Behind The Lens episode 268: ‘Cruel and unusual’

Special guest Ned Randolph on Entergy's proposal to build a massive AI data center in an impoverished section of north Louisiana that Meta is eyeing. Nick Chrastil on the state's push to use nitrogen hypoxia for executions.
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This week on Behind The Lens, to fuel the AI explosion and its outsize energy requirements, Louisiana utility company, Entergy has floated a proposal to build a massive AI data center in an impoverished section of north Louisiana. The $10 billion project is being touted as the largest single investment in Louisiana history and promises hundreds of new high-paying jobs but would require a surge in energy demand that would lean heavily on fossil fuels.

After a 15-year hiatus in executions in Louisiana, there’s a push from Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration to restart executions with the first one set to occur as early as we record this episode. A California-based retired anesthesiologist has given unqualified approval to the state’s new and controversial execution method, administering pure nitrogen into the body, that critics say should be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

Guests this week include special guest, author and journalist Ned Randolph who investigates intersections of power, social justice, and the environment and Lens reporters Nick Chrastil and Marta Jewson.

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Dreamliner 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.