Skip to content

Focused On

  • Katrina20
  • Justice
  • Living with Industry
  • NOLA Public Schools

Main Navigation

The Lens
  • Subscribe
  • ❤ Donate
The Lens
  • Subscribe
  • ❤ Donate

Focused On

  • Katrina20
  • Justice
  • Living with Industry
  • NOLA Public Schools

Topics

  • Criminal Justice
  • Environment
  • Government & Politics
  • Land Use
  • Schools

Sign Up for the Latest News

  • The Lens Newsletter
  • About The Lens
  • Our Staff

Follow The Lens

  • Bluesky
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Listen to Behind The Lens Podcast

  • Spotify
  • Katrina20
  • Criminal Justice
  • Schools
  • Opinion
  • In the N.O.
  • Environment
  • Podcast
  • About The Lens
  • Support Us

Author: Gus Bennett

Website
https://www.gusbennettphoto.com/meet-the-photographer
A man in a gas mask stands next to a “Cancer Alley” sign with massive industrial data centers and smokestacks billowing black smoke behind him under an orange

Data centers spark fears of a ‘Digital Cancer Alley’ in Louisiana

September 25, 2025 Updated September 29, 2025
A new report critical of the rapid data-center ramp-up across the South describes it as ‘Big Tech, following in the footsteps of Big Oil.'

‘Even in decay, life continues.’

August 29, 2025 Updated September 8, 2025
Inspired by the floodwaters after Katrina and the birth of his son, photographer Gus Bennett created a new photography series, Organic Watermarks. Some images include 18 different layers of post-storm textures.

Essence isn’t just facing organizational problems—it’s having an identity crisis

July 9, 2025 Updated July 12, 2025
Hardy and Chantele Els, along with another rider, smile while holding their custom lowrider bicycles under the Claiborne Overpass during the Ride for Peace in New Orleans. Other participants with colorful bikes gather in the background, preparing to begin the community event.

‘Ride for Peace’ Brings New Orleanians together to interrupt violence and build community

July 1, 2025 Updated July 12, 2025

‘No Kings Day’ draws 6,500 into New Orleans streets

June 14, 2025 Updated June 25, 2025
Protesters carried handmade signs, chanted slogans, voiced concerns about mounting threats to democracy and billionaire-first politics, and — because it’s New Orleans — they blew bubbles. 

The New Orleans jailbreak: crisis, blame, and a system built to break

May 28, 2025 Updated May 28, 2025
Some of the loudest voices talking about problems that led to the jailbreak are the same ones who’ve supported underfunding and cuts to social services, education, and mental-health programs—drivers of crime and incarceration in the first place.

About The Lens

The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region. Staunchly defending the public's right to know and deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.

Support The Lens

We depend on your support. A generous gift in any amount helps us continue to bring you this service.

Donate Now

Newsletter

Sign up

Most Popular

Louisiana will cover most SNAP recipients for November; Landry points the remaining 53k to food banksLouisiana will cover most SNAP recipients for November; Landry points the remaining 53k to food banksOctober 31, 2025Greg LaRose, Louisiana IlluminatorGovernment & Politics
When a parent goes to prison, a child pays the priceWhen a parent goes to prison, a child pays the priceOctober 28, 2025Dominque JohnsonCriminal Justice
Study: Oil companies are not ‘part of the solution’Study: Oil companies are not ‘part of the solution’October 24, 2025Emily Sanders, ExxonKnewsEnvironment
The Lens
The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region. Staunchly defending the public's right to know and deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.
  • Bluesky
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
INN Member LION Member
© 2024 The Lens. All Rights Reserved.
The Lens

Your Support Powers Every Story We Tell


Our reporting serves our community. Rooted in New Orleans. Stories that serve you. Through Dec. 31st, NewsMatch will match your donation, up to $1,000. Donate now to support local news.

Donate Today