Behind The Lens episode 169: ‘Greetings OPSO Family’

A tough first month for the new sheriff. Masks are back at some city school. Contempt charges possible in 'smart cities' probe. And an introduction to The Lens' new environmental reporter.

On this week’s episode, New Orleans City Council is making moves that could result in contempt charges being filed against three city officials linked to the failed Smart Cities program. 

Newly inaugurated Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson has had a rough first month.

As the school year closes and COVID cases rise, masks are back at New Orleans public schools.

And we’ll meet Joshua Rosenberg, the newest reporter at the Lens. Rosenberg, who will be covering the environmental beat, joins The Lens thanks to our partnerships with Report for America and the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk.

Our guests this week are Lens reporters Joshua Rosenberg, Michael Isaac Stein, Nick Chrastil, Marta Jewson and editor Charles Maldonado.

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Carolyne Heldman

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 planning, research, branding, and non-traditional revenue generation. During her tenure she also created and launched four weekly news, public affairs and cultural affairs programs and monthly live Town Hall broadcasts. Heldman moved to New Orleans last summer with her husband and canine companion and they live happily in The Marigny.