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In the N.O.

Orleans culture

‘Lettuce build a better food system’: how New Orleans advocates are fighting food deserts after cyclospora

As a national parasite outbreak leaves New Orleans residents looking for regionally grown produce, corner stores and growers step in to fill healthy food gaps.
by Fallon Brannon October 9, 2026 Updated October 9, 2026

Legendary tenor sax Elliott ‘Stackman’ Callier dies, leaving one final Fats Domino horn player standing

Elliott 'Stackman' Callier, who died recently at age 83, was known for his 'Super Fly' swagger, fanciful stories, and a fat, mellow tenor sax tone that helped define the New Orleans sound.
by Katy Reckdahl September 29, 2026 Updated October 15, 2026

John Georges believes Meta AI deals will ‘save journalism’ — and Louisiana’s largest newspaper

Georges dismissed concerns from some of his reporters that his embrace of Meta blurs the line between the news and business.
by Drew Hawkins from Gulf States Newsroom, Delaney Nolan and Vivi Smilgius from The Lens September 28, 2026 Updated September 28, 2026
Railroad tracks lead past the Sunrise Foods International facility at Alabo Wharf in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward beneath a bright blue sky.

Behind The Lens: Sunrise Foods sprinkler system raises fire code concerns in Lower 9th Ward (audio)

by Carolyne Heldman September 25, 2026 Updated September 25, 2026

‘It’s good to see all the love that my baby had’: New Orleans second-lines for Damiri Eves

Students, teachers and neighbors gathered near Norman Mayer Library to remember the 14-year-old Abramson student and band member.
by Gus Bennett September 19, 2026 Updated September 20, 2026

When a giant falls, how do we honor him?

After the passing of Jerome “Big Duck” Smith, how must we as a community honor his legacy?
by Mizani Ball September 14, 2026 Updated September 15, 2026

The Voices in Our World: “I See Potential in My Life”

A series by Louisiana for Children’s Rights, in partnership with The Lens, that elevates the voices and experiences of Black youth currently or formerly detained in the Orleans Parish juvenile jail
by Cierra Chenier, introducing youth poets September 9, 2026 Updated September 9, 2026

Damiri Eves, Abramson student killed by pickup in Gentilly, had just turned 14

Abramson Sci Academy and the Gentilly community mourn 14-year-old band student Damiri Eves, tragically killed in a traffic collision on his mini-bike.
by Gus Bennett September 5, 2026 Updated September 19, 2026

Louisiana balloon release ban inspires Sci High students to rethink tradition

Environmental science students are exploring affordable alternatives that honor loved ones while protecting wildlife, waterways and local infrastructure.
by Vivi Smilgius and Delaney Nolan September 2, 2026 Updated October 20, 2026

The Voices in Our World

A series by Louisiana for Children’s Rights, in partnership with The Lens, that elevates the voices and experiences of Black youth currently or formerly detained in the Orleans Parish juvenile jail
by Cierra Chenier, introducing youth poets August 11, 2026 Updated August 22, 2026

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Most Popular

New Orleans is safer. Don’t cut the programs that helped get us here.New Orleans is safer. Don’t cut the programs that helped get us here.October 21, 2026Sarah Omojola and Ashley Crawfordanalysis by the Big Easy Budget Coalition
With a lifelong New Orleanian at its helm, the district’s attendance office chips away at students missing days — but there’s still work to be doneWith a lifelong New Orleanian at its helm, the district’s attendance office chips away at students missing days — but there’s still work to be doneOctober 21, 2026Vivi SmilgiusNews
Moving past ‘We’re broke’: why New Orleans can’t cut its way to growthMoving past ‘We’re broke’: why New Orleans can’t cut its way to growthOctober 15, 2026Kristyna JonesGovernment & 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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