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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.

A Farm Line ruling could reshape daily life inside Angola

An imminent federal ruling could leave Angola’s Farm Line intact. Or it could deeply reshape daily work assignments for hundreds of incarcerated men.
by Bernard Smith May 22, 2026 Updated May 22, 2026

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

Not able to walk

After Warren Easton barred an honors student from participating in her graduation, advocates are calling for schools to stop withholding graduation ceremonies from students as a form of punishment.
by Katy Reckdahl May 18, 2026 Updated May 19, 2026

Louisiana parish president sparks free speech fight after shutting down ‘Cancer Alley’ film screening

St. John Parish leader ‘vetoed’ the showing of a documentary about the Denka plant.
by Tristan Baurick, Verite News May 18, 2026 Updated May 17, 2026

Researchers warn of threats – to humans and native plants – from little-known ant

Louisiana residents in two East Baton Rouge parks reported seeing the Asian needle ant, a stinging invasive species. The sightings were verified last summer by LSU AgCenter entomologists.
by Rebecca Grapevine, Healthbeat May 15, 2026 Updated May 10, 2026

What recent killings of Black women reveal about a growing crisis

Recent deaths of prominent Black women point to a national epidemic that has persisted for decades. The problem is particularly acute in Louisiana, where 24% of the people killed in intimate-partner violence were Black women.
by Jonathan Franklin, Capital B May 13, 2026 Updated May 13, 2026

Trump exempted some of the nation’s biggest polluters from air quality rules. All it took was an email.

More than 180 polluting facilities nationwide, including dozens in Louisiana, emailed requests. Many were granted a two-year pause on compliance with Clean Air Act rules.
by Mark Olalde, ProPublica May 11, 2026 Updated May 11, 2026

As Duncan waits for courts to act, New Orleanians pose for selfies with him.

On Monday, thanks to a favorable decision, Duncan served as clerk of Criminal District Court for three hours, until the Fifth Circuit put a hold on that decision. Outside of court, he has become a newfound New Orleans celebrity.
by Katy Reckdahl May 8, 2026 Updated May 17, 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

ICE rushes to deport Palestinian grandfather, despite judge's order to free himICE rushes to deport Palestinian grandfather, despite judge's order to free himJune 10, 2026Delaney Nolan, Evelyn Ronan, and Katy ReckdahlICE enforcement
Urban farmers in New Orleans are turning to social media, public support after losing their landUrban farmers in New Orleans are turning to social media, public support after losing their landJune 9, 2026Eva Tesfaye, WWNOEnvironment
Not able to walkNot able to walkMay 18, 2026Katy ReckdahlNews

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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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