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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 135: ‘A quarter for the Quarter’

July 16, 2021 Updated July 16, 2021
A forensic audit reveals new details about Singleton Charter School's background check problems. A dispute over whether hotel rooms should be included in the French Quarter security tax. And more politicians oppose a mandated new jail facility.

Behind The Lens episode 134: ‘A strike for better wages and working conditions’

July 2, 2021 Updated July 4, 2021
The Orleans school district moves to close Singleton Charter School. City Councilmembers vow not to take Entergy campaign donations and city employees ask for $15/hour. And Medicaid recipients should watch for renewal information as eligibility will begin again when the federal COVID-19 'public health emergency' ends.

Behind The Lens episode 133: ‘That’s actually stated in the statute’

June 25, 2021 Updated June 25, 2021
No reports on the arrests of witnesses and crime victims, two years after passage of a law requiring them. Council hears about funding for new Entergy substation. And a privately run ICE facility is hit with a complaint for alleged human rights violations.

Behind The Lens episode 132: The ‘up to no good’ explanation

June 18, 2021 Updated June 18, 2021
ACLU sues security district officers over traffic stop, alleging discrimination. School district says Singleton Charter violated ethics laws. And a $74M plan to reliably connect the Sewerage and Water Board to the power grid.

Behind The Lens episode 131: ‘What we have helps, but it won’t be enough’

June 11, 2021 Updated June 11, 2021
Applications for New Orleans rental assistance program to be reopened, but there isn't enough funding. New names for school buildings move forward. And a report criticizes New Orleans judges for continuing to issue failure to appear warrants during the pandemic.

Behind The Lens episode 130: ‘Justice should never be discretionary’

June 4, 2021 Updated June 4, 2021
A bill to force new trials for prisoners convicted by split juries died in committee at the state capitol, vaccines are available at summer school and the status of a local affordable housing tax.

Behind The Lens episode 129: ‘The NFL does ask for a lot’

May 28, 2021 Updated May 28, 2021
NOPD creates a list of officers with potential credibility issues. An arrest warrant for a former charter school administrator. And the Super Bowl Host Committee is now a "culture bearer."

Behind The Lens episode 128: ‘A comprehensive and brutal program’

May 21, 2021 Updated May 21, 2021
The U.S. Supreme Court won't force the state to revisit old split-jury convictions. Shifting funds for school programs. And the city's meal assistance program is coming to an end.

Behind The Lens episode 127: ‘There might be some politics behind the process or behind the scenes’

May 14, 2021 Updated May 14, 2021
New charter school contract language shelved. Cantrell now backs full renewal of library tax. And an update on Angola prisoner Bobby Sneed.

Behind The Lens episode 126: ‘We’ve rocketed past the tragedy stage and are just squarely in the farce stage now’

May 7, 2021 Updated May 7, 2021
A less-than-perfect financial audit for the city's school system. A prisoner is paroled after 47 years, then the state rescinds its decision. And the New Orleans City Council will return to the chamber after a year of virtual meetings.

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About The Lens

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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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For more than a decade, we have reported on issues as well as public policy meant to address the needs of residents. The Lens seeks to focus on the inherent inequality that has created a multi-tiered system. We, at The Lens seek to uncover, illuminate, inform and take part in a forward-looking community. Join us.

 
 

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