@richardawebster.bsky.social
Senior reporter @veritenewsnola, ProPublica Local Reporting Network, former Times-Picayune investigative team, http://rawwriting.com, rwebster@veritenews.org
Join @veritenews.org tomorrow for an off-the-record conversation about our city, our coverage, and the people behind both. Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Tchoup Yard, 405 Third St., New Orleans. www.eventbrite.com/e/off-the-re...
Off the Record: Verite News Meet and Greet
Join Verite News for an off-the-record conversation about our city, our coverage, and the people behind both.
www.eventbrite.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Join @veritenews.org tomorrow for an off-the-record conversation about our city, our coverage, and the people behind both. Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Tchoup Yard, 405 Third St., New Orleans. www.eventbrite.com/e/off-the-re...
A Louisiana judge ruled Thursday that a hearing will be held to consider whether a swastika drawn on Lloyd Gray's DA file infected his case with racial bias. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/10/30/l...
Judge rules that Lloyd Gray, convicted by a nonunanimous decision, can continue his bid for freedom - Verite News New Orleans
Gray, convicted by a 10-2 jury vote, remains in prison five years after the Supreme Court ruled such verdicts unconstitutional.
veritenews.org
October 31, 2025 at 3:33 PM
A Louisiana judge ruled Thursday that a hearing will be held to consider whether a swastika drawn on Lloyd Gray's DA file infected his case with racial bias. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/10/30/l...
In this incredible piece for @newsweek.com , Henrick Karoliszyn details his own experience as a crime reporter to highlight the need for mental health care services among journalists, and freelancers in particular. Please read and share. www.newsweek.com/crime-report...
Blood and death were part of the job—something worse came after
"Are you OK with blood and guts?" My answer would change my life.
www.newsweek.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:33 PM
In this incredible piece for @newsweek.com , Henrick Karoliszyn details his own experience as a crime reporter to highlight the need for mental health care services among journalists, and freelancers in particular. Please read and share. www.newsweek.com/crime-report...
Reposted
Deep South Today to launch regional investigative reporting center in collaboration with The New York Times
The Deep South Today Investigative Reporting Center, a new partnership with The New York Times, will launch in early 2026.
The Deep South Today Investigative Reporting Center, a new partnership with The New York Times, will launch in early 2026.
Deep South Today to launch regional investigative reporting center in collaboration with The New York Times
The Deep South Today Investigative Reporting Center, a new partnership with The New York Times, will launch in early 2026.
veritenews.org
October 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Deep South Today to launch regional investigative reporting center in collaboration with The New York Times
The Deep South Today Investigative Reporting Center, a new partnership with The New York Times, will launch in early 2026.
The Deep South Today Investigative Reporting Center, a new partnership with The New York Times, will launch in early 2026.
Exciting news for @veritenews.org @deepsouthtoday.org : The Current, a nonprofit news organization serving Lafayette and South Louisiana, is joining Deep South Today, a nonprofit network of local newsrooms that serves communities in Louisiana and Mississippi. veritenews.org/2025/09/09/t...
The Current joins Deep South Today - Verite News New Orleans
The Lafayette, Louisiana newsroom joins Verite News and Mississippi Today in the nonprofit news network.
veritenews.org
September 9, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Exciting news for @veritenews.org @deepsouthtoday.org : The Current, a nonprofit news organization serving Lafayette and South Louisiana, is joining Deep South Today, a nonprofit network of local newsrooms that serves communities in Louisiana and Mississippi. veritenews.org/2025/09/09/t...
@veritenews.org L. Kasimu Harris discusses his photo series “Vanishing Black Bars and Lounges," and the reasons why these important institutions in Black communities are disappearing.
veritenews.org/2025/09/08/k...
veritenews.org/2025/09/08/k...
Q&A: L. Kasimu Harris on the life of New Orleans’ Black bars - Verite News New Orleans
Harris, whose photo series “Vanishing Black Bars and Lounges” documents the Black community fixtures, will have his work featured in a new MoMA exhibit this month.
veritenews.org
September 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
@veritenews.org L. Kasimu Harris discusses his photo series “Vanishing Black Bars and Lounges," and the reasons why these important institutions in Black communities are disappearing.
veritenews.org/2025/09/08/k...
veritenews.org/2025/09/08/k...
