| By DREW BROACH | Staff writer |
TOO CLOSE TO HOME: "I've been all over the world and spent time in the Gaza Strip in the depths of war in the truest sense. You never expect to find the same level of violence in the place you lay your head." That’s New Orleans gun collector and photojournalist Abdul Aziz, one of 1,703 people to call 911 to report gunfire in the city this year – the most in the same period of any year since 2013. As New Orleans grapples with a violent crime wave, gunshots have become part of the auditory landscape for many residents. Most gunfire incidents don't result in injuries, deaths, arrests or news coverage, but residents say they create a climate of fear and a wake of traumatized witnesses. REVELATION: Louisiana officials of the Southern Baptist Convention said Friday they hope the release of a national database of church personnel accused of sexual abuse - including 15 Louisiana pastors or church staffers – draws public attention and helps prevent future sexual misbehavior. PACK YOUR TOWELS: It’s Memorial Day weekend, the customary beginning of summer trips to the beach. While there are none in New Orleans, there are at least 13 beaches within a few hours’ drive, and we’ve got a guide for each one. Welcome to the weekend. Check the latest news all day at NOLA.com. D.B. | 