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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 246: ‘unreasonable doubt’

August 17, 2024 Updated August 17, 2024
Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a court of appeals' ruling in favor of three young Black men stopped by security district officers. Marta Jewson on a new sunshine law.

Behind The Lens episode 245: ‘Adults failed them’

August 2, 2024 Updated August 2, 2024
Nick Chrastil on "extreme" conditions incarcerated people face at David Wade Correctional Center. Marta Jewson on a judge's order that will give Kennedy High School seniors who endured a graduation scandal their day in court. And Delaney Dryfoos on what a 'D' for New Orleans' water system means for residents.
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Behind The Lens episode 244: ‘More and more extremes’

July 19, 2024 Updated July 19, 2024
Nick Chrastil on changes that have resulted in thousands of Louisianans losing food stamps and a new state law that threatens thousands more. And Delaney Dryfoos on spring flooding in the Midwest and how it can benefit Louisiana.

Behind The Lens episode 243: ‘The solar Motherhouse’

July 12, 2024 Updated July 12, 2024
Nick Chrastil on a judge's order to the Dept. of Corrections requiring a plan to protect Angola inmates working the Farm line in blistering heat. Delaney Dryfoos on the The Sisters of the Holy Family nuns who are working to build a solar-powered microgrid resilience hub for their neighbors in New Orleans East.

Behind The Lens episode 242: ‘Extreme heat and dirty water’

July 1, 2024 Updated July 1, 2024
La'Shance Perry, Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on the jail exceeding its population cap and Angola prisoners still forced to work the fields in extreme summer heat.

Behind The Lens episode 241: ‘Radical Black joy’

June 21, 2024 Updated June 21, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 240: ‘An enduring insult’

June 14, 2024 Updated June 14, 2024
Special guest writer Lolis Eric Elie on local civil rights pioneers who are being to replace the current street names, including his father, Lolis Edward Elie.

Behind The Lens episode 239: ‘It’s unconscionable’

June 7, 2024 Updated June 7, 2024
Nick Chrastil on an eye-popping State Police contract The Lens had to sue to obtain. It's been one year since JPSO shot and killed Calvin Cains III and his family is suing for body camera footage. And a redesign of City Park could disrupt Grow Dat Youth Farm.

Behind The Lens episode 238: ‘Juvenile Jails’

May 24, 2024 Updated May 24, 2024
Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a bill that would provide funding to build new local juvenile-detention faciilites. Marta Jewson and La'Shance Perry on the Living School's final days as it prepares to close its doors.

Behind The Lens episode 237: ‘A union victory’

May 17, 2024 Updated May 17, 2024
Marta Jewson on Lycée Français charter school's teachers union victory. And Delaney Dryfoos on both industry and activists taking aim at the EPA.

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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 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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