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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 103: ‘Safeguarded and removed as far as humanly possible from any form of political influence’

October 23, 2020 Updated March 11, 2021
The OPSB elections. Civil Service and the Mayor's Office. And more material witness warrants connected to a DA candidate.

Behind The Lens episode 102: God save the state and this honorable court

October 16, 2020 Updated March 11, 2021
Material witness warrants and DA candidates. Sidney Torres and Civil District Court. And the possible end of a five-year-old consent decree over the city's schools.

Behind The Lens episode 101: Dual reporting

October 9, 2020 Updated March 11, 2021
A critical report on special education at a New Orleans charter school. Furloughs for thousands of city employees. An ordinance that could limit city surveillance. And a court hearing in the Phase III jail dispute.

Behind The Lens episode 100: Don’t worry, it’s not a clip show

September 25, 2020 Updated March 11, 2021
A new COVID spike at the jail. Laura evacuees arrested in New Orleans. NOLA Public Schools fights subpoena in Kennedy suit. And a rental assistance program has provided little assistance.

Behind The Lens episode 99: This is the way we go to school

September 18, 2020 Updated March 11, 2021
Colleges and elementary schools are back in session. Wait, why is that news? Oh right.

Behind The Lens episode 98: Bonus episode

September 11, 2020 Updated September 11, 2020
Featuring Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough and Dr. C. Reynold Verret. Interviews by Philip Kiefer.

Behind The Lens episode 98: Public resources, public mandates

September 11, 2020 Updated September 11, 2020
Two local HBCU presidents discuss their decision to participate in a vaccine trial. Also, schools, crowds and COVID. Library told to do more with less. And the great jail building debate turns 10.

Behind The Lens episode 97: ‘There are still these gaps’

September 4, 2020 Updated September 4, 2020
Disappearing COVID-19 data. An apparent suicide at the New Orleans jail. And taking attendance without a classroom.

Behind The Lens episode 96: ‘The effects tend to linger’

August 28, 2020 Updated August 28, 2020
Disasters and mental health. A defamation lawsuit from a former New Orleans charter school administrator. And an unusually forceful criminal justice resolution from the City Council.

Behind The Lens episode 95: Save the date

August 21, 2020 Updated August 21, 2020
A Metairie wedding venue with a political connection. The People's DA Coalition unveils a new platform to reduce incarceration. And more.

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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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Our reporting has more urgency than ever.


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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