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Environment

It could take decades to restore numbers of Pearl River map turtle

The rare turtle, found only along the Pearl River, could take decades to recover under a new federal plan aimed at restoring habitat and stabilizing its population.
by Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator May 1, 2026 Updated May 1, 2026

Paraquat and Parkinson’s: Inside the risks in Wayne County, Mississippi

Paraquat use is rising and so are concerns about its link to Parkinson’s disease. A look at one Mississippi county at the center of the issue.
by Carolyne Heldman May 1, 2026 Updated May 1, 2026
A roadside welcome sign for Waynesboro, Mississippi stands in a grassy field beneath a partly cloudy sky.

This herbicide is so toxic it’s been banned in over 70 countries. But plants in the South are releasing it into the air. 

Paraquat has been linked to Parkinson’s disease and just a sip is fatal, but tens of thousands of pounds of it are being released in the Mississippi Basin.
by Delaney Nolan April 29, 2026 Updated May 3, 2026

Immunity for oil & gas companies are on the horizon if HB804 becomes law in Louisiana

A new bill from State Rep. Geymann would restrict nearly any claims for damages caused by emissions. Environmental reporter Emily Sanders from ExxonKnews explains what's in the bill."
by Carolyne Heldman April 27, 2026 Updated April 27, 2026

New Orleans still faces widespread lead risks. Here’s why this conference matters.

With nearly 90% of sampled homes showing lead in drinking water, a national conference is bringing experts, practitioners, and policymakers together to focus on real solutions, workforce development, and stronger coordination to make homes safer.
by Kate Kirkwood April 24, 2026 Updated April 22, 2026
close up shot of a computer screen

Policymakers must act to protect Louisianans from billions in data center-driven costs

by Paul Arbaje, The Equation April 21, 2026 Updated August 31, 2026

Proposal fizzles to place air monitors at Louisiana industrial facilities

A bill aimed at warning Louisiana residents about toxic air releases failed to advance, leaving questions about how communities near industrial plants will be protected.
by Wesley Muller, Louisiana Illuminator April 20, 2026 Updated April 17, 2026

Toxic chemicals spread even as officials told Black residents of Roseland that they were safe

Newly released tests and documents in the Louisiana town contradict government reassurances and are fueling protest.
by Adam Mahoney, Capital B April 17, 2026 Updated April 17, 2026
A large industrial barge sits lodged through a broken section of the Jourdan Avenue levee in the Lower Ninth Ward, where a catastrophic breach during Hurricane Katrina sent a 20-foot wall of water into the neighborhood in 2005.

The Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans can’t get a break

The neighborhood is facing an onslaught of catastrophic projects that could be more damaging than Hurricane Katrina.
by Roberta Brandes Gratz April 15, 2026 Updated April 15, 2026

Judges overseeing Louisiana’s landmark oil cases have financial stakes in defendants

Federal judges held stock, bonds and leased mineral rights to Exxon, Chevron and others while hearing cases against the companies alleging damage to the La. coast.
by Garrett Hazelwood, Floodlight April 13, 2026 Updated April 13, 2026

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The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region. Staunchly defending the public's right to know and deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.
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