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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.

Environmentalists sue Louisiana officials over reissued Commonwealth LNG permit

The environmental groups say that the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy “violated its constitutional, statutory and regulatory duties” with its hasty reissue of a construction permit.
by Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator January 2, 2026 Updated January 2, 2026

LENS EXCLUSIVE: The governor pops up on Bourbon Street

Landry pays his respects to the 14 Bourbon Street victims and addresses ICE presence in the city
by Katy Reckdahl with photos by Gus Bennett January 2, 2026 Updated January 7, 2026

New Orleans marks one year anniversary of deadly New Year’s attack on Bourbon Street

Above Bourbon Street, a new airborne community memorial pays homage to those killed in the New Year’s Day truck attack. To victims’ families, the artwork chronicles the sorrow — and the healing.
by Drew Hawkins, Gulf States Newsroom January 1, 2026 Updated January 2, 2026

Preparing for a wildfire or hurricane? Don’t forget water, documents — and your birth control.

Few states include sexual and reproductive health supplies in emergency checklist recommendations, a new report finds.
by Jessica Kutz, the 19th News December 26, 2025 Updated December 26, 2025

State rejects Smitty’s Supply request to dispose of wastewater, storm runoff in drainage

Tests of the collected runoff show it was still too contaminated to be released.
by Wesley Muller, Louisiana Illuminator December 24, 2025 Updated December 24, 2025

Ten years to justice

How a $40 accusation and inadequate representation cost a man 10 years of his life — and how he made it to freedom, with the help of lawyers from Innocence & Justice Louisiana.
by Bernard Smith December 22, 2025 Updated December 22, 2025

Charter school advocates fear their future at the Labor Department

Leaked emails show the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools landed a meeting with the Labor Secretary, who assuaged short-term concerns. Long-run worries remain though.
by Matt Barnum, Chalkbeat December 19, 2025 Updated December 22, 2025

‘They tricked me:’ Migrants feel deceived by ICE after being promised $1,000 to voluntarily depart 

Led to expect an “exit bonus,” migrants were left empty-handed in their home countries.
by Delaney Nolan December 18, 2025 Updated December 22, 2025

‘A leap of faith’: parents plead to save Leah Chase School

With OPSB slated to decide the fate of Leah Chase School tonight, school parents, along with the Chase family itself, are asking the board to believe in the school
by Marta Jewson December 18, 2025 Updated December 22, 2025

Sheltering in place through the ICE storm

A survey in photo and text, of what New Orleanians are thinking about the local immigrants threatened by Catahoula Crunch.
by Gus Bennett December 12, 2025 Updated December 16, 2025

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About The Lens

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Most Popular

Footprint of solitary confinement in Louisiana expands because of ICE use of isolationFootprint of solitary confinement in Louisiana expands because of ICE use of isolationJanuary 20, 2026Bernard SmithCriminal Justice
Four injured, one dead, after man enters Dooky Chase’s with gunman in pursuitFour injured, one dead, after man enters Dooky Chase’s with gunman in pursuitJanuary 17, 2026Katy Reckdahl with photos by Gus BennettCriminal Justice
After losing a climate case in a Louisiana courtroom, Chevron wants a change of venueAfter losing a climate case in a Louisiana courtroom, Chevron wants a change of venueJanuary 16, 2026Lee Hedgepeth, Inside Climate NewsEnvironment

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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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