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Tag: Louisiana Department of Corrections

Two New Orleans men, Wee and ‛Miracle Man,’ feel young but see how prison accelerates aging

Because of decades of high-stress and deficient healthcare, a 59-year-old in prison has a ‘geriatric morbidity’ that's equivalent to a 75-year-old on the outside.
by Bernard Smith March 4, 2026 Updated April 5, 2026

Angola Farm Line lawsuit, now class action, proceeds to five-day trial

The court will determine whether forced prison field labor is unconstitutional and in violation of federal disability law
by Bernard Smith February 3, 2026 Updated February 7, 2026
A prisoner studies vocabulary cards under a desk lamp in his cell, holding one card while other cards and an open book are spread across the desk.

Competing to be the best s-p-e-l-l-e-r inside Angola prison

A buzzed-about spelling bee returns to the United States’ biggest maximum security prison.
by Lawson Strickland September 12, 2025 Updated September 25, 2025

Judge extends an additional 90 days of protection for Angola Farm Line

Order continues for the second consecutive summer. Once the heat index hits 88 degrees, the DOC must provide some relief to the men working for pennies an hour in the prison’s fields.
by Bernard Smith September 10, 2025 Updated January 18, 2026

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Jury rules against Orkin for spraying pesticide on New Orleans organic farmJury rules against Orkin for spraying pesticide on New Orleans organic farmJuly 22, 2026La'Shance PerryEnvironment
‘Gag order’: More than 100 Louisiana state employees signed NDAs with Gov. Landry’s office‘Gag order’: More than 100 Louisiana state employees signed NDAs with Gov. Landry’s officeJuly 24, 2026Drew Hawkins, Gulf States NewsroomGovernment & Politics
More than 4 million Americans have lost access to SNAP benefits. Experts predict a higher rate of shootings. More than 4 million Americans have lost access to SNAP benefits. Experts predict a higher rate of shootings. July 24, 2026Fairriona Magee, The TraceCriminal Justice

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For more than a decade, we have reported on issues as well as public policy meant to address the needs of residents. The Lens seeks to focus on the inherent inequality that has created a multi-tiered system. We, at The Lens seek to uncover, illuminate, inform and take part in a forward-looking community. Join us.

 
 

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