New Orleans saw a mix of major developments this week, with stories that touched on immigration, public infrastructure, city planning, and local sports. The headlines ranged from the detention of a longtime Lakeview resident by ICE to the unveiling of a $400 million master plan for City Park. Streetcar lines came back online, a decades-old racing tradition returned to Lake Pontchartrain, and the Archdiocese’s long-running bankruptcy case moved one step closer to trial. Here’s a look at the biggest news from June 23 through June 27.
A roaring return for powerboat and jet ski thrills on Lake Pontchartrain
This weekend marked the triumphant comeback of the New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix—a spectacular series of powerboat and jet ski races held near Bonnabel Boat Launch. The excitement, part of the P1 Offshore Triple Crown, returns after a 20-year hiatus. From June 25–29, fans can expect high-speed kilo runs, poker runs, pit parties, live entertainment, and vendor booths. Neighbors are bracing for increased traffic, but the event promises a surge in tourism and local enthusiasm.
Lakeview family reels after ICE detains lifelong resident
In Lakeview, 64‑year‑old Madonna “Donna” Kashanian—who arrived on a student visa in the late 1970s and has held a stay of deportation for two decades—is now in ICE custody following her detention outside her home while gardening. Married to a U.S. citizen with a U.S.-born daughter and no criminal history, Kashanian’s seizure has sparked fierce distress among family and neighbors. They have reached out to Louisiana congressmen, accusing ICE of unjust enforcement and highlighting gaps affecting long-established residents.
Archdiocese bankruptcy heads to trial after years of delay
The Church’s bankruptcy proceedings, ongoing for over five years and generating tens of millions in legal fees, now move toward court with a trial set for Nov. 12, 2025. More than 500 survivors of clergy abuse have laid claims in court, and survivors’ advocates criticized the pace and lack of transparency in the proposed $180 million settlement. Key deadlines loom with plan disclosures due by July 15 and a finalized vote by Aug. 8. Failure to meet these may prompt dismissal and a flurry of individual lawsuits.
Streetcars fully back online: Rampart–Loyola and Riverfront lines resume
Starting June 1, the Rampart–Loyola (Route 46) and Riverfront (Route 49) streetcar lines resumed full service under Metro’s Summer ’25 schedule. The Riverfront line now runs from the French Market to Julia Street, while the Rampart–Loyola line reconnects Union Passenger Terminal with the Elysian Fields corridor. These reopenings restore vital transit through the French Quarter, CBD, and Marigny—bringing relief to commuters and visitors alike after lengthy infrastructure fixes.
City Park unveils bold $400M master plan to transform public space
On June 25, City Park Conservancy presented an ambitious two-decade master plan to revitalize New Orleans City Park with a projected $400 million investment. The plan—shaped by extensive community input—targets enhancements in the park’s northern zones, including Couturie Forest, former golf courses, lagoons, and the lakeside side of I‑610. Highlights include a shallow “skim” pool with mist features, a covered elevated “treehouse” amenity center, a children’s nature-play area with logs and sand pits, artistic light installations under overpasses, a skateboard/BMX wheel park, scenic lagoons with improved access and overlooks, pedestrian-focused plazas, and enhanced trails and wayfinding. The Conservancy has begun upgrades to restrooms, fountains, sidewalks, and sewer lines, and is actively pursuing grants and private donations. Governance boards are set to vote on the plan in August, signaling a transformative phase for the 1,300‑acre green heart of the city.
UNO Privateers reshape leadership with coaching turnover
The University of New Orleans baseball program announced a leadership change this month. Following a 28–26 season under coach Dax Norris—who last season guided the team to the Southland Conference Championship series—the program parted ways mutually in early June. On June 13, Athletic Director Paul Demeritte introduced Andrew Gipson (formerly of Belhaven University and Southeastern asst. coach) as the new head coach, effective July 1. Gipson, known for taking Belhaven to a Division III Super Regional, brings fresh vision as the ninth coach in program history.
