Increased funding and role for independent police monitor on hold after concerns from ethics board
The ethics board argued that the city should first amend the city charter to increase the office’s minimum guaranteed funding before granting it new authority and responsibilities.
Recent Posts
Proposed 2023 budget close to providing funding parity between New Orleans DA, public defenders following 2020 ordinance
Council President Helena Moreno to introduce amendment to fund homicide unit for DAs office while maintaining parity for defenders.
Join us Thursday, December 8 to learn how to find public records related to the environment.
The workshop will offer a general information on accessing public records with a focus on environmental records.
New Orleans voters will likely decide on two more city charter amendments in 2023
The first amendment would make code enforcement an independent city department and the second is aimed at giving the council more time to scrutinize the annual budget.
‘Misleading’ health data hid higher rates of asthma-related ER visits in St. John Parish, state cites error
The Louisiana Department of Health acknowledged the error and said it is working to correct the problem.
Drought conditions continue to pose shipping challenges on Mississippi River, officials hopeful for winter relief
A record-breaking drought throughout the Mississippi River basin is finally beginning to ease, federal officials said Friday.
City Council significantly expands approval power over city contracts
The new ordinance will require council approval for multiyear contracts and contracts worth more than $1 million.
PODCAST
Behind The Lens Episode 187: ‘It looked like JPSO was digging up dirt on this teenager’
Reporter Nick Chrastil looks into the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office expansive requests for search warrants of a 16-year-old who died in custody. Reporter Michael Isaac Stein tells us about the New Orleans Office of Inspector General’s plans for 2023.
opinion
The real threats to New Orleans come from Louisiana conservatives
C.W. Canon opines on political state of the city, state and nation.
The Claiborne Expressway: David Waggonner on New Orleans’ ‘Hulking Mess’
An interview with the architect by Martin Pedersen.
An open letter to Mayor Cantrell
A letter from the person who reported witnessing a rape in progress in the French Quarter on July 26, 2022.
Rep. Troy Carter on the fate of New Orleans’ Claiborne Expressway
A talk with the congressman about the future of that troubled urban highway.
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.
