Verite News
@veritenews.org
Nonprofit news for New Orleans elevating voices from communities that have been historically dismissed or ignored to create thoughtful, solution-based coverage on crucial topics.
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‘Mardi Gras Mambo’ was originally a country song
One record. One hit. One Carnival classic. That’s 'Mardi Gras Mambo.'
One record. One hit. One Carnival classic. That’s 'Mardi Gras Mambo.'
‘Mardi Gras Mambo’ was originally a country song
One record. One hit. One Carnival classic. That’s 'Mardi Gras Mambo.'
veritenews.org
February 9, 2026 at 12:01 PM
‘Mardi Gras Mambo’ was originally a country song
One record. One hit. One Carnival classic. That’s 'Mardi Gras Mambo.'
One record. One hit. One Carnival classic. That’s 'Mardi Gras Mambo.'
Dixie Cups brought new life to ‘Iko Iko’
The Dixie Cups brought “Iko Iko” into the studio in 1964 for fun, not knowing it would become their final hit.
The Dixie Cups brought “Iko Iko” into the studio in 1964 for fun, not knowing it would become their final hit.
Dixie Cups brought new life to ‘Iko Iko’
The Dixie Cups brought “Iko Iko” into the studio in 1964 for fun, not knowing it would become their final hit.
veritenews.org
February 6, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Dixie Cups brought new life to ‘Iko Iko’
The Dixie Cups brought “Iko Iko” into the studio in 1964 for fun, not knowing it would become their final hit.
The Dixie Cups brought “Iko Iko” into the studio in 1964 for fun, not knowing it would become their final hit.
Verite News reporters @tristanbaurick.bsky.social and @halleparker.bsky.social tested for lead in the soil at more than 80 New Orleans parks and found about half had dangerous levels of the toxic metal. veritenews.org/2026/02/05/p...
Unsafe lead levels found in half of New Orleans playgrounds
Verite News tested lead levels at more than 80 parks. Even trace amounts of the toxic metal can cause learning problems and behavioral issues in children.
veritenews.org
February 6, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Verite News reporters @tristanbaurick.bsky.social and @halleparker.bsky.social tested for lead in the soil at more than 80 New Orleans parks and found about half had dangerous levels of the toxic metal. veritenews.org/2026/02/05/p...
Britain quit coal. But is burning Louisiana’s trees any better?
The UK’s push to meet climate goals turned a former coal plant into a giant woodstove — powered by forests an ocean away.
The UK’s push to meet climate goals turned a former coal plant into a giant woodstove — powered by forests an ocean away.
Britain quit coal. But is burning Louisiana’s trees any better?
The UK’s push to meet climate goals turned a former coal plant into a giant woodstove — powered by forests an ocean away.
veritenews.org
February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Britain quit coal. But is burning Louisiana’s trees any better?
The UK’s push to meet climate goals turned a former coal plant into a giant woodstove — powered by forests an ocean away.
The UK’s push to meet climate goals turned a former coal plant into a giant woodstove — powered by forests an ocean away.
Moreno pledged to fix Safety and Permits. Almost a month into her tenure, she has yet to name a new director.
Moreno's top deputy says an announcement on a Safety and Permits director is coming soon.
Moreno's top deputy says an announcement on a Safety and Permits director is coming soon.
Moreno pledged to fix Safety and Permits. Almost a month into her tenure, she has yet to name a new director.
Moreno's top deputy says an announcement on a Safety and Permits director is coming soon.
veritenews.org
February 5, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Moreno pledged to fix Safety and Permits. Almost a month into her tenure, she has yet to name a new director.
Moreno's top deputy says an announcement on a Safety and Permits director is coming soon.
Moreno's top deputy says an announcement on a Safety and Permits director is coming soon.
St. Tammany illegally shortened school days for student with disabilities, lawsuit claims
According to a federal lawsuit, two St. Tammany schools shortened an autistic boy’s school day to two hours from the standard seven.
According to a federal lawsuit, two St. Tammany schools shortened an autistic boy’s school day to two hours from the standard seven.
