Yes, I live in New Orleans. Born here, only lived away for limited stints.
No, almost no true local pronounces the city N'Awlins. That's a joke / making fun. It's in the spirit of things so bad they're funny, like some of parts of the movie The Big Easy.
But yes, I am a contrarian.
Recently I've been trying to bring in more of my photography hobby to Wikipedia. Think we need a photo of something in this area? Ask me. No promises, but I'm semi-looking for suggestions.
Last but not least, I know it's been suggested and rejected, but I still favor renaming Wikipedia The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.