This week, a Metairie wedding venue has repeatedly held large weddings despite state regulations restricting gathering sizes. Advocating for the venue is a Jefferson Parish councilwoman, whose family also happens to own the business. Also, the New Orleans public library could lose 40 percent of its funding next year. 

Reporter Michael Isaac Stein has those stories.

On the education beat, a look at how schools are teaching English Learners while classes are virtual-only. And a grant is in the works to help homeless students in New Orleans get the tools they need. Schools reporter Marta Jewson is out of town this week, so editor Charles Maldonado will fill us in.

From criminal justice reporter Nicholas Chrastil, The People’s DA Coalition released a platform document they hope Orleans Parish District Attorney candidates will adopt. The platform is aimed at reducing mass incarceration. And a new ordinance could mean a dramatic increase in the budget for the New Orleans public defenders office. 

Behind The Lens is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Stitcher. And we broadcast the show on community radio stations 102.3 FM WHIV LP in Mid-City and 90.3 FM WAMF-LP in the Marigny.

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Carolyne Heldman has been in media for 35 years, most recently as Executive Director at an NPR member station in Colorado where she was responsible for new multi-platform content initiatives, strategic...