St. Tammany illegally shortened school days for student with disabilities, lawsuit claims
According to a federal lawsuit, two St. Tammany schools shortened an autistic boy’s school day to two hours from the standard seven.
veritenews.org
February 5, 2026 at 7:18 PM
St. Tammany illegally shortened school days for student with disabilities, lawsuit claims
According to a federal lawsuit, two St. Tammany schools shortened an autistic boy’s school day to two hours from the standard seven.
According to a federal lawsuit, two St. Tammany schools shortened an autistic boy’s school day to two hours from the standard seven.
Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. Among the anticipated changes? No longer calling his murderer a “racist.”
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. Among the anticipated changes? No longer calling his murderer a “racist.”
Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. Among the anticipated changes? No longer calling his murderer a “racist.”
veritenews.org
February 5, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Medgar Evers’ killer was a Klansman, but Trump administration says stop calling him a racist
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. Among the anticipated changes? No longer calling his murderer a “racist.”
The National Park Service has removed visitor brochures from the Medgar & Myrlie Evers Home National Monument. Among the anticipated changes? No longer calling his murderer a “racist.”
Two investigations fellows are joining Deep South Today Reporting Center
The Local Investigations Fellowship welcomes two fellows to a new regional investigative reporting center created in collaboration with Deep South Today.
The Local Investigations Fellowship welcomes two fellows to a new regional investigative reporting center created in collaboration with Deep South Today.
Two investigations fellows are joining Deep South Today Reporting Center
The Local Investigations Fellowship welcomes two fellows to a new regional investigative reporting center created in collaboration with Deep South Today.
veritenews.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Two investigations fellows are joining Deep South Today Reporting Center
The Local Investigations Fellowship welcomes two fellows to a new regional investigative reporting center created in collaboration with Deep South Today.
The Local Investigations Fellowship welcomes two fellows to a new regional investigative reporting center created in collaboration with Deep South Today.
Poison at Play: Unsafe lead levels found in half of New Orleans playgrounds
Verite News tested lead levels at more than 80 parks. Even trace amounts of the toxic metal can cause learning problems and behavioral issues in children.
Verite News tested lead levels at more than 80 parks. Even trace amounts of the toxic metal can cause learning problems and behavioral issues in children.
Poison at Play: Unsafe lead levels found in half of New Orleans playgrounds
Verite News tested lead levels at more than 80 parks. Even trace amounts of the toxic metal can cause learning problems and behavioral issues in children.
veritenews.org
February 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Poison at Play: Unsafe lead levels found in half of New Orleans playgrounds
Verite News tested lead levels at more than 80 parks. Even trace amounts of the toxic metal can cause learning problems and behavioral issues in children.
Verite News tested lead levels at more than 80 parks. Even trace amounts of the toxic metal can cause learning problems and behavioral issues in children.
Balancing joy and responsibility: The New Orleans residents trying to make Mardi Gras more sustainable
Organizations in New Orleans are pushing to make Mardi Gras more environmentally-friendly by examining the culture around throws and making more sustainable options for krewes.
Organizations in New Orleans are pushing to make Mardi Gras more environmentally-friendly by examining the culture around throws and making more sustainable options for krewes.
Balancing joy and responsibility: The New Orleans residents trying to make Mardi Gras more sustainable
Organizations in New Orleans are pushing to make Mardi Gras more environmentally-friendly by examining the culture around throws and making more sustainable options for krewes.
veritenews.org
February 4, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Balancing joy and responsibility: The New Orleans residents trying to make Mardi Gras more sustainable
Organizations in New Orleans are pushing to make Mardi Gras more environmentally-friendly by examining the culture around throws and making more sustainable options for krewes.
Organizations in New Orleans are pushing to make Mardi Gras more environmentally-friendly by examining the culture around throws and making more sustainable options for krewes.
The looming return of Jim Crow to America’s second Blackest state
Louisiana’s political system could soon look more like 1966, the end of the Jim Crow Era, than 2026, and it’s time to acknowledge the full extent of the greatest threat to the American Experiment in decades.
