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

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.
by Carolyne Heldman May 7, 2021 Updated May 7, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 125: Caution, this vehicle will see you in court.

New names suggested for New Orleans school buildings. City asks to halt new jail construction. And the Convention Center board votes to sue the RTA.
by Carolyne Heldman April 30, 2021 Updated April 30, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 124: ‘There’s nothing to make them want to play by the rules’

Low collections on short-term rental fines. Renaming New Orleans school buildings. And one year after split jury verdicts were found unconstitutional, a legal deadline in Louisiana.
by Carolyne Heldman April 23, 2021 Updated April 23, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 123: ‘Intended only for personal use’

City school system has competition for Harrah's dollars. And the DA's office says it will no longer prosecute most low-level drug offenses.
by Carolyne Heldman April 16, 2021 Updated April 16, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 122: ‘We just didn’t know if it was crazy, or if it was going to do what we hoped’

New district warnings issued to New Orleans schools for policy violations. Vaccinations at the city jail. And new research finds that the city's approach to COVID testing equity was a success.
by Carolyne Heldman April 9, 2021 Updated April 9, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 121: ‘But that’s not a quota’

A traffic enforcement grant program may violate state law. Plea deals for people convicted by non-unanimous juries. And NOLA Public Schools stops tracking attendance data.
by Carolyne Heldman April 2, 2021 Updated April 3, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 120: Full and effective compliance

The Convention Center moves forward on its massive "entertainment district." NOPD nearing full compliance with the consent decree. And COVID vaccinations among white New Orleans residents outpace vaccinations among Black residents.
by Carolyne Heldman March 26, 2021 Updated March 26, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 119: ‘An opportunity to enjoy freedom’

Problems with employee background checks at some New Orleans schools. A proposed audit of Entergy New Orleans. And the city considers bringing back an ankle monitoring program.
by Carolyne Heldman March 19, 2021 Updated March 19, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 118: ‘Personal vigilance’

A proposed 'early warning' system for students in danger of falling behind. A federal complaint against Entergy. And Jason Williams begins vacating non-unanimous guilty verdicts.
by Carolyne Heldman March 5, 2021 Updated March 11, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 117: Power hungry

Rolling blackouts in New Orleans. A hunger strike at Angola. And teachers begin receiving vaccinations.
by Carolyne Heldman February 26, 2021 Updated March 11, 2021

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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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