Behind The Lens episode 136: ‘That’s up to you all’

Cantrell tells opponents of her Municipal Auditorium plan to come up with something on their own — with no city assistance. ICE accused of releasing people into unsafe conditions. And a new mask 'advisory' for New Orleans.

This week on Behind the Lens, a coalition of community organizers opposed to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s plan to move City Hall to the Municipal Auditorium is given a Herculean task: come up with their own proposal for the building in 90 days, without any help from the city.  

A federal administrative complaint was filed last week claiming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been releasing immigrants into remote areas without access to transportation, sometimes even without a phone call. The group filing the complaint says it’s unsafe and against agency policy. 

And as a result of spiking COVID-19 case numbers, Mayor Cantrell announced a mask “advisory” for the city. 

Our guests this week are contributing writer Jordan Hirsch, contributing writer Madeline Aruffo, health reporter Philip Kiefer and Lens editor Charles Maldonado.

Behind The Lens is available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle 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.

Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.