On Behind the Lens this week, from climate-fueled storms to COVID-19, mounting catastrophes are sowing stress and trauma. The country’s one program to help reaches only a fraction of survivors. Dean Russell, a reporter for Columbia Journalism Investigations, talks about the Crisis Counseling Assistance Program and where it comes up short.  

Marta Jewson tells us about a lawsuit brought by a former administrator at Abramson Sci Academy who says the district’s actions against her are making it impossible for her to find a new job. 

And Nick Chrastil gives us insight into a non-binding resolution the New Orleans City Council passed calling for judges at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court to stop imposing conviction fees and to return fine and fee funds they have collected for the past two years. But that resolution could be in violation of state law. 

This week’s guests are education reporter Marta Jewson, criminal justice reporter Nicholas Chrastil, the editor of The Lens, Charles Maldonado and special guest Dean Russell from Columbia Journalism Investigations.

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...