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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.

low angle photograph of black metal tower satellite during daytime

Why MISO’s 2026 grid analysis matters to Louisianans

The culprit in the May 2025 “loadshed event” in New Orleans was Louisiana’s under-developed electric grid. An upcoming grid analysis will identify grid weaknesses, its vulnerability to extreme weather – and solutions that will help us all plan for a more secure future.
by Madelyn Smith January 6, 2026 Updated January 13, 2026

Louisiana town fights for relief after billion-dollar oil disaster

Federal and state officials have sued the company behind the blast, but Roseland, Louisiana, residents say the case won’t bring relief to their town.
by Adam Mahoney, Capital B January 6, 2026 Updated January 7, 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
aerial view of hurricane damaged area

Will New Orleans face fewer, but more powerful storms?

Was the 2025 hurricane season a glimpse of of the future? Though Louisiana had a quiet season, an analysis of this year's storms in the Atlantic basin. points to a new trend—of more intense but less frequent hurricanes.
by Marc Alessi December 29, 2025 Updated January 7, 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

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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
When the power goes out, churches offer shelter through the Community Lighthouse networkWhen the power goes out, churches offer shelter through the Community Lighthouse networkJanuary 21, 2026Delaney DryfoosEnvironment

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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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