Appeals court rules against city in dispute over new jail building
The 5th Circuit affirmed a 2021 order requiring the city to move forward with Phase III facility, finding all of its arguments unconvincing.
Recent Posts
Corps of Engineers scrutinizing report grain elevator company submitted for grain elevator construction site in St. John
Groups opposed to the project say construction could damage what they say is a historically significant site, possibly containing graves of enslaved people from nearby plantations.
Nearly a year after council vote, blanket pardons for marijuana convictions still not showing up in criminal records
Without a pardon in their records, people could be forced to pay hundreds of dollars to have their convictions expunged.
High water and prolonged flooding are changing the ecosystem of the Upper Mississippi River, a new report finds
The report shows increasingly wetter conditions over the past few decades in the floodplain — a trend that, spurred by climate change and land-use practices, looks likely to continue.
Louisiana abortion provider wins temporary restraining order, rendering trigger laws unenforceable for now
The ruling comes just days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that established the fundamental right to abortion.
After Supreme Court decision, Orleans DA says prosecuting abortions under state trigger law not a priority for his office
Williams called the court decision overturning Roe ‘cruel and irresponsible.’ His position could lead to conflict with the state’s top prosecutor, AG Jeff Landry, who is staunchly anti-abortion and supports prosecution.
City Council approves $35 million for Gordon Plaza residents’ relocation
The remaining residents of the subdivision have been fighting for relocation funding for years.
PODCAST
Behind The Lens episode 172: Trigger bans
Reporters discuss the state of abortion in Louisiana following last week’s Supreme Court ruling. And the Army Corps of Engineers is taking a close look at a proposed construction project in St. John.
opinion
Louisiana welcomes immigrants
Warmly welcoming immigrants is something we should celebrate and encourage more of. It will make the state stronger as a result.
In the best interest of our children
HB 272 is a first step in creating much-needed oversight and implementing more effective strategies to reduce the impact of high-conflict divorce on families.
The first lie wins
As I spend Mother’s Day without my children, I am sending out a single positive message to parents in similar situations: I see you.
Let’s listen to New Orleans youth
Supporting our city’s youth should start with listening to their perspectives, and the New Orleans Citywide Youth Survey gives us that opportunity.
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.
