Desiree Stennett
Verified- Culture and Communities Reporter, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate
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Articles by Desiree Stennett
City Council salutes Emline founder for giving teens opportunities in the fashion business
The day Jerrod Watson got the text telling him he had been chosen as one of eight students who would be fashion fellows working with local designer and entrepreneur James Mayes, he couldn't help but laugh. Watson, 18, saw the application on Instagram and spent part of the summer trying to convince a few friends to apply with him and get firsthand industry experience with Mayes’ Emline, the New Orleans-based streetwear brand.
Black-owned tattoo shop expands to Electric Ladyland building on Frenchmen: ‘Huge undertaking’
Months after longtime Frenchmen Street tattoo shop Electric Ladyland closed for business, a familiar face will be moving in to take its place. On Sept. 1, Hell or High Water Tattoo will open a second location inside the iconic yellow building that has been a hub for body art tattooing locals, tourists and celebrities for decades.
CEO steps down at New Orleans Youth Empowerment Project as 2 new leaders named
A nonprofit dedicated to helping young people in New Orleans is getting new leadership as Melissa Sawyer steps down from her longtime position of CEO of the Youth Empowerment Project. YEP started in 2004 as the first juvenile reentry program for formerly incarcerated children across the state. It has expanded to include adult education courses, a free summer camp and after school program, as well as job training for underserved young people between the ages of 7 and 24.
New float celebrates Asian zodiac in Metairie parade on Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year
In a maze of squat buildings storing mostly car parts, construction materials and electrical equipment, one unassuming warehouse in Kenner is holding something special — an Asian zodiac-themed float for Mardi Gras, meant to celebrate the vast array of Asian cultures represented in New Orleans.
With Krewe of VIPs, this New Orleans doctor gives disabled kids a front-row seat to Mardi Gras Original
Watching the krewes roll by, waving frantically to get their attention and catching the throws then hauling the bounty home — it's an essential part of childhood in New Orleans. But for some of the city's children who have special health needs, a television broadcast or online livestream was as close as they could get.
Uptown New Orleans remains under boil water advisory after water main break
A crew from the Sewage and Water Board was out on Sunday morning working to repair the 48-inch water main that burst Saturday near Carrollton Avenue and Panola Street in Uptown New Orleans. The break caused a flood that brought more than a foot of water, created a sinkhole large enough to swallow the front end of a sedan and triggered a boil water advisory for much of Uptown.
Celebrating a century of Black high society in New Orleans, Young Men Illinois Club looks to next generation
In shimmering, gleaming ball gowns and extravagantly sized hats heaped with brightly colored feathers, a new generation of young Black girls recently debuted in New Orleans society 100 years after the Young Men Illinois Club held its first ball.
20 displaced overnight in New Orleans East fire
Twenty people were displaced overnight after a three alarm fire broke out in an apartment building in the 6300 block of Kuebel Drive in New Orleans East. According to New Orleans Fire Department officials, firefighters were sent to the building at around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday. They found the flames had started near the back of the building and were quickly progressing throughout.
New Orleans Tribune, a longtime magazine for Black New Orleans, goes digital only
When Dr. Dwight and Beverly McKenna started the New Orleans Tribune in 1985, they were inspired by the legacy of Black press as a voice for Black people and a tool for political commentary and accountability in New Orleans and across the nation. After a decadeslong run as a monthly magazine, the New Orleans Tribune has announced that it has ended its print publication as it transitions into a digital-only model.
Northshore's 'Bad Moms' dance krewe to perform in London New Year's Day Parade
Just as most people are finally getting the chance to relax after a busy holiday season, about 60 members of the northshore's Bad Moms That Dance krewe will be packing their bags and heading across the pond. The group, which started on a whim in 2021, is gearing up to perform in the London New Year's Day Parade alongside other dance groups, marching bands, cheerleaders, larger-than-life inflatable balloons and other performers from across Europe and the world.
