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Category
News

Timely coverage of the people, policies, and events shaping New Orleans and Louisiana. This category delivers clear, factual reporting that keeps readers informed about local government, community issues, and stories that matter most to everyday residents.

‘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
SpaceX reps from L to R: senior manager Ben Lancaster, engineer Mark Soltys, environmental regulatory affairs director Katy Groom, and senior manager Owen McDonough (Gus Bennett)

From ‘pinky promises’ to reality: SpaceX admits 30 launches a day will block local access

In tense meeting, SpaceX managers told locals the massive spaceport won’t affect them at all, until locals pressed them for specifics
by Delaney Nolan October 8, 2026 Updated October 9, 2026

Federal 287(g) funds for local police enforcement accelerated Trump immigration crackdown

Republicans in Congress provided billions in federal funding for local departments that are now an active arm of the nation's mass deportation campaign.
by Ariana Figueroa, Stateline October 7, 2026 Updated October 7, 2026

As the New Orleans district struggles with low enrollment, Walter L. Cohen High reflects on its big legacy

by Vivi Smilgius October 5, 2026 Updated October 9, 2026

AI was supposed to cut emissions. But fossil fuel companies are using it to find more oil and gas.

A DeSmog review found that, across major fossil fuel companies, AI is increasingly being integrated into fossil fuel operations, from seismic exploration and drilling to equipment monitoring and field development.
by Sarah Hofmann, DeSmog October 2, 2026 Updated October 2, 2026

Rooted in 7th Ward Black history, The Black Schoolhouse opens new youth art and design hub

Constructed from corrugated steel shipping containers and fitted with solar panels, the sustainable 2,000-square-foot schoolhouse holds digital art classrooms, a gallery, a combination library and meditation room, and an outdoor fruit tree orchard.
by Vivi Smilgius October 1, 2026 Updated October 1, 2026

Holy Cross neighbors sue state fire marshal over sprinklers in New Orleans Port grain project

The fire marshal’s decision to allow Sunrise Foods to install out-of-compliance sprinkler system is “abuse of power,” suit alleges
by Delaney Nolan September 30, 2026 Updated September 30, 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 September 29, 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

Whites Only

The disaster the justices have unleashed has its roots in one of the darkest periods of our history.
by Ari Berman and Pema Levy September 25, 2026 Updated September 25, 2026

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About The Lens

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Staunchly defending the public's right to know, we are deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.

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Most Popular

From ‘pinky promises’ to reality: SpaceX admits 30 launches a day will block local accessFrom ‘pinky promises’ to reality: SpaceX admits 30 launches a day will block local accessOctober 8, 2026Delaney NolanEnvironment
‘Lettuce build a better food system’: how New Orleans advocates are fighting food deserts after cyclospora‘Lettuce build a better food system’: how New Orleans advocates are fighting food deserts after cyclosporaOctober 9, 2026Fallon BrannonHealth
The England Airpark board in Alexandria can still halt the planned ICE facility for children and families.The England Airpark board in Alexandria can still halt the planned ICE facility for children and families.October 8, 2026Tania WolfICE enforcement

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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