News Archives | The Lens

The gospel of Chuck

by Chuck PerkinsAugust 4, 2025August 13, 2025

Blessed are the ones who live with vigor | Despite life’s tragic comedy.

Criminal Justice

Hell on Earth

by Bernard SmithJuly 29, 2025August 1, 2025

Police

by Chuck PerkinsJuly 29, 2025July 29, 2025

Despite early LEAP results, state needs four months to create School Performance Scores

by Marta JewsonJuly 28, 2025July 29, 2025

Criminal Justice

Unlocking opportunity:

by Bernard SmithJuly 22, 2025July 22, 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)

Criminal Justice

From jailhouse lawyer to clerk of court candidate

by Bernard SmithJuly 15, 2025July 25, 2025

Government & Politics

Mayor pulls nomination for ethics-plagued former Sewerage & Water Board member, pledges to reappoint at later date

by Matt McBrideJuly 11, 2025July 11, 2025

A four-panel collage of Calvin Duncan speaking animatedly during an interview with The Lens. He wears glasses, a checkered shirt, and a t-shirt, using expressive hand gestures as he shares his story. The background is clean and white, highlighting his emotion and energy in each frame.

Criminal Justice

From prison to justice

by Calvin Duncan interviewed by Bernard SmithJuly 8, 2025July 25, 2025

Portrait of Calvin Duncan, author of "The Jailhouse Lawyer," gazing confidently at the camera with his hand resting under his chin. He wears a checkered shirt over a t-shirt, and the background is a clean, bright white, emphasizing his thoughtful expression.

Criminal Justice

‘We helped each other. We taught each other the law.’

by Calvin Duncan and Sophie CullJuly 8, 2025July 25, 2025

Air pollution questions linger over Alabo Street Wharf

by Delaney DryfoosJuly 2, 2025August 12, 2025