More than a month after a court heard La. death row inmate Jimmie Duncan's bail request, he remains in prison as prosecutors seeks to have his death sentence reinstated. Earlier this year a judge ruled that he was factually innocent. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/09/01/j...
Prosecutors ask state’s highest court to reinstate death row inmate Jimmie Duncan’s conviction - Verite News New Orleans
Duncan’s 1998 conviction was vacated in April after a judge found it was based in part on discredited science, but prosecutors are fighting his release.
veritenews.org
September 1, 2025 at 1:58 PM
More than a month after a court heard La. death row inmate Jimmie Duncan's bail request, he remains in prison as prosecutors seeks to have his death sentence reinstated. Earlier this year a judge ruled that he was factually innocent. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/09/01/j...
Reposted
Immigrants helped rebuild New Orleans, then they set down roots. Under Trump, some worry they’ll be forced to leave.
Katrina brought an influx of Latin American immigrants, often undocumented, seeking work in the city. Many stayed, opening businesses and building communities here.
Katrina brought an influx of Latin American immigrants, often undocumented, seeking work in the city. Many stayed, opening businesses and building communities here.
Immigrants helped rebuild New Orleans, then they set down roots. Under Trump, some worry they’ll be forced to leave.
Katrina brought an influx of Latin American immigrants, often undocumented, seeking work in the city. Many stayed, opening businesses and building communities here.
veritenews.org
August 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Immigrants helped rebuild New Orleans, then they set down roots. Under Trump, some worry they’ll be forced to leave.
Katrina brought an influx of Latin American immigrants, often undocumented, seeking work in the city. Many stayed, opening businesses and building communities here.
Katrina brought an influx of Latin American immigrants, often undocumented, seeking work in the city. Many stayed, opening businesses and building communities here.
Such an incredibly well-written story by Michelle Liu and Safura Syed for @veritenews.org More than 7k New Orleans teachers and support staff lost their jobs under a post-Katrina education overhaul — and became part of a narrative they couldn’t control. shorturl.at/0HUgr
‘They broke us down’: New Orleans teachers, fired after Katrina, reflect on lives upended - Verite News New Orleans
More than 7,000 New Orleans public school teachers and support staff lost their jobs under a post-Katrina education overhaul — and became part of a narrative they couldn’t control.
shorturl.at
August 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Such an incredibly well-written story by Michelle Liu and Safura Syed for @veritenews.org More than 7k New Orleans teachers and support staff lost their jobs under a post-Katrina education overhaul — and became part of a narrative they couldn’t control. shorturl.at/0HUgr
Since Jan., @veritenews.org has been exploring the loss that New Orleanians experienced during Katrina and the aftermath in the series “What Was Lost.” Now, in partnership with WWNO and WRKF, we have turned “What Was Lost” into a 5-part podcast. shorturl.at/JXY6v
Verite News partners with WWNO, WRKF for 'What Was Lost' podcast
Since January, Verite News has been exploring the immense loss that New Orleanians experienced during Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath of the disaster in the series “What Was Lost.” We’ve heard fro...
shorturl.at
August 26, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Since Jan., @veritenews.org has been exploring the loss that New Orleanians experienced during Katrina and the aftermath in the series “What Was Lost.” Now, in partnership with WWNO and WRKF, we have turned “What Was Lost” into a 5-part podcast. shorturl.at/JXY6v
1. Five years ago, the Supreme Court decided that non-unanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional. But for this Louisiana prisoner — and hundreds of others — tough-on-crime leaders in the state have ensured that doesn’t change anything. 🧵 veritenews.org/2025/08/25/l...
Louisiana Is trying to block Lloyd Gray from seeking freedom
Five years ago, the Supreme Court decided that nonunanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional. But for Lloyd Gray — and hundreds of other Louisiana prisoners — “tough on crime” state leaders have ens...
veritenews.org
August 25, 2025 at 3:17 PM
1. Five years ago, the Supreme Court decided that non-unanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional. But for this Louisiana prisoner — and hundreds of others — tough-on-crime leaders in the state have ensured that doesn’t change anything. 🧵 veritenews.org/2025/08/25/l...
Reposted
NEW: Five years ago, the Supreme Court decided that non-unanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional.
But for this Louisiana prisoner — and hundreds of others — “tough on crime” state leaders have ensured that doesn’t change anything.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social @veritenews.org
But for this Louisiana prisoner — and hundreds of others — “tough on crime” state leaders have ensured that doesn’t change anything.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social @veritenews.org
An Unconstitutional “Jim Crow Jury” Sent Him to Prison for Life. A New Law Aims to Keep Him There.
