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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.
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Behind The Lens episode 268: ‘Cruel and unusual’

March 21, 2025 Updated March 21, 2025
Special guest Ned Randolph on Entergy's proposal to build a massive AI data center in an impoverished section of north Louisiana that Meta is eyeing. Nick Chrastil on the state's push to use nitrogen hypoxia for executions.
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Behind The Lens episode 267: ‘Young, Black, vibrant’

March 14, 2025 Updated March 14, 2025
Mizani Ball and Marta Jewson on how Mardi Gras Day parade route changes affected local businesses and marching bands. Delaney Dryfoos on Venture Global's expansion plans amid its spotty environmental compliance record.
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Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part I: ‘Throw less, throw better’

March 2, 2025 Updated March 2, 2025
Nick Chrastil on how gun laws clash during Carnival, including on the parade route. Delaney Dryfoos on krewes' efforts to make parades greener. And Marta Jewson on high school marching bands — and their budgets.
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Behind The Lens episode 265: ‘That’s just a payday loan’

February 21, 2025 Updated February 21, 2025
Nick Chrastil on records that show plans for Gov. Jeff Landry's "transitional center" were well underway before the terrorist attack. Marta Jewson on the ongoing dispute over a supposed $90 million settlement between the City and School Board amid its financial crisis.
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Behind The Lens episode 264 Part II: ‘Our Katrina narrative’

February 17, 2025 Updated February 17, 2025
The Lens spent January talking to Lower 9th Ward residents to tell their stories, narratives a Super Bowl committee wanted to control.
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Behind The Lens episode 264 Part I: ‘Our Katrina narrative’

February 7, 2025 Updated February 7, 2025
The Lens spent January talking to Lower 9th Ward residents to tell their stories, narratives a Super Bowl committee wanted to control.
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Behind The Lens episode 263: ‘They never paid’

January 24, 2025 Updated January 24, 2025
Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a temporary shelter Gov. Jeff Landry opened in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl and local concerns about the process. Delaney Dryfoos on The Descendants Project's lawsuit against agencies they allege violated the state constitution in giving Greenfield LLC tax breaks.
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Behind The Lens episode 262: ‘A new generation’s fight’

January 17, 2025 Updated January 17, 2025
Delaney Dryfoos on the sale of Entergy New Orleans' natural gas arm to a new entity and La'Shance Perry on the legal challenge to Act 246, the nation's strongest law blocking certain reproductive healthcare.
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Behind The Lens episode 261: ‘A moment in the year’

December 19, 2024 Updated December 19, 2024
The Lens staffers reflect on our work, including favorite stories, in 2024 and look ahead to 2025.
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Behind The Lens episode 260: ‘Tough Transitions’

December 12, 2024 Updated December 12, 2024
Marta Jewson on the annual December announcement of which charter schools will close. Delaney Dryfoos on work to revitalize Maurepas Swamp.

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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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