Louisiana’s political system could soon look more like 1966, the end of the Jim Crow Era, than 2026, and it’s time to acknowledge the full extent of the greatest threat to the American Experiment in decades.
The looming return of Jim Crow to America’s second Blackest state
Louisiana’s political system could soon look more like 1966, the end of the Jim Crow Era, than 2026, and it’s time to acknowledge the full extent of the greatest threat to the American Experiment in decades.
veritenews.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM
The looming return of Jim Crow to America’s second Blackest state
Louisiana’s political system could soon look more like 1966, the end of the Jim Crow Era, than 2026, and it’s time to acknowledge the full extent of the greatest threat to the American Experiment in decades.
Louisiana’s political system could soon look more like 1966, the end of the Jim Crow Era, than 2026, and it’s time to acknowledge the full extent of the greatest threat to the American Experiment in decades.
The Krewe of Muses parade is famous for its whimsical floats and much-desired throws. Get our tips on how to get one of the coveted shoes. veritenews.org/2026/02/04/k...
How to get a shoe at the Krewe of Muses parade - Verite News New Orleans
The Krewe of Muses parade is famous for its whimsical floats and much-desired throws. Get our tips on how to get one of the coveted shoes.
veritenews.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:07 PM
The Krewe of Muses parade is famous for its whimsical floats and much-desired throws. Get our tips on how to get one of the coveted shoes. veritenews.org/2026/02/04/k...
Do you know the roots of ‘Iko Iko’ Mardi Gras Indian song?
James 'Sugar Boy' Crawford was just trying to write a catchy song. He didn’t know 'Iko Iko' would become part of Carnival’s permanent soundtrack.
James 'Sugar Boy' Crawford was just trying to write a catchy song. He didn’t know 'Iko Iko' would become part of Carnival’s permanent soundtrack.
Do you know the roots of ‘Iko Iko’ Mardi Gras Indian song?
James 'Sugar Boy' Crawford was just trying to write a catchy song. He didn’t know 'Iko Iko' would become part of Carnival’s permanent soundtrack.
veritenews.org
February 4, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Do you know the roots of ‘Iko Iko’ Mardi Gras Indian song?
James 'Sugar Boy' Crawford was just trying to write a catchy song. He didn’t know 'Iko Iko' would become part of Carnival’s permanent soundtrack.
James 'Sugar Boy' Crawford was just trying to write a catchy song. He didn’t know 'Iko Iko' would become part of Carnival’s permanent soundtrack.
Community nonprofits offer mental health services for parents through resilience workshops
Love Your Neighbor NOLA and NOLA Black Mental Health Matters are providing community workshops in mental health resilience. Registration is required and participants will receive groceries, diapers, and…
Love Your Neighbor NOLA and NOLA Black Mental Health Matters are providing community workshops in mental health resilience. Registration is required and participants will receive groceries, diapers, and…
Community nonprofits offer mental health services for parents through resilience workshops
Love Your Neighbor NOLA and NOLA Black Mental Health Matters are providing community workshops in mental health resilience. Registration is required and participants will receive groceries, diapers, and clothes.
veritenews.org
February 3, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Community nonprofits offer mental health services for parents through resilience workshops
Love Your Neighbor NOLA and NOLA Black Mental Health Matters are providing community workshops in mental health resilience. Registration is required and participants will receive groceries, diapers, and…
Love Your Neighbor NOLA and NOLA Black Mental Health Matters are providing community workshops in mental health resilience. Registration is required and participants will receive groceries, diapers, and…
The Unbroken Line: Enslaved people sought love and family
For many enslaved people across the American South, falling in love, getting married and starting a family were unobtainable dreams.
For many enslaved people across the American South, falling in love, getting married and starting a family were unobtainable dreams.
The Unbroken Line: Enslaved people sought love and family
For many enslaved people across the American South, falling in love, getting married and starting a family were unobtainable dreams.
veritenews.org
February 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM
The Unbroken Line: Enslaved people sought love and family
For many enslaved people across the American South, falling in love, getting married and starting a family were unobtainable dreams.
For many enslaved people across the American South, falling in love, getting married and starting a family were unobtainable dreams.
