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Author: Carolyne Heldman

About 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.

Behind The Lens episode 173: ‘Too vague to be valid’

July 8, 2022 Updated July 20, 2022
Nick Chrastil breaks the most recent news over a controversial jail building. Joshua Rosenberg on the relocation of dozens of families from the Gordon Plaza subdivision. Marta Jewson on the state's abortion trigger laws, including a preview of Friday's Orleans Parish Civil District Court hearing.

Behind The Lens episode 172: Trigger bans

July 1, 2022 Updated July 1, 2022
Reporters discuss the state of abortion in Louisiana following last week's Supreme Court ruling. And the Army Corps of Engineers is taking a close look at a proposed construction project in St. John.

Behind The Lens episode 171: Here’s why this is actually a good thing

June 17, 2022 Updated June 17, 2022
Newly released 'smart cities' emails. Louisiana kids are being shipped to out-of-state jails. And the city still doesn't have school zone lights under control.

Behind The Lens episode 170: ‘Accountability is not always an attack. And seeking transparency isn’t necessarily a witch hunt.’ 

June 10, 2022 Updated June 10, 2022
The 'smart cities' controversy goes to court. Phase two of the Angola healthcare civil rights trial. And a state auditor finds that New Orleans schools have fewer certified teachers than others around the state.

Behind The Lens episode 169: ‘Greetings OPSO Family’

June 3, 2022 Updated June 3, 2022
A tough first month for the new sheriff. Masks are back at some city school. Contempt charges possible in 'smart cities' probe. And an introduction to The Lens' new environmental reporter.

Behind The Lens episode 168: ‘We keep peeling back an onion and there’s more layers’

May 27, 2022 Updated May 27, 2022
City WiFi project appears to share many of the same conflicts as abandoned 'smart cities' deal. A bill to send 17-year-olds to adult jail advances. And more details on the enrollment decline at NOLA Public Schools.

Behind The Lens episode 167: ‘Two jurors did not believe the State met its burden of proof’

May 13, 2022 Updated May 13, 2022
Government watchdog agencies looking into city roadwork program. COVID is up in local schools. And the state Supreme Court hears a case that could affect hundreds of people imprisoned on split-jury convictions.

Behind The Lens episode 166: ‘It seems like no one is interested in getting paid’

May 6, 2022 Updated May 6, 2022
Reporter Michael Isaac Stein and host Carolyne Heldman talk about the 'smart cities' scandal at City Hall: what's happened and what's coming next.

Behind The Lens episode 165: ‘You are hereby commanded to appear’

April 15, 2022 Updated April 15, 2022
OPSB offers incoming superintendent $300K per year. Judge threatens city with contempt of court. And the City Council subpoenas the Cantrell administration.

Behind The Lens episode 164: ‘There’s no magic’

April 8, 2022 Updated April 8, 2022
Magic Johnson pitches a 'smart cities' deal. A potential end to federal monitoring of special education in New Orleans. And a city panel decides to give much-criticized jail healthcare contractor Wellpath another chance.

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About The Lens

The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region. Staunchly defending the public's right to know and deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.

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