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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 130: ‘Justice should never be discretionary’

A bill to force new trials for prisoners convicted by split juries died in committee at the state capitol, vaccines are available at summer school and the status of a local affordable housing tax.
by Carolyne Heldman June 4, 2021 Updated June 4, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 129: ‘The NFL does ask for a lot’

NOPD creates a list of officers with potential credibility issues. An arrest warrant for a former charter school administrator. And the Super Bowl Host Committee is now a "culture bearer."
by Carolyne Heldman May 28, 2021 Updated May 28, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 128: ‘A comprehensive and brutal program’

The U.S. Supreme Court won't force the state to revisit old split-jury convictions. Shifting funds for school programs. And the city's meal assistance program is coming to an end.
by Carolyne Heldman May 21, 2021 Updated May 21, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 127: ‘There might be some politics behind the process or behind the scenes’

New charter school contract language shelved. Cantrell now backs full renewal of library tax. And an update on Angola prisoner Bobby Sneed.
by Carolyne Heldman May 14, 2021 Updated May 14, 2021

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

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About The Lens

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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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