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.
Logo for Behind the Lens podcast

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. 

You can also listen to Behind The Lens on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other services.

Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.