Son to follow in father's footsteps in leading one of New Orleans' biggest churches
More people packed into the pews at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans East on a Monday evening last month than many churches see on an average Sunday service. Longtime Pastor Fred Luter Jr. had announced plans to retire from his role leading the church on his 40th anniversary next fall. And for his succession plan, he wanted to see his son, Pastor Fred "Chip" Luter III, take over and carry the church into its next phase.
After a lifetime of saving lives and helping others, this New Orleans doctor is recognized Original
When Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters towered high in New Orleans, they threatened to drown the emergency generators that were keeping the premature babies alive in then Memorial Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As the water kept rising outside, Dr. Juan Gershanik was inside coordinating efforts to move 16 babies and their 250-pound incubators to the roof to wait for helicopter transport to Baton Rouge.
New Orleans police seeking information on suspect, motive after woman killed in Holy Cross area
New Orleans police are gathering evidence to determine a motive and identify a suspect after a woman was found dead on the porch of a home in the 900 block of Saint Maurice Street Saturday. Police have identified the victim but have not yet released her name as officials work to notify her family. Police were called to the home in the Holy Cross neighborhood about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday after receiving reports that a person had been shot. When they arrived, they found the woman lying on the porch.
Municipal and traffic court in New Orleans to close over cold weather, 'insufficient heating'
With frigid temperatures expected on Monday, state officials decided to close the Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans. Activity expected to take place at the 1601 Perdido St. building on Monday has been canceled "due to insufficient heating in the building," according to a statement from Judicial Administrator Monique Boissiere.
A marathon returns to New Orleans with new Fit Fete festival in City Park in 2026
Next fall, a new two-day festival at City Park hopes to help New Orleans take a brief break from rich roux and sugar-drenched beignets and instead put a renewed focus on movement and health, officials announced Thursday. Called Fit Fete, the event is bringing a marathon back to New Orleans — the first time the city has hosted a 26.2 mile race since 2019.
2026 Essence Festival tickets are already on sale, with Superlounge changes planned too
After several hiccups at last year's Essence Festival of Culture, organizers for 2026 have launched ticket sales earlier, revamped access to the popular, mini-concert Superlounge passes and promised to provide information on musical acts sooner. The changes have come in response to criticism from festivalgoers, fans and artists after lower ticket sales and hotel bookings last year. Early bird tickets for the July 4 weekend celebration went on sale on Tuesday for the holiday shopping season.
Bayou Classic is one of the biggest college and family reunions in New Orleans
The first time Chantell Wallis brought her son to see Grambling State take on the Southern University for the annual Bayou Classic, he was just 3 months old. Still a baby, she wanted D'Vante to don Grambling State University's black and gold and get a taste of what she experienced when she played clarinet in the Tiger Marching Band in the '90s. Decades later, D'Vante Wallis is now 32, and attending the Classic is still their tradition. "I feel like I never left," he said.
New archbishop gets official New Orleans welcome during Mass at St. Louis Cathedral
Hundreds of members and leaders of the Archdiocese of New Orleans welcomed their new archbishop — Coadjutor Archbishop James Checchio — on Tuesday afternoon at St. Louis Cathedral, the spiritual home of the local Catholic Church in the heart of the French Quarter. They were joined by local civic and business leaders, who formally greeted him in a welcome Mass.
The New Orleans City Council's District A race is settled, and here's who won
Aimee McCarron will replace Joe Giarrusso in the New Orleans City Council's District A seat, after voters on Saturday tapped McCarron over Holly Friedman in a runoff that focused on who was most prepared to address the city's $160 million budget deficit. McCarron won the election with all 77 precincts reporting results by 10:15 p.m. She grabbed 58% of the vote. Turnout in the district was about 26%.
Separated a century ago, two branches of Pope Leo's family reunite in New Orleans Original
Ellen Dionne Alverez sat quietly at a circular table in the 1840 Room at Antoine's Restaurant and waited, preparing to meet a long-lost part of her family for the first time. Alone and facing the private dining room's open door, the native New Orleanian, raised in the 7th Ward, was still with quiet anticipation. What would these Chicago cousins be like, these friendly ladies who had contacted her — seemingly out of the blue — after she herself learned of her own surprising genealogy?
