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Category
Government & Politics

Sen. Jay Morris mixed Meta’s data-center deal with his own real estate business

As recently as February, Senator Morris and his partners sold hundreds of acres to Entergy for a methane-burning power plant to provide electricity for the data center. 
by Garrett Hazelwood, Floodlight May 21, 2026 Updated May 21, 2026

‘I haven’t done anything wrong’: Sen. Jay Morris Q&A on selling his land next to Meta data center

Morris’ recent land deals in light of Meta’s Hyperion data center buildout are raising questions about whether the senator violated state laws designed to prohibit self-dealing.
by Garrett Hazelwood, Floodlight May 21, 2026 Updated May 20, 2026

New postal rule could allow direct handgun shipments for first time since 1927

USPS is set to lift a century-old ban — and experts warn the consequences could be significant.
by Jennifer Mascia, The Trace May 20, 2026 Updated May 20, 2026

The Fields Are Still There: Red Beans and Resistance

My mother has been saying it my whole life. Fifty-one years of hearing it. And on May 16, 2026, the same day she passed away and left me with the torch to continue this work, 800,000 people proved she was not just warning us.
by Andrea Hagan May 19, 2026 Updated May 19, 2026

Federal judge allows Calvin Duncan to take office on Monday as planned 

The judge found Senate Bill 256 unconstitutional because the state abolished an office, created a new office to replace it, and then appointed someone for that office "all when the Louisiana Constitution requires an election."
by Lens staff May 3, 2026 Updated May 6, 2026

The Supreme Court fight that could unravel who gets to be American

A case could upend a constitutional guarantee rooted in Reconstruction, raising concerns about rights long seen as settled.
by Brandon Tensley, Capital B News April 30, 2026 Updated May 8, 2026

Did faulty court data drive the legislative push to cut 11 judges and clerk in Orleans Parish?

Filings tracked by the Louisiana Supreme Court significantly undercount the number of people processed in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in 2025.
by Katy Reckdahl April 12, 2026 Updated April 15, 2026

Louisiana’s HB804 could shield oil companies from climate lawsuits

As lawsuits by mostly Democrat-controlled municipalities and states move through the courts, Republican-controlled statehouses like Louisiana’s are proposing a growing number of bills like HB804, to immunize polluters from climate liability.
by Emily Sanders, ExxonKnews April 10, 2026 Updated April 10, 2026

The Louisiana State Voting Rights Act (SB 365): why the fight for equal protection can’t wait

On Wednesday morning, a Senate committee will vote on the Louisiana State Voting Rights Act, which lays the foundation for preserving the integrity of our democracy.
by Ashley K. Shelton, The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice April 7, 2026 Updated April 9, 2026
A voter stands at a polling station in the 9th Ward’s 11th Precinct, preparing to cast his ballot during an election.

Proposal would require Louisiana to send every voter’s personal info to Homeland Security

Feds would get Social Security number, address, birthdate of all registered voters
by Wesley Muller, Louisiana Illuminator April 3, 2026 Updated April 4, 2026

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Most Popular

Not able to walkNot able to walkMay 18, 2026Katy ReckdahlNews
‘I haven’t done anything wrong’: Sen. Jay Morris Q&A on selling his land next to Meta data center‘I haven’t done anything wrong’: Sen. Jay Morris Q&A on selling his land next to Meta data centerMay 21, 2026Garrett Hazelwood, FloodlightGovernment & Politics
Sen. Jay Morris mixed Meta’s data-center deal with his own real estate businessSen. Jay Morris mixed Meta’s data-center deal with his own real estate businessMay 21, 2026Garrett Hazelwood, FloodlightGovernment & Politics

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.
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Our reporting has more urgency than ever.


For more than a decade, we have reported on issues as well as public policy meant to address the needs of residents. The Lens seeks to focus on the inherent inequality that has created a multi-tiered system. We, at The Lens seek to uncover, illuminate, inform and take part in a forward-looking community. Join us.

 
 

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