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Behind The Lens

This category offers reflections, artist notes, and behind-the-scenes insights from our photographers and reporters’ perspectives—revealing the thought, emotion, and intention behind the images that define their work.

Behind The Lens episode 174: Defendant Williams

The DA goes on trial. St. James rejects solar ban. And another new Orleans school fails to graduate students on time as a result of administrative problems.
by Carolyne Heldman July 22, 2022 Updated July 22, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 173: ‘Too vague to be valid’

Nick Chrastil breaks the most recent news over a controversial jail building. Joshua Rosenberg on the relocation of dozens of families from the Gordon Plaza subdivision. Marta Jewson on the state's abortion trigger laws, including a preview of Friday's Orleans Parish Civil District Court hearing.
by Carolyne Heldman July 8, 2022 Updated July 20, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 172: Trigger bans

Reporters discuss the state of abortion in Louisiana following last week's Supreme Court ruling. And the Army Corps of Engineers is taking a close look at a proposed construction project in St. John.
by Carolyne Heldman July 1, 2022 Updated July 1, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 171: Here’s why this is actually a good thing

Newly released 'smart cities' emails. Louisiana kids are being shipped to out-of-state jails. And the city still doesn't have school zone lights under control.
by Carolyne Heldman June 17, 2022 Updated June 17, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 170: ‘Accountability is not always an attack. And seeking transparency isn’t necessarily a witch hunt.’ 

The 'smart cities' controversy goes to court. Phase two of the Angola healthcare civil rights trial. And a state auditor finds that New Orleans schools have fewer certified teachers than others around the state.
by Carolyne Heldman June 10, 2022 Updated June 10, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 169: ‘Greetings OPSO Family’

A tough first month for the new sheriff. Masks are back at some city school. Contempt charges possible in 'smart cities' probe. And an introduction to The Lens' new environmental reporter.
by Carolyne Heldman June 3, 2022 Updated June 3, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 168: ‘We keep peeling back an onion and there’s more layers’

City WiFi project appears to share many of the same conflicts as abandoned 'smart cities' deal. A bill to send 17-year-olds to adult jail advances. And more details on the enrollment decline at NOLA Public Schools.
by Carolyne Heldman May 27, 2022 Updated May 27, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 167: ‘Two jurors did not believe the State met its burden of proof’

Government watchdog agencies looking into city roadwork program. COVID is up in local schools. And the state Supreme Court hears a case that could affect hundreds of people imprisoned on split-jury convictions.
by Carolyne Heldman May 13, 2022 Updated May 13, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 166: ‘It seems like no one is interested in getting paid’

Reporter Michael Isaac Stein and host Carolyne Heldman talk about the 'smart cities' scandal at City Hall: what's happened and what's coming next.
by Carolyne Heldman May 6, 2022 Updated May 6, 2022

Behind The Lens episode 165: ‘You are hereby commanded to appear’

OPSB offers incoming superintendent $300K per year. Judge threatens city with contempt of court. And the City Council subpoenas the Cantrell administration.
by Carolyne Heldman April 15, 2022 Updated April 15, 2022

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