Behind The Lens episode 244: ‘More and more extremes’

Nick Chrastil on changes that have resulted in thousands of Louisianans losing food stamps and a new state law that threatens thousands more. And Delaney Dryfoos on spring flooding in the Midwest and how it can benefit Louisiana.
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This week on Behind The Lens, 15,000 Louisianans have lost food stamps due to reinstated federal work requirements. Thousands more will likely lose benefits starting this fall, due to a new Louisiana law that bars state officials from doing what they’ve done for nearly 25 years – asking for waivers of federal work requirements in parishes with high unemployment.

The Upper Mississippi is seeing record water levels resulting in flooding again up north, and could mean the end of the threat from drought and the saltwater intrusion that had been threatening this part of the state for a couple of years. 

Our guests this week are Lens reporters Nick Chrastil, Delaney Dryfoos and deputy editor Marta Jewson.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Smooth Actor 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.