New Orleans ICE office a national leader in immigration detainer requests
Data show that the N.O. ICE field office, which has jurisdiction in five states including Louisiana, issues more detainer requests than any other office, despite a low foreign-born population
Data show that the N.O. ICE field office, which has jurisdiction in five states including Louisiana, issues more detainer requests than any other office, despite a low foreign-born population
New Orleans ICE office a national leader in immigration detainer requests
Data show that the N.O. ICE field office, which has jurisdiction in five states including Louisiana, issues more detainer requests than any other office, despite a low foreign-born population
veritenews.org
February 2, 2026 at 8:03 PM
New Orleans ICE office a national leader in immigration detainer requests
Data show that the N.O. ICE field office, which has jurisdiction in five states including Louisiana, issues more detainer requests than any other office, despite a low foreign-born population
Data show that the N.O. ICE field office, which has jurisdiction in five states including Louisiana, issues more detainer requests than any other office, despite a low foreign-born population
Black Billy Sunday’s sermons warned of the fires of hell
With a nickname like “Black Billy Sunday,” the Rev. Dr. J. Gordon McPherson was no ordinary preacher. His forceful, chant-like sermons put the fire in brimstone.
With a nickname like “Black Billy Sunday,” the Rev. Dr. J. Gordon McPherson was no ordinary preacher. His forceful, chant-like sermons put the fire in brimstone.
Black Billy Sunday’s sermons warned of the fires of hell
With a nickname like “Black Billy Sunday,” the Rev. Dr. J. Gordon McPherson was no ordinary preacher. His forceful, chant-like sermons put the fire in brimstone.
veritenews.org
February 2, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Black Billy Sunday’s sermons warned of the fires of hell
With a nickname like “Black Billy Sunday,” the Rev. Dr. J. Gordon McPherson was no ordinary preacher. His forceful, chant-like sermons put the fire in brimstone.
With a nickname like “Black Billy Sunday,” the Rev. Dr. J. Gordon McPherson was no ordinary preacher. His forceful, chant-like sermons put the fire in brimstone.
Reposted by Verite News
Under Gov. Jeff Landry, the number of parole applications in Louisiana has plummeted.
The board held 1,785 parole hearings in the two years before Landry’s inauguration, compared with 714 during his term.
➡️ Read more (with @veritenews.org): https://propub.li/4aqfzvi
The board held 1,785 parole hearings in the two years before Landry’s inauguration, compared with 714 during his term.
➡️ Read more (with @veritenews.org): https://propub.li/4aqfzvi
January 31, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Under Gov. Jeff Landry, the number of parole applications in Louisiana has plummeted.
The board held 1,785 parole hearings in the two years before Landry’s inauguration, compared with 714 during his term.
➡️ Read more (with @veritenews.org): https://propub.li/4aqfzvi
The board held 1,785 parole hearings in the two years before Landry’s inauguration, compared with 714 during his term.
➡️ Read more (with @veritenews.org): https://propub.li/4aqfzvi
Krewe of Nefertiti, which serves year-round, gets ready to roll in New Orleans East for its sixth year
The theme of the Krewe of Nefertiti's 2026 parade is Bayou Nefertiti.
The theme of the Krewe of Nefertiti's 2026 parade is Bayou Nefertiti.
Krewe of Nefertiti, which serves year-round, gets ready to roll in New Orleans East for its sixth year
The theme of the Krewe of Nefertiti's 2026 parade is Bayou Nefertiti.
veritenews.org
January 31, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Krewe of Nefertiti, which serves year-round, gets ready to roll in New Orleans East for its sixth year
The theme of the Krewe of Nefertiti's 2026 parade is Bayou Nefertiti.
The theme of the Krewe of Nefertiti's 2026 parade is Bayou Nefertiti.
Xavier University receives $3 million from Humana to launch scholarship for medical students
The scholarship will offer one full ride per year at the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine.
The scholarship will offer one full ride per year at the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine.
