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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 153: ‘An effort at rebranding’

December 17, 2021 Updated December 17, 2021
The final round of charter school renewals. Allegations of contract-fixing for the New Orleans "smart cities" plan. And a reform effort in state prisons has not produced the promised results.

Behind The Lens episode 152: Off and running

December 10, 2021 Updated December 10, 2021
The municipal runoff is Saturday. We take a look at what's on the ballot in New Orleans. And the state releases 'simulated' performance scores for Louisiana public schools.

Behind The Lens episode 151: ‘The authority to grant or deny parole’

December 3, 2021 Updated December 3, 2021
The 2022 city budget passes. A newly proposed tax could expand early childhood education. And Angola prisoner Bobby Sneed is once again denied freedom.

Behind The Lens episode 150: ‘I’m the mayor right now’

November 19, 2021 Updated November 19, 2021
Last week's election results. City budget hearings wrap up. And alleged special education violations at a Lower 9th Ward charter school.

Behind The Lens episode 149: ‘I would say that if I was district attorney’

November 12, 2021 Updated November 12, 2021
Budget hearings: Orleans Parish DA's office, but not the Sheriff's Office. A 'smart cities' proposal draws some privacy concerns. Renaming Lusher Charter School. And school agencies want out of a long-running consent decree.

Behind The Lens episode 148: ‘Best future use’

November 5, 2021 Updated November 5, 2021
The city continues to seek contractors for a plan to turn the Municipal Auditorium into City Hall. Phase III timeline puts FEMA funding at risk. And a look at the upcoming election.

Behind The Lens episode 147: The case-to-quarantine ratio

October 22, 2021 Updated October 22, 2021
School quarantines underreported due to data error. Cantrell's plan for tens of millions in federal COVID relief. And an update in the case of Brandon Jackson.

Neighborhoods Watched: A discussion with the reporters

October 21, 2021 Updated October 21, 2021
Reporters Michael Isaac Stein and Caroline Sinders talk about their five-part series on surveillance in New Orleans.

Behind The Lens episode 146: A parole board matter

October 15, 2021 Updated October 15, 2021
An Angola prisoner says his parole was revoked illegally. An explainer on school COVID data. And a plan to give civilian municipal employees limited police powers.

Behind The Lens episode 145: ‘It’s like we’re in a holding pattern’

October 8, 2021 Updated October 8, 2021
Lens reporter Nicholas Chrastil and Al Jazeera Fault Lines producer Jeremy Young talk about the case of Brandon Jackson and the ongoing impacts of the state's former split jury law.

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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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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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