A Louisiana plantation will honor 1,400 Black men who fought for freedom on Veterans Day
Louisiana had more Black soldiers fight for their freedom in the Union Army than any other state, so the Laura Plantation in St. James Parish is honoring them for Veterans Day, including nine soldiers who were freed from that plantation. A ceremony is planned at 10 a.m. Tuesday in honor of the 1,400 Black and Creole men from Louisiana who made up the 75th United States Colored Infantry during the Civil War.
Who can help fix New Orleans' $160M budget deficit? Issue is hot topic in District A runoff.
The election to pick a new District A City Councilmember centered on fixing New Orleans' potholes and improving other city services ahead of the October 11 primary. Now, with Aimee McCarron and Holly Friedman headed to a runoff, the city's budget crisis has taken center stage. In emails and text messages this week, the candidates have focused on the $160 million budget deficit and who is the better person to help tackle it.
Meet the 2 candidates in New Orleans City Council District A's runoff election
Now that a crowded New Orleans City Council race for the District A seat has narrowed from five candidates to two, voters will soon choose between both candidates who have worked on staff for outgoing Councilmember Joe Giarrusso. Holly Friedman and Aimee McCarron will face each other in the Nov. 15 runoff election after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote. Friedman, who served as Giarrusso's former constituent services director, won 39% of the vote in the October primary.
Longtime pastor announces retirement from one of New Orleans' biggest megachurches
After 39 years leading Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, one of the largest megachurches in the New Orleans area, Pastor Fred Luter Jr. announced Sunday that he plans to retire next fall. In his place, he has asked the church to consider voting in his son Fred "Chip" Luter III as its next leader.
Louisiana's largest Hispanic festival carries on as others cancel. 'We had to go on.'
At Louisiana's largest Hispanic festival, the smell of grilled meat wafted on a midday breeze, whipping the flags from more than a half dozen Latin American countries and carrying the sounds of playing children. But the crowds that normally pack into Lafreniere Park in Metairie for Que Pasa Fest were thinner this year, according to organizers, who had considered canceling.
New Orleans City Council's District A race will go to a runoff election
A crowded race for New Orleans City Council's District A seat will go to a runoff after none of the five candidates got more than 50% of the vote Saturday. Voters will choose between Holly Friedman, who won about 39% of the vote, and Aimee McCarron, who garnered about 32% — in a runoff election Nov. 15. Whoever wins will take over the seat currently held by Councilmember Joe Giarrusso, who opted to exit the public sector at the end of his term.
Orleans Parish assessor wins reelection after four decades in office
After four decades in office, Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams successfully defended his seat against the three challengers vying for his job. Williams, 76, won about 61% of the vote with all precincts reporting. "I would like to thank the people of New Orleans for putting their faith in me to serve another term as your assessor, " Williams said.
He joined a 9th Ward protest by accident. But now his viral video is helping the cause.
A few blocks from his family's home in the Lower 9th Ward last week, Will Giles saw police cars blocking North Derbigny Street near the community center. So naturally, the 20-year-old content creator grabbed his phone and took his TikTok audience with him to check it out. "What the heck? Is this a protest?" Will Giles says in the viral video that has since collected more than 5.8 million views and counting.
In New Orleans City Council District A race, candidates focus on infrastructure, services
Five candidates are vying for the chance to hold the New Orleans City Council’s District A seat held now by Councilmember Joe Giarrusso, who opted to leave the public sector. All five say they will be as accessible to voters as Giarrusso was should they win the race. The candidates generally agree that infrastructure, improving basic city services and balancing the city's budget are key priorities for whoever wins the seat representing parts of Mid-City, Lakeview, Hollygrove and Uptown.
As new grain terminal nears opening in Lower 9th Ward, neighbors share mixed opinions
A year after Lower 9th Ward and Holy Cross residents learned a grain terminal was coming to the Port property in their neighborhood, more than 100 residents packed into a community meeting Monday evening ahead of the facility's planned opening this fall. As with previous community engagement meetings hosted by the Port of New Orleans, neighbors opposed to the project again gathered in protest to demand answers to questions about its impacts.