Xavier University receives $3 million from Humana to launch scholarship for medical students
The scholarship will offer one full ride per year at the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine.
veritenews.org
January 30, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Xavier University receives $3 million from Humana to launch scholarship for medical students
The scholarship will offer one full ride per year at the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine.
The scholarship will offer one full ride per year at the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine.
Reddit AMA recap: How is the Helena Moreno administration meeting the challenges facing New Orleans?
Reporter Katie Jane Fernelius answers questions from readers about everything from the budget deficit to layoffs at City Hall and the housing shortage.
Reporter Katie Jane Fernelius answers questions from readers about everything from the budget deficit to layoffs at City Hall and the housing shortage.
Reddit AMA recap: How is the Helena Moreno administration meeting the challenges facing New Orleans?
Reporter Katie Jane Fernelius answers questions from readers about everything from the budget deficit to layoffs at City Hall and the housing shortage.
veritenews.org
January 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Reddit AMA recap: How is the Helena Moreno administration meeting the challenges facing New Orleans?
Reporter Katie Jane Fernelius answers questions from readers about everything from the budget deficit to layoffs at City Hall and the housing shortage.
Reporter Katie Jane Fernelius answers questions from readers about everything from the budget deficit to layoffs at City Hall and the housing shortage.
The opening of wood pellet mills in small towns in Louisiana and Mississippi came with promises of jobs and economic growth. More than a decade later, prosperity has yet to arrive. veritenews.org/2026/01/30/d...
A ‘green’ energy giant promised these Southern towns prosperity, so why are they still dying?
The production of this "green" energy is creating air pollution in two Black communities in the Deep South.
veritenews.org
January 30, 2026 at 4:07 PM
The opening of wood pellet mills in small towns in Louisiana and Mississippi came with promises of jobs and economic growth. More than a decade later, prosperity has yet to arrive. veritenews.org/2026/01/30/d...
George Lewis played with some of the best musicians in N.O.
Lewis started out playing a tin fife – an instrument similar to a piccolo – before teaching himself to play the clarinet.
Lewis started out playing a tin fife – an instrument similar to a piccolo – before teaching himself to play the clarinet.
George Lewis played with some of the best musicians in N.O.
Lewis started out playing a tin fife – an instrument similar to a piccolo – before teaching himself to play the clarinet.
veritenews.org
January 30, 2026 at 1:28 PM
George Lewis played with some of the best musicians in N.O.
Lewis started out playing a tin fife – an instrument similar to a piccolo – before teaching himself to play the clarinet.
Lewis started out playing a tin fife – an instrument similar to a piccolo – before teaching himself to play the clarinet.
Louisiana schools will be required to have at least one camera in each special education classroom by next week. But who’s monitoring them?
With days to go before the special education camera law takes effect, it is unclear who is ensuring compliance.
With days to go before the special education camera law takes effect, it is unclear who is ensuring compliance.
Louisiana schools will be required to have at least one camera in each special education classroom by next week. But who’s monitoring them?
With days to go before the special education camera law takes effect, it is unclear who is ensuring compliance.
veritenews.org
January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Louisiana schools will be required to have at least one camera in each special education classroom by next week. But who’s monitoring them?
With days to go before the special education camera law takes effect, it is unclear who is ensuring compliance.
With days to go before the special education camera law takes effect, it is unclear who is ensuring compliance.
Culture bearers brace for increased law enforcement presence for Mardi Gras
With Mardi Gras comes heightened security and law enforcement measures largely concentrated where most people gather like downtown and the parade routes Uptown.
With Mardi Gras comes heightened security and law enforcement measures largely concentrated where most people gather like downtown and the parade routes Uptown.
Culture bearers brace for increased law enforcement presence for Mardi Gras
With Mardi Gras comes heightened security and law enforcement measures largely concentrated where most people gather like downtown and the parade routes Uptown.
veritenews.org
January 29, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Culture bearers brace for increased law enforcement presence for Mardi Gras
With Mardi Gras comes heightened security and law enforcement measures largely concentrated where most people gather like downtown and the parade routes Uptown.
With Mardi Gras comes heightened security and law enforcement measures largely concentrated where most people gather like downtown and the parade routes Uptown.