The Lens
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The Lens is the New Orleans area's first nonprofit, nonpartisan public-interest newsroom, dedicated to unique investigative and explanatory journalism.Our mission is to educate, engage and empower readers with information and analysis necessary for them to advocate for a more transparent and just governance that is accountable to the public.
The Lens
10h ago
Lately, public scrutiny has shined a bright spotlight on Entergy New Orleans’ $1 billion Operation Gridiron. The New Orleans City Council has been rightfully cautious, given the fees that would hit residents and the recent evidence of company deceit in pitching their plans to the council. Operation Gridiron is highly visible, taking center stage. But […]
The post Entergy’s quiet power moves appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
2d ago
As Louisiana’s regular legislative session begins, all eyes are on the state’s criminal justice policy, particularly the $26-million appropriations bill aimed at implementing stricter crime-prevention measures. We live in this community and see public safety as a priority within our city and state — and within the Orleans Justice Center. Yet, some of the special […]
The post New criminal-justice laws bring unforeseen consequences appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
1w ago
Planning commission rezones the Greenfield property for heavy industrial use, despite a prolonged community push to keep the land’s residential zoning in this largely rural part of St. John.
The post St. John Parish vote opens door to controversial grain terminal appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
1w ago
Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) has completed 157 projects, benefiting 55,000 acres of coastal wetlands, improving 370 miles of levees and constructing 70 miles of barrier islands. Now, we feel like its success may be in jeopardy, with the governor’s suggestion to move the restoration and protection functions currently housed at CPRA under […]
The post Don’t jeopardize CPRA’s success appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
1w ago
Lens reporters on the Louisiana Public Records Act and how it helps us fulfill our mission. We reflect on how records made possible Katy Reckdahl's reporting on Henry Montgomery, Marta Jewson's work on a graduation scandal at Kennedy High School and Nick Chrastil's uncovering of the state's decision to send kids in juvenile detention across state lines in violation of state law.
The post Behind The Lens “Sunshine Week” episode 232: ‘It’s so powerful to see’ appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
1w ago
For the past 11 months, New Orleans bandleader Thaddeus Ramsey has been living in Bermuda, near a vaunted island beach – against his will. It all started a year ago, when he withdrew $8,000 from his Chase bank account in mid-April, 2023, as he prepared for a trip to Bermuda that turned into a year […]
The post Peanut in Limbo appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
2w ago
Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, New Orleans, often affectionately referred to as NOLA, is a city that pulsates with a unique energy. Renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and soul-stirring music, New Orleans stands as a beacon of diversity and resilience in the American landscape. From its lively streets adorned […]
The post A Journey into New Orleans appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
2w ago
Sheriff Hutson says increased jail population, addition of juveniles, could exacerbate staffing issue to “unmanageable levels.”
The post New Orleans criminal-justice leaders grapple with entering the Landry era appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
2w ago
Mayors from Louisiana and advocates from the Water Collaborative, Healthy Gulf, 1Mississippi, and the National Audubon Society asked Congress to invest in better water infrastructure and increase federal funding for farmer-led conservation.
The post Climate-weary Mississippi River delegation lobbies for help in D.C. appeared first on The Lens ..read more
The Lens
2w ago
Katy Reckdahl and La'Shance Perry on the loss of musician Kerry "Fatman" Hunter. Marta Jewson and Dr. Ashonta Wyatt on the district's decision to open a direct-run school at Lafayette.
The post Behind The Lens episode 231: ‘We cannot allow it to fail’ appeared first on The Lens ..read more