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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 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.

Behind The Lens episode 163: ‘Rodent harborage’

April 1, 2022 Updated April 1, 2022
A new superintendent for NOLA Public Schools. And new problems found with Make It Right Foundation properties.

Behind The Lens episode 162: The ‘clickbait’ special

March 25, 2022 Updated March 25, 2022
Millions of dollars in New Orleans property owned by Folgers is missing from the tax rolls. The legislature considers two bills on prison medical services. And a proposed tax for early childhood education could be a financial boon for the NOLA Public Schools district.

Behind The Lens episode 161: ‘Out of courtesy for the candidates’

March 18, 2022 Updated March 18, 2022
New City Council district maps. OPSB moves 'one or more' superintendent candidates forward. And a federal judge tells the city to move forward on the controversial Phase III facility.

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