New Orleans East needs to be reimagined. Could this plan be the answer?
With the city expected to hand him $1 million to begin work this November, architect Ray Manning is gearing up his team to craft what officials are calling the New Orleans East Renaissance Plan. Championed by District E Councilmember Oliver Thomas, the study — which will catalog every land parcel, evaluate city infrastructure, analyze past studies focused on New Orleans East development and gather input from the community — will begin this fall and take about nine months to complete.
Council's opposition to Holy Cross grain facility draws praise from residents, criticism from Port
For nearly a year, residents who live near the Alabo Street Wharf where a controversial grain facility is expected to open in the coming months have spoken out against the project citing health and safety concerns. Last week, the New Orleans City Council joined them in their opposition.
One man dead, another wounded in Central City stabbing, New Orleans police say
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One man was killed and another was wounded in a Central City stabbing Sunday morning, according to the New Orleans Police Department. Police were called to the 2100 block of South Liberty Street at 8:20 a.m. Paramedics transported the wounded men to a local hospital, where one later died, police said. Police did not immediately release more information. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
By Desiree Stennett Verified, Kasey Bubnash Verified
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The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate
Verified
New Orleans council approves $5M to clear Six Flags site for development. See what's next
New Orleans City Council members have agreed to spend $5 million on infrastructure work on the former Six Flags site in New Orleans East, as the Bayou Phoenix redevelopment team works to bring the site back into commerce. Bayou Phoenix has already started demolition on the amusement rides and buildings at the former theme park site, abandoned since Hurricane Katrina. The site has faced many obstacles to redevelopment over the past two decades.
Three candidates faceoff against longtime incumbent in New Orleans assessor's race
With four decades leading the Orleans Parish Assessor's Office under his belt, Errol Williams, one of the longest serving elected officials in the city, will go up against three candidates who are aiming to take his place on Election Day. Challenging him are Tulane professor and real estate development consultant Casius H. Pealer III, former professional football player Coreygerard Dowden and estate lawyer Earl "Jay" Schmitt Jr. The election will be held on Oct. 11.
20 years later, the children of Katrina have grown up. Here's how the storm shaped their lives. Original
Cierra Chenier doesn't like to leave New Orleans. Not after being forced out after Hurricane Katrina drowned the city. Not for too long. Not when so many family members, childhood friends and countless others moved and never found their way back. She was 9 when Katrina turned her whole world — everyone’s world — upside down.
Holy Cross grain facility delays open date. See when the controversial facility will open
A controversial grain facility planned in the Holy Cross neighborhood will open this fall, not this summer, and its operator expects that emissions from the facility will fall below state limits, that company said this week. Officials from Sunrise Foods International said construction delays forced them to postpone the opening of the terminal at the Alabo Street Wharf.
Man injured in French Quarter fight, stabbing, New Orleans police say
One man was injured when a fight in the French Quarter ended with a stabbing Saturday night, New Orleans Police Department officials say. The fight broke out while the victim was in a large crowd in the 1000 block of Toulouse Street about 9:30 p.m., police said. The man told officers he was first sprayed with tear gas and afterward realized he had also been cut. The victim got himself to a local hospital and survived the stabbing. So far, no suspect information is available.
Lawsuit over closed New Orleans area Save A Lot ends, several still pending
An Orleans Parish judge has ruled that second-generation grocer Brandon Trosclair must pay nearly $90,000 to Moran Foods, parent company of Save A Lot grocery stores, after Trosclair failed to pay rent and closed a former Save A Lot location. The judgment, signed last month by Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Sidney H.
In New Orleans, here's how a new municipal ID program will operate
New Orleans residents will soon be able submit birth certificates, student identification cards with photos, letters from community organizations and other documents to get a municipal ID, according to rules for a program that aims to lift burdens on immigrants, homeless people and others who struggle to obtain identification.
