
Government watchdogs probing $2B Katrina roadwork project as city faces federal deadline
Emails obtained by The Lens indicate the probes may involve conflict of interest allegations against the official in charge of the roadwork program.
Recent Posts

School Board committee advances more lenient charter renewal proposal
The new policies would help address years when pandemic shutdowns canceled state standardized testing.

School cases rise again in final report
The final report comes a few weeks shy of the end of the 2021-22 school year.

State Supreme Court hears case that could overturn hundreds of split-jury convictions
Reginald Reddick was convicted of murder by a non-unanimous jury. Though split juries were ruled unconstitutional, hundreds of old split-jury convictions are still considered valid.

Louisiana Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in case that could determine if hundreds with split-jury verdicts are entitled to new trials
Advocates for prisoners convicted by split juries worry that a bill moving through the legislature could provide an excuse for the court to dodge the issue.

Louisiana legislator pushes bills benefiting the oil and gas industry — and her husband
Internal emails show Sen. Sharon Hewitt worked on a bill with a company that had financial ties to her spouse.

Council to hire outside investigator for its probe into ‘smart cities’ contract-fixing allegations
The investigator will have 45 days to review documents, subpoena witnesses and issue a report.
PODCAST

Behind The Lens episode 167: ‘Two jurors did not believe the State met its burden of proof’
Government watchdog agencies looking into city roadwork program. COVID is up in local schools. And the state Supreme Court hears a case that could affect hundreds of people imprisoned on split-jury convictions.
opinion

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.

Carnival and politics in 2022
The Carnival landscape of today is arguably more divided than ever before.
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.