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Top Story

This category showcases the lead coverage readers need to know, offering context, clarity, and insight into issues shaping New Orleans and beyond.

A pregnant mother in ICE detention says she’s bleeding — and hasn’t seen a doctor in weeks

Cecil Elvir-Quinonez, who is still breastfeeding her youngest child, is awaiting deportation in a Louisiana ICE facility states away from her family and children.
by Shefali Luthra, The 19th January 30, 2026 Updated January 30, 2026
close up photo of matrix background

Fight the corruption that led to the Louisiana datacenter in Rayville

The Public Service Commission approved the power plants for the datacenter project by a 4-1 margin, sending a signal nationwide to all prospective datacenter companies: ‘Come to Louisiana, where they sell their people out for pennies on the dollar.’
by Nick Laborde January 29, 2026 Updated January 28, 2026
handing out money

Louisiana income has hovered near nation’s lowest for 50 years now

Louisiana income ranked third-lowest in the nation in 1970 and has maintained that rank. Higher incomes are tied to levels of education, foreign-born population, and — in New Orleans — being white.
by Katy Reckdahl January 28, 2026 Updated January 28, 2026
wind turbine on sea coast

Wind, innovation, and clean communities are smart policy, not security threats

“Offshore wind development in the Gulf would not replace oil and gas jobs,” writes U.S. Rep. Troy Carter. “It would build on them, using the same skills Louisiana workers already possess, while reducing harmful emissions that disproportionately impact frontline communities."
by Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. January 27, 2026 Updated January 28, 2026

Yes, climate change can supercharge a winter storm. Here’s how.

Feel like you're at the North Pole at the moment? There's good reason for that.
by Matt Simon, Grist January 26, 2026 Updated January 29, 2026

Grassroots air monitoring helps people track pollution in their own backyards. Those efforts are under threat in Louisiana.

As the state limits sharing of independent data, the Trump administration is delaying new testing requirements for dozens of chemical plants around the Mississippi River Basin.
by Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press January 23, 2026 Updated January 23, 2026

New Orleans historic landmarks on South Rampart back on the market. Again.

After spending seven years trying to create a cultural hub on a New Orleans block, a developer is offloading three of the block’s four landmark buildings that mark the beginnings of jazz.
by Jordan Hirsch January 22, 2026 Updated January 24, 2026

Blighted Bywater Navy base kicks off redevelopment with 300 affordable apartments

Poland Avenue base will be repurposed and rehabbed in three phases that will create a ‘mixed-use campus’ that includes affordable housing, retail, and a tech startup hub.
by Katy Reckdahl with photos by Gus Bennett January 22, 2026 Updated January 22, 2026

When the power goes out, churches offer shelter through the Community Lighthouse network

New Orleans churches and community centers are being outfitted with backup and solar power to create a microgrid for residents during the city’s frequent outages. But that’s not the only value they offer.
by Delaney Dryfoos January 21, 2026 Updated January 23, 2026

Footprint of solitary confinement in Louisiana expands because of ICE use of isolation

Recent declines had come because of human-rights activists like Kiana Calloway, who was kept in solitary on and off for nine years, to the point where his hearing and sight changed.
by Bernard Smith January 20, 2026 Updated January 20, 2026

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Most Popular

Fight the corruption that led to the Louisiana datacenter in RayvilleFight the corruption that led to the Louisiana datacenter in RayvilleJanuary 29, 2026Nick LabordeOpinion
A pregnant mother in ICE detention says she’s bleeding — and hasn’t seen a doctor in weeksA pregnant mother in ICE detention says she’s bleeding — and hasn’t seen a doctor in weeksJanuary 30, 2026Shefali Luthra, The 19thICE enforcement
New Orleans historic landmarks on South Rampart back on the market. Again.New Orleans historic landmarks on South Rampart back on the market. Again.January 22, 2026Jordan HirschGovernment & Politics

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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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