Behind The Lens episode 243: ‘The solar Motherhouse’

Nick Chrastil on a judge's order to the Dept. of Corrections requiring a plan to protect Angola inmates working the Farm line in blistering heat. Delaney Dryfoos on the The Sisters of the Holy Family nuns who are working to build a solar-powered microgrid resilience hub for their neighbors in New Orleans East.

This week on Behind The Lens, a U.S. District judge ordered the Louisiana Department of Corrections to submit a plan to protect inmates laboring on the Farm line at Angola who face “immediate threats” from working in extreme heat without adequate protection. The prisoners had filed an emergency motion asking to halt the dangerous and sometimes deadly practice. The DOC appealed the decision.

And the nuns at The Sisters of the Holy Family are constructing solar panels on the order’s New Orleans East motherhouse, to create the city’s 12th solar-driven Community Lighthouse. The project aims to create a microgrid resilience hub for the neighborhood.

Our guests this week are criminal justice reporter Nick Chrastil, environmental reporter Delaney Dryfoos, and co-editor Katy Reckdahl.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music A Very Small Stage by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

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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.