Behind The Lens episode 136: ‘That’s up to you all’

Cantrell tells opponents of her Municipal Auditorium plan to come up with something on their own — with no city assistance. ICE accused of releasing people into unsafe conditions. And a new mask 'advisory' for New Orleans.

This week on Behind the Lens, a coalition of community organizers opposed to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s plan to move City Hall to the Municipal Auditorium is given a Herculean task: come up with their own proposal for the building in 90 days, without any help from the city.  

A federal administrative complaint was filed last week claiming that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been releasing immigrants into remote areas without access to transportation, sometimes even without a phone call. The group filing the complaint says it’s unsafe and against agency policy. 

And as a result of spiking COVID-19 case numbers, Mayor Cantrell announced a mask “advisory” for the city. 

Our guests this week are contributing writer Jordan Hirsch, contributing writer Madeline Aruffo, health reporter Philip Kiefer and Lens editor Charles Maldonado.

Behind The Lens is available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Play and Stitcher. And we broadcast the show on community radio stations 102.3 FM WHIV LP in Mid-City and 90.3 FM WAMF-LP in the Marigny.

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.