The Lens

09/26/2026

🔍 The disaster the justices have unleashed has its roots in one of the darkest periods of our history.

✍️ Ari Berman and Pema Levy

Full story 🔗: https://thelensnola.org/2026/09/25/louisiana-redistricting-black-voting-power/

09/25/2026

🔍 Former EPA officials warn that rapid AI data center expansion, combined with weakened federal pollution safeguards, could increase health risks associated with air pollution and fossil-fuel-powered energy production. Their report identifies at least 30 federal actions they say could make a more polluting data center buildout more likely.

✍️ Sophie Hurwitz, Mother Jones

Full article 🔗: https://thelensnola.org/2026/09/25/ai-data-center-pollution-health-risks/

09/24/2026

🔍 Medicaid enrollees from five states and leading medical organizations filed a lawsuit Friday challenging new Medicaid work requirements, which they argue will threaten people’s coverage and care.

✍️ Nada Hassanein, Stateline

Full story 🔗: https://thelensnola.org/2026/09/24/medicaid-work-requirements-lawsuit/

09/24/2026

🔍 SpaceX’s planned launch facility in Vermilion Parish could transform South Louisiana while raising questions about impacts on coastal wetlands, migratory birds, wildlife and environmental protections.

✍️ Stephen Marcentel, The Current

Full story 🔗: https://thelensnola.org/2026/09/23/spacex-launches-will-create-bird-no-life-zones-experts-worry/

09/24/2026

🔍 SpaceX’s planned launch facility in Vermilion Parish could transform South Louisiana while raising questions about impacts on coastal wetlands, migratory birds, wildlife and environmental protections.

✍️ Stephen Marcentel, The Current

Full story 🔗: https://thelensnola.org/2026/09/23/spacex-launches-will-create-bird-no-life-zones-experts-worry/

SpaceX’s planned Louisiana launch facility raises concerns about coastal wetlands, migratory birds, wildlife, pollution and environmental reviews.

09/23/2026

🎙️ Changes to federal food assistance and a new recognition of Black education history raise important questions about students, schools, and the history taught in New Orleans classrooms.

Ft. Vivi Smilgius

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09/22/2026

🔍 As family and friends mourn the 18-year-old, supporters continue to push for answers in how he died while on a boat trip with friends.

✍️ Aallyah Wright, Capital B

Full article 🔗: https://thelensnola.org/2026/09/22/nolan-wells-grand-jury-finds-no-evidence-of-criminal-conduct-in-college-students-death/

09/22/2026

Sometimes, being recognized for the community work you do gives you a moment to pause and ask an even bigger question: What happens when that same community needs its leaders to stand up for what’s right?

✍️ Dwayne "Prince" Holmes Jr

Full article 🔗: https://thelensnola.org/2026/09/22/recognition-is-powerful/

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09/22/2026

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09/21/2026

🔍 Nonprofits like YEP, The 18th Ward, and Café Reconcile go beyond child care, keeping New Orleans kids active, connected, and reaching goals.

✍️ Vivi Smilgius

Full story 🔗: https://thelensnola.org/?p=621224