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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.

Industry overpumping of Baton Rouge’s groundwater could pollute the supply for residents

A new bill would make it legal for regulators who oversee the Southern Hills Aquifer to also work for private companies that pump from it.
by Sara Sneath June 8, 2022 Updated June 8, 2022

Cantrell sues City Council to block ‘smart cities’ subpoena

The suit comes the day after Councilwoman Helena Moreno initiated motions to hold three officials in contempt for failing to respond to subpoenas.
by Michael Isaac Stein June 2, 2022 Updated June 2, 2022

Council may charge Cantrell officials with contempt for failing to respond to ‘smart cities’ subpoenas

After missing a deadline, the Cantrell administration now plans to comply with the subpoenas.
by Michael Isaac Stein June 1, 2022 Updated June 2, 2022

‘We got everything thrown at us’: Hutson says poor management under Gusman, lack of a real transition led to tumultuous first month as sheriff

Hutson is investigating broken security equipment she says was allowed to languish for months, as well as potentially missing records from the Gusman administration.
by Nick Chrastil May 31, 2022 Updated June 2, 2022

Potential conflicts found in another city tech deal after collapse of ‘smart cities’ project

The city insisted on a specific equipment manufacturer for a WiFi contract. The company had previous dealings with firms and city employees at the center of the smart cities investigation.
by Michael Isaac Stein May 25, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

Inspector General seizes computer from city employee involved in ‘smart cities’ controversy

An attorney for the employee said he believed electronics were also seized from other employees as well, but couldn’t confirm.
by Michael Isaac Stein May 19, 2022 Updated May 26, 2022

Government watchdogs probing $2B Katrina roadwork project as city faces federal deadline

Emails obtained by The Lens indicate the probes may involve conflict of interest allegations against the official in charge of the roadwork program.
by Michael Isaac Stein May 10, 2022 Updated May 10, 2022

Louisiana legislator pushes bills benefiting the oil and gas industry — and her husband

Internal emails show Sen. Sharon Hewitt worked on a bill with a company that had financial ties to her spouse.
by Sara Sneath May 6, 2022 Updated May 9, 2022

Susan Hutson sworn in as sheriff

Hutson, who ran on a reform platform, defeated longtime incumbent Marlin Gusman in last year’s election.
by Nick Chrastil May 2, 2022 Updated May 4, 2022

New Orleans voters approve early childhood education tax

The tax will create 1,000 new early childhood seats and a state match could double that to 2,000.
by Marta Jewson April 30, 2022 Updated April 30, 2022

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About The Lens

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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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