Five years ago, the Supreme Court decided that nonunanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional. But for this Louisiana prisoner — and hundreds of others — “tough on crime” state leaders have ensured t...
www.propublica.org
August 25, 2025 at 10:59 AM
NEW: Five years ago, the Supreme Court decided that non-unanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional.
But for this Louisiana prisoner — and hundreds of others — “tough on crime” state leaders have ensured that doesn’t change anything.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social @veritenews.org
But for this Louisiana prisoner — and hundreds of others — “tough on crime” state leaders have ensured that doesn’t change anything.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social @veritenews.org
1. A three-member panel of Louisiana’s parole board granted medical release to Kentrell Parker, a quadriplegic prisoner who is currently suing the state over health care conditions at Angola Prison. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/08/13/l...
Parole board grants medical release to quadriplegic Angola lifer - Verite News New Orleans
The Louisiana state Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole unanimously voted to release Kentrell Parker, who sued the state over health care conditions at the state’s largest prison.
veritenews.org
August 13, 2025 at 8:22 PM
1. A three-member panel of Louisiana’s parole board granted medical release to Kentrell Parker, a quadriplegic prisoner who is currently suing the state over health care conditions at Angola Prison. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/08/13/l...
1—Longtime death row prisoner Jimmie Duncan, whose 27-year-old murder conviction was vacated this spring, will have to wait a few more days to find out if he will be able to walk out of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. THREAD
July 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
1—Longtime death row prisoner Jimmie Duncan, whose 27-year-old murder conviction was vacated this spring, will have to wait a few more days to find out if he will be able to walk out of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. THREAD
1—In 2021, Jefferson Parish Deputy Julio Alvarado was caught on video dragging Shantel Arnold, a Black woman, by her hair and slamming her head into the ground. Four years later, that incident has resulted in a $300,000 settlement and a new police accountability law. THREAD
July 23, 2025 at 2:39 PM
1—In 2021, Jefferson Parish Deputy Julio Alvarado was caught on video dragging Shantel Arnold, a Black woman, by her hair and slamming her head into the ground. Four years later, that incident has resulted in a $300,000 settlement and a new police accountability law. THREAD
The Canal Street Ferry: One month into a Regional Transit Authority pilot program that extended the hours of the ferry until just past midnight, riders have positive feedback. Story by Aliana Mediratta, Photos by Christiana Botic, from @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/07/17/c...
Canal Street Ferry extends night hours in RTA pilot program
The Regional Transit Authority recently began its summer hours pilot program — extending the Canal Street Ferry’s operating hours to 12:15 a.m. every night of the week.
veritenews.org
July 18, 2025 at 4:09 PM
The Canal Street Ferry: One month into a Regional Transit Authority pilot program that extended the hours of the ferry until just past midnight, riders have positive feedback. Story by Aliana Mediratta, Photos by Christiana Botic, from @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/07/17/c...
A must read story about Louisiana's HIV exposure law from @halleparker.bsky.social and @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/07/18/l...
People with HIV fear prosecution under Louisiana’s broad exposure law - Verite News New Orleans
When Robert Smith and his girlfriend broke up, she accused him of breaking a Louisiana law criminalizing the intentional exposure of a person to HIV.
veritenews.org
July 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
A must read story about Louisiana's HIV exposure law from @halleparker.bsky.social and @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/07/18/l...
A controversial state law that creates criminal penalties for law enforcement officers who do not cooperate with federal immigration investigations is set to go into effect, putting the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in a legal quagmire. @veritenews.org shorturl.at/WTagu
Orleans Sheriff’s Office to stick with immigration policy in spite of new state law - Verite News New Orleans
Act 399 makes it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison to refuse a detainer request from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
shorturl.at
July 10, 2025 at 5:40 PM
A controversial state law that creates criminal penalties for law enforcement officers who do not cooperate with federal immigration investigations is set to go into effect, putting the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in a legal quagmire. @veritenews.org shorturl.at/WTagu
Tulane is no longer pursuing disciplinary action against 7 students who were facing consequences for an off-campus protest advocating for Columbia student activist Mahmoud Khalil to be released from immigration detention in Louisiana. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/06/30/t...
