Before there was The Lens, there was the blog “Squandered Heritage.” And before there was a newsroom staff, there was Karen Gadbois reporting on land use and government accountability. Join The Lens on April 25 as we celebrate our eighth anniversary with a nod to our past and a conversation about how The Lens became […]
Posted inAudio, Environment
Audio: Whiskey Island shows the progress and challenges of beach restoration projects
By this summer, the island will be 1,000 acres larger. But the state will have to periodically rebuild it in the coming years.
Posted inSchools
Einstein Charter Schools CEO Shawn Toranto resigns amid busing dispute
After meeting for hours behind closed doors, Einstein’s board announced her resignation and voted to accept it without discussion.
Posted inSchools
Three groups apply to run McDonogh 35 Senior High School
Smothers Academy, a charter in Jefferson, is the only long-term applicant to operate the high school.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Affordable housing group says fears about Airbnb’s effect on New Orleans housing have come true
Many Airbnb listings are controlled by relatively few people, and most listings are for whole homes, according to a report from a group that wants to limit short-term rentals.
Posted inSchools
Einstein Charter Schools drops opposition to busing students after school district threatens to pull charters
A board member said they didn’t think parents wanted busing, but after talking with them, concluded that’s not true.
Posted inLand Use, Opinion
Let’s learn from Hollygrove — shutdown sheds light on farmer markets across the region
Fans of local food need to be more knowing shoppers
Posted inEnvironment
Temporary pumping stations at outfall canals to be replaced, ending years of rust-related repairs
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers soon will hand over permanent pumping stations at the mouths of New Orleans’ three primary drainage canals. The temporary pumps, which were beset with corrosion for years, will go offline.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
As the New Orleans City Council calls for a study of short-term rentals, here’s what we know so far
The city council has called for a study on the effects of the short-term rental law, which has been in effect for a year. The Lens has mapped each license application and talked to residents in affected areas.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Constitutional amendment to require unanimous jury verdicts passes state Senate committee
Louisiana is one of two states that allow non-unanimous verdicts in some felony cases.