City of New Orleans distributing counterfeit N95 masks in giveaway program
The city said that although the masks are still “protective,” even though they haven’t received official approval from the federal government to be labeled “N95 masks.”
Recent Posts
Significant COVID-19 outbreaks reported at New Orleans jail, Louisiana state prisons
Nearly 100 detainees at the jail are reported to be positive, and more than 400 at state prisons.
Low attendance at Superintendent search firm’s community meetings
The meetings were held virtually due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the city.
In first day of civil rights trial, former David Wade prisoners describe years of solitary confinement, filthy living areas and poor mental health care
Civil rights groups filed the federal class-action suit nearly four years ago. The trial finally began this week.
Bobby Sneed set free after months-long fight with state parole board
The former Angola prisoner sued the board in state and federal court after members stripped his release last year.
NOPD announces it will no longer issue citations for simple possession of marijuana, months after council pardon ordinance
The New Orleans City Council passed a law last year requiring automatic pardons for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Council approves measure to give Mayor’s Office a say on education grants
Harrah’s Fund dollars previously went to the Orleans Parish School Board. But the city has other educational priorities.
PODCAST
Behind The Lens episode 155: Is it peaking yet?
COVID cases at local schools explode with the rise of the omicron variant. Civil rights case against state prison goes to trial. And Bobby Sneed is finally free.
opinion
The unsolved crime
Months after a close friend was found dead, shot in her home, there has been no progress from the coroner or the police.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is good for the Bayou State
While we still have a long way to go to fully meet our challenges, we shouldn’t dismiss what this bill represents — a compromise that brings elected officials from both sides of the aisle together for the greater good.
Vote YES for housing
On December 11, vote yes for the Neighborhood Housing Improvement Fund.
New Orleans is still facing a housing squeeze
Without action, renters are vulnerable to the powerful forces threatening affordability in the city: gentrification, climate change and zoning.
About the Lens
The Lens aims to engage and empower the residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. We provide the information and analysis necessary to advocate for more accountable and just governance.