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Judge blocks sweep of homeless camps before New Orleans Taylor Swift shows

Temporary restraining order against disturbing unhoused people is in effect until 4 November

A spokesperson for the governor, Jeff Landry, has said that the effort was meant to address homelessness and safety issues, linking the push to the concerts and February’s Super Bowl, which will take place in the city. “As we prepare for the city to host Taylor Swift and Super Bowl LIX, we are committed to ensuring New Orleans puts its best foot forward when on the world stage,” Landry’s communications director, Kate Kelly, said in a statement issued to local media. Martha Kegel, executive director of Unity of Greater New Orleans, a non-profit that seeks permanent housing for unsheltered people, said the sweep was a needless and harmful endeavor and that many of those in the camp have mental illnesses and are distrustful of authorities and those trying to help them.

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