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Behind The Lens

Behind the Lens offers reporter’s thoughts, analysis and perspective on their stories, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the Lens newsroom; how a particular story came to be, why it matters and what it might mean to our listeners.

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

Behind The Lens episode 116: Modified Phase 1B

Back to school, now with vaccine for teachers. If they can get them. And a Tulane School of Medicine administrator alleges discrimination at the university.
by Carolyne Heldman February 19, 2021 Updated March 11, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 115: Active cases

NOLA Public Schools reveals 140 previously unreported COVID cases since the beginning of the school year. A report shows police chases responding to nonviolent crimes are up. And the ACLU sues the Louisiana State Police.
by Carolyne Heldman February 12, 2021 Updated March 11, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 114: ‘The incoherence speaks for itself’

City officials ask community to help boost school attendance. Council considers a new Entergy shutoff moratorium. And the latest on the Phase III jail facility.
by Carolyne Heldman February 5, 2021 Updated March 11, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 113: Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition

Disappearing scholarships at SUNO. A new data-sharing system for New Orleans law enforcement. Schools reopen. And the latest on the Phase III jail building.
by Carolyne Heldman January 29, 2021 Updated March 11, 2021

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About The Lens

The Lens fights to reveal and report on issues that impact the community and the region.

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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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