The Lens is reposting this story, first published March 23, in light of news that The Times-Picayune will be cutting back to three published newspapers a week, focusing its efforts instead on online reporting. The accompanying map shows the wide swaths of the city where broadband internet access is not prevalent — meaning people there […]
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Posted inGovernment & Politics, Inside the News Room
In chasing down stories, are we furthering the agendas of others?
This evolving feature of The Lens will feature some behind-the-scenes looks at our staff and our decisions, as well as remind you of our upcoming events. When we received a tip that City Councilman Jon Johnson owned a rundown Lower 9th Ward property that had received a taxpayer-financed loan for renovation – yet hadn’t been […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
The Lens honored for reporting on medication of juvenile inmates across state facilities
By Maggie Calmes, The Lens staff writer | The Lens criminal justice reporter Matt Davis returned last week to his hometown of Croydon, South London – but not before receiving laurels from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency. Davis received a 2011 Prevention for a Safer Society Award from the organization for his story […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
New evidence suggests man convicted of murder wasn't at crime scene, attorneys say
Despite his confession, attorneys say recently discovered police records show a man with an IQ of 59 should have been cleared in 1980 murder case.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Gusman close to releasing city money
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman appears ready to release millions of dollars he has been withholding for city building projects from a powerful agency he controls. Gusman held a meeting of the Orleans Parish Law Enforcement District this afternoon, which effectively works as Gusman’s piggy bank for […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Inmate stabbed 14 times, deputy beaten with broomstick in separate OPP incidents
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | A pair of December incidents at the Orleans Parish Prison draw continued attention to security risks faced by inmates and staff at the facility. In the first incident, an inmate suffered 14 stab wounds. In the second, an inmate broke out of his cell, snapped a broomstick […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
NORD Commission picks new director; interim chief kept after national search
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission tonight appointed interim director Vic Richard as its new chief executive after a special hearing where the four finalists were interviewed. All but one member of the commission, Bobby Garron, who abstained, voted for Richard’s appointment. The commission hired a headhunter […]
Posted inCriminal Justice
Sheriff's deputy indicted after inmate says officer forced him to perform oral sex in jail
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer| A former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s deputy accused in September of forcing an inmate to perform oral sex after handcuffing him and taking him to a jail closet has been indicted on charges of second-degree kidnapping, sexual battery and malfeasance in office. Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman fired former Sheriff’s Deputy […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
NORD finalist asks for public discussion
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | One of the finalists to run the city’s recreation program asked this week that a discussion of his candidacy be held in public, rather than in a closed-door session of the screening committee, city records show. Two days after that request, a subcommittee of the New Orleans […]
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Mayor, independent NORD commission reach same conclusion; 4 to interview for top job
By Matt Davis, The Lens staff writer | A subcommittee of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission aiming to recommend a new chief executive insisted this afternoon that it is independent, despite following Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s latest wishes on the issue to the letter. An assistant city attorney working with the subcommittee also appeared to […]