Tourists, locals gear up for a busy Essence Fest weekend despite smaller crowds
As the Essence Festival of Culture kicks off in downtown New Orleans, thousands of people have already started to pack local hotels, restaurants and venues. Though slightly smaller crowds are projected to visit this year, and as business owners are bracing for dampened profits, the festival is still expected to create thousands of jobs and bring an influx of cash to workers that desperately need it during the slow summer months.
New Orleans council raises fines for tagging to curb graffiti: 'You have committed vandalism'
The New Orleans City Council has voted to raise fines for those caught tagging buildings and other structures across the city, in a bid to crack down on a widespread practice. Graffiti artists who are caught spray painting buildings without permission will face fines between $500 and $1,000 under an ordinance the council passed Thursday, up from the $100 fine assessed under the previous law.
Pope Leo's New Orleans cousins, one Black and one White, want to reunite family split by race
Two generations before his birth, Pope Leo XIV's New Orleans family splintered along racial lines. On one side, those who were fair-skinned passed for White. The other side continued on as Black. Most of the family left Louisiana more than a century ago, but according to genealogist Jari Honora, who has been studying the pope's local ancestry, two branches of the extended family — one Black and one White — stayed in New Orleans. They never met.
19 Black New Orleanians were experimented on in Germany over a century ago. See their names. Original
More than a century after their bodies were dismembered and their skulls sent to Germany to aid in racially-biased phrenology research, the remains of 19 African Americans have been returned to New Orleans to be laid to rest. A research team led by Dillard University historian Eva Baham has identified 17 of the 19 people whose skulls were returned earlier this month. Two remain unidentified.
Black New Orleanians, denied burial, were sent to Germany for experiments. Now, they'll be laid to rest
More than a century ago, the skulls of 19 African Americans who lived and died in New Orleans were collected and sent to Germany for controversial and racially-biased research. Now, their remains will finally be laid to rest in the city. Dillard University researchers on Wednesday honored the lives of 19 men and women whose remains were shipped to New Orleans by University of Leipzig researchers earlier this month.
New Orleans East seeks cultural district on Lake Forest Blvd: 'We're not just a suburb'
A stretch of New Orleans East anchored by Lake Forest Boulevard could soon become a state-recognized cultural district after City Council members voted unanimously Thursday to approve a request to apply for the designation.
Son of a Saint helps to build confidence for New Orleans students: 'The world can be mine'
At 13 years old, Jayden Cavet was excited to be accepted into the Son of a Saint program. Coming of age without his dad, the program was a shot at getting a mentor who could serve as a father figure, guiding him as he grew into a man. The program, which was started in 2011 by Bivian "Sonny" Lee III, the son of former New Orleans Saints defensive back Bivian Lee, Jr., allowed Cavet to take a trip out of state for the first time.
Son of a Saint helps to build confidence for New Orleans students: 'The world can be mine'
At 13 years old, Jayden Cavet was excited to be accepted into the Son of a Saint program. Coming of age without his dad, the program was a shot at getting a mentor who could serve as a father figure, guiding him as he grew into a man. The program, which was started in 2011 by Bivian "Sonny" Lee III, the son of former New Orleans Saints defensive back Bivian Lee, Jr., allowed Cavet to take a trip out of state for the first time.
New Orleans council has decriminalized sex work for crime victims. See the details.
The New Orleans City Council on Thursday passed a city ordinance that will make it easier for sex workers to report crimes without fear of prosecution for prostitution. The unanimous vote was a victory for advocates working on behalf of sex workers and transgender people, though some business owners worried it would exacerbate instances of prostitution in certain neighborhoods.
After series of fatal crashes, New Orleans launches new road safety initiative. See details.
Following a series of vehicle crashes that have either killed or seriously injured people in recent years, New Orleans officials are aiming to make roads safer for drivers and pedestrians. Last week, Mayor Latoya Cantrell's administration launched a community survey seeking feedback from people who use the city's thoroughfares. In it, officials ask how people get around and what infrastructure issues and other factors make the roads unsafe.
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