Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part I: ‘Throw less, throw better’

Nick Chrastil on how gun laws clash during Carnival, including on the parade route. Delaney Dryfoos on krewes' efforts to make parades greener. And Marta Jewson on high school marching bands — and their budgets.
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This week on Behind The Lens, during Carnival season, gun arrests of people — mostly Black men — spike.

For the last two years, NOPD has arrested more people for gun-related offenses during Mardi Gras week than any other time of the year. This year, things could be different, due to a new Louisiana state law which allows permitless carrying of concealed weapons. It’s still unclear however, whether concealed weapons are allowed at parades

Delaney Dryfoos on krewes’ efforts to make parades greener. This year, one parade – Krewe of Freret – even banned plastic beads and nonprofit Grounds Krewe provides environmentally conscious parade throws. And Marta Jewson on high school marching bands — and how directors balance their books.

Guests this week include Lens reporters La’Shance Perry, Mizani Ball, Nick Chrastil, Delaney Dryfoos, Marta Jewson and Lens editor Katy Reckdahl.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music from Sophie B. Wright High School’s marching band.

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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.