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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.

Ribbon of Black enclaves reflects deep Louisiana history

The neighborhoods that the old 6th District gathered up—strung along rivers, railroads, and interstates from Shreveport to Baton Rouge—are the exact communities left scattered apart by two centuries of plantations, Jim Crow, and systemic disinvestment.
by Emmanuel Felton, with photographs by Gus Bennett August 26, 2026 Updated August 27, 2026

Louisiana’s 250-mile ‘snake’ district, built by grudges and human geography

Within the serpentine 6th District, Black voters face similar struggles with low wages, poor healthcare, and a fight for historic recognition
by Emmanuel Felton, with photographs by Gus Bennett August 25, 2026 Updated August 27, 2026

Court deems Black cultural connections as race, not culture

In every corner of the now-scuttled 6th District, Black residents tell of deep connections through Louisiana history, food, and today’s struggles. But this spring, the nation’s highest court concluded that those voters share only race, not a cohesive culture.
by Emmanuel Felton, with photographs by Gus Bennett August 24, 2026 Updated August 25, 2026
tall buildings in baltimore city

Louisiana judge holds ICE official in contempt

Former Maryland acting field office director Vernon Liggins knew he was violating a court order, the court finds.
by Delaney Nolan August 21, 2026 Updated August 22, 2026

ICE field director faces contempt charges after twice disregarding judge’s orders

Louisiana judge will decide Wednesday whether to charge ICE officials with contempt for flouting his orders releasing an unlawfully detained Ethiopian man
by Delaney Nolan August 18, 2026 Updated August 22, 2026

Louisiana and Alabama map battles renew voting rights fight after 61 years

Advocates celebrated the 61st anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, even after Supreme Court rulings gutted key federal protections and threw Southern congressional maps into chaos.
by Ralph Chapoco - Louisiana Illuminator August 14, 2026 Updated August 22, 2026

These Louisiana K-12 school jobs won’t come with a state stipend this year

A firm number of employees affected depends on school staffing plans that are still being finalized
by Julie O'Donoghue, Louisiana Illuminator August 12, 2026 Updated August 12, 2026

The Voices in Our World

A series by Louisiana for Children’s Rights, in partnership with The Lens, that elevates the voices and experiences of Black youth currently or formerly detained in the Orleans Parish juvenile jail
by Cierra Chenier, introducing youth poets August 11, 2026 Updated August 22, 2026

PODCAST: Why New Orleans keeps losing power in fair weather (Audio)

New Orleans experiences an exceptional number of fair-weather power outages as aging and failing equipment raises concerns across the city.
by Carolyne Heldman August 7, 2026 Updated August 7, 2026

Schools are rethinking whether every student needs a laptop

No single policy stands out among all the new state and districts policies governing technology. What's notable is how quickly the conversation around education and technology has changed.
by Janice Mak, The Conversation August 7, 2026 Updated August 22, 2026

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About The Lens

The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region.

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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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