Tulane drops charges against students protesters
Tulane University is no longer pursuing disciplinary action against seven students who were originally facing consequences for their participation in an off-campus protest advocating for Columbia stud...
veritenews.org
July 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Tulane is no longer pursuing disciplinary action against 7 students who were facing consequences for an off-campus protest advocating for Columbia student activist Mahmoud Khalil to be released from immigration detention in Louisiana. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/06/30/t...
Prosecutors have asked an appeals court to reinstate the death sentence of Jimmie Duncan, whose 1998 murder conviction was vacated in April after his attorneys argued that it was based in part on shoddy bite mark evidence. @veritenews.org @propublica.org veritenews.org/2025/06/18/l...
Prosecutors ask appeals court to reinstate death sentence for Jimmie Duncan - Verite News New Orleans
A judge vacated Duncan’s murder conviction in April after his legal team argued that it was based on junk science.
veritenews.org
June 18, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Prosecutors have asked an appeals court to reinstate the death sentence of Jimmie Duncan, whose 1998 murder conviction was vacated in April after his attorneys argued that it was based in part on shoddy bite mark evidence. @veritenews.org @propublica.org veritenews.org/2025/06/18/l...
Why do big artists, like hometown hero Lil Wayne, skip New Orleans when touring? Great story by Jasmine Robinson for @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/06/16/l...
Why do touring artists keep skipping New Orleans? - Verite News New Orleans
There are a host of factors that make New Orleans a less attractive — and less profitable — tour stop for Lil Wayne and other artists, according to industry professionals.
veritenews.org
June 16, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Why do big artists, like hometown hero Lil Wayne, skip New Orleans when touring? Great story by Jasmine Robinson for @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/06/16/l...
Read this incredible firsthand account by @halleparker.bsky.social who was on a ride-along as NOLA EMTs respond to Walmart incident in which officer injured, suspect killed. @veritenewsnola veritenews.org/2025/06/06/n...
Despite pay problems and staff turnover, city’s emergency responders take each call in stride - Verite News New Orleans
As the city’s emergency responders face daily challenges on the job, New Orleans EMS faces an even bigger challenge: holding on to those workers.
veritenews.org
June 13, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Read this incredible firsthand account by @halleparker.bsky.social who was on a ride-along as NOLA EMTs respond to Walmart incident in which officer injured, suspect killed. @veritenewsnola veritenews.org/2025/06/06/n...
Trump plan to shut down chemical safety watchdog could mean ‘more explosions, more deaths’ in Cancer Alley @tristanbaurick @veritenewsnola veritenews.org/2025/06/13/t...
Trump plan to shut down chemical safety watchdog could mean ‘more explosions, more deaths’ in Cancer Alley - Verite News New Orleans
The proposed closure of the Chemical Safety Board follows several other moves by the Trump administration to slash EPA staffing levels and ease federal health and safety regulations.
veritenews.org
June 13, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Trump plan to shut down chemical safety watchdog could mean ‘more explosions, more deaths’ in Cancer Alley @tristanbaurick @veritenewsnola veritenews.org/2025/06/13/t...
Relatively few people understand the enormity of New Orleans’ involvement in the slave trade, which helped build generational wealth for white residents and made the city the most financially powerful and influential in the South. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/05/29/d...
Devil's Bargain: How the slave trade built New Orleans
A new project from Verite News examines the role of the slave trade in building and sustaining New Orleans.
veritenews.org
May 29, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Relatively few people understand the enormity of New Orleans’ involvement in the slave trade, which helped build generational wealth for white residents and made the city the most financially powerful and influential in the South. @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/05/29/d...
Sheriff Susan Hutson blamed structural problems and the “intentional wrongdoing” of an employee for a recent jailbreak during Tuesday's council meeting. "The conditions that made it possible are not new,” Hutson said. @kjfernelius.bsky.social @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/05/20/n...
Under council scrutiny, sheriff blames structural problems, ‘intentional wrongdoing’ for jailbreak - Verite News New Orleans
Six men were still on the run Tuesday following a jailbreak at the Orleans Justice Center on Friday.
veritenews.org
May 21, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Sheriff Susan Hutson blamed structural problems and the “intentional wrongdoing” of an employee for a recent jailbreak during Tuesday's council meeting. "The conditions that made it possible are not new,” Hutson said. @kjfernelius.bsky.social @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/05/20/n...