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In the N.O.

Orleans culture

New Orleans’ lead-heavy lizards could help scientists better grasp toxicity, evolution

The little brown lizards in New Orleans are thriving with blood levels of lead that Tulane scientists say should be lethal, even in far bigger creatures.
by Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator September 19, 2025 Updated December 17, 2025

‘Even in decay, life continues.’

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.
by Gus Bennett August 29, 2025 Updated September 8, 2025

Hoping to distract displaced Katrina children with cameras, she ended up launching a nonprofit

On Friday evening, The Contemporary Arts Center will kick off an exhibit for Danette Vincent’s Katrina Camera Kids, who picked up cameras for the first time after the storm and ended up capturing important moments in their lives.
by Kelly Dorsey Parker August 27, 2025 Updated October 28, 2025

New Orleans was not disposable after Katrina; its children are not disposable now

"We knew that our city was worth investment and protection," writes Cierra Chenier. "The same must be true for our children."
by Cierra Chenier August 27, 2025 Updated September 5, 2025
Shakur Trammel second lines across the St. Claude lift bridge during the Big 9 Second Line in New Orleans in 2024. Trammel, wearing a light gray suit, matching hat, and tie, leads the way with spirited dance steps as a diverse group of participants follow, capturing the tradition and vibrancy of one of the city’s cultural celebrations. The event took place on the historic bridge under a bright sky, showcasing both the movement of the parade and the surrounding community energy.

Threatening the bridge that defines the Lower 9

Revived after 25 years, the Army Corps’ project would expand the Industrial Canal lock and destroy the historic St. Claude lift bridge, in a construction project that will last 14 years.
by Tess Riley August 26, 2025 Updated October 28, 2025

We Ain’t Dead Yet

"We knew it was the breath of this city | And it was the confirmation that we were looking for," writes Chuck Perkins. We chose this poem to kick off The Lens' week of Katrina20 stories, essays, photography, and poetry.
by Chuck Perkins August 23, 2025 Updated August 24, 2025

The gospel of Chuck

Blessed are the ones who live with vigor | Despite life’s tragic comedy.
by Chuck Perkins August 4, 2025 Updated August 13, 2025

Police

Regardless of how nervous this might make a kid, everything intensifies when your family is Black and big, white, tobacco-spitting cops approach your car in the middle of nowhere.
by Chuck Perkins July 29, 2025 Updated July 29, 2025
Audience members line up to ask questions during a public discussion at Dillard University in New Orleans, La., where author and criminal justice reform advocate Calvin Duncan spoke about his new memoir The Jailhouse Lawyer. The event, hosted by Baldwin & Co. Books, drew a full crowd engaged in dialogue about Duncan’s journey from wrongful incarceration to becoming a self-taught legal expert. (Photo by Gus Bennett for The Lens)

From jailhouse lawyer to clerk of court candidate

Calvin Duncan’s unfinished mission for justice moves to his political candidacy
by Bernard Smith July 15, 2025 Updated December 28, 2025

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

by Gus Bennett July 9, 2025 Updated July 12, 2025

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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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