy will be the first patient in Louisiana to complete the gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease.
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
The questionnaire responses by our candidates for Sheriff are now posted on the @veritenews.org election guide. I hope they are helpful for #NewOrleans voters in figuring out which candidate will earn their vote.
veritenews.org/guides/2025-...
veritenews.org/guides/2025-...
Sheriff's Race - Verite News New Orleans
View the sheriff candidates in New Orleans upcoming election this fall and read their responses to our questionnaire.
veritenews.org
July 31, 2025 at 6:03 PM
The questionnaire responses by our candidates for Sheriff are now posted on the @veritenews.org election guide. I hope they are helpful for #NewOrleans voters in figuring out which candidate will earn their vote.
veritenews.org/guides/2025-...
veritenews.org/guides/2025-...
Reposted by Katie Jane Fernelius
NEW: We’ve documented nearly 50 incidents of immigration officers shattering car windows to make arrests — a tactic experts say was rarely used before Trump took office.
ICE claims officers use a “minimum amount of force.”
You can judge for yourself.
By @nicolefoy.bsky.social @mckenziefunk.com
ICE claims officers use a “minimum amount of force.”
You can judge for yourself.
By @nicolefoy.bsky.social @mckenziefunk.com
Bloodied Faces, Sobbing Children: Immigration Officers Smash Car Windows to Speed Up Arrests
We’ve documented nearly 50 incidents of immigration officers shattering car windows to make arrests — a tactic experts say was rarely used before Trump took office. ICE claims its officers use a “mini...
projects.propublica.org
July 31, 2025 at 10:40 AM
NEW: We’ve documented nearly 50 incidents of immigration officers shattering car windows to make arrests — a tactic experts say was rarely used before Trump took office.
ICE claims officers use a “minimum amount of force.”
You can judge for yourself.
By @nicolefoy.bsky.social @mckenziefunk.com
ICE claims officers use a “minimum amount of force.”
You can judge for yourself.
By @nicolefoy.bsky.social @mckenziefunk.com