William Murrell Jr. and his father represented Louisianans in the state House at the same time

New Orleans festival showcases Dominican culture, strengthens cultural ties

Hispanic Heritage Month may be officially over, but Socorro Brenk, the operations manager for the Dominican NOLA Fest, is busy preparing for celebrations this weekend that will showcase the music, dance and food of the Dominican Republic for New Orleans residents and visitors.  The festival, which is set to be held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on the edge of the French Quarter on Saturday (Oct. 17) comes towards the end of a rough year for the area’s immigrant communities. In 2026, immigration enforcement raids separated families, disrupted lives and livelihoods and drove local immigrant communities to fight back politically.  […]

SpaceX ‘pinky promises’ no bad impacts for Louisiana locals — then forced to backtrack

In tense meeting, SpaceX managers told locals the massive spaceport won’t affect them at all. Then locals pressed for specifics.

Portraits of Creole cigar maker, wife helped define equality of the races

Scholars note that Georges and Elizabeth Alcès' pictures were "compelling visual statements of equality within the private and public spheres.”

Committee advising on city government complex discusses role of AI in planning process

The Municipal Complex Advisory Committee discussed how city usage of AI might affect planning for construction, relocation of government buildings.

Louisiana is rethinking how rivers can restore its coast. A 24-year-old accident in land building could offer lessons.

The state scrapped its most ambitious river diversions, but it still plans to use the Mississippi to revive wetlands.