Behind The Lens episode 171: Here’s why this is actually a good thing

Newly released 'smart cities' emails. Louisiana kids are being shipped to out-of-state jails. And the city still doesn't have school zone lights under control.

On this week’s episode, traffic cameras are off in school zones, but lights are still flashing in some areas creating a dangerous and confusing situation for some drivers.

A city official raised ethics concerns about the Smart Cities project days before it was abandoned, despite the administrations’ continued dismissal of bid-rigging allegations. 

Some Louisiana kids are being sent to detention facilities in nearby states, potentially violating state laws.

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

You can also listen to Behind The Lens on Apple PodcastsSpotify and other services.

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.