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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 101: Dual reporting

A critical report on special education at a New Orleans charter school. Furloughs for thousands of city employees. An ordinance that could limit city surveillance. And a court hearing in the Phase III jail dispute.
by Carolyne Heldman October 9, 2020 Updated March 11, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 100: Don’t worry, it’s not a clip show

A new COVID spike at the jail. Laura evacuees arrested in New Orleans. NOLA Public Schools fights subpoena in Kennedy suit. And a rental assistance program has provided little assistance.
by Carolyne Heldman September 25, 2020 Updated March 11, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 99: This is the way we go to school

Colleges and elementary schools are back in session. Wait, why is that news? Oh right.
by Carolyne Heldman September 18, 2020 Updated March 11, 2021

Behind The Lens episode 98: Bonus episode

Featuring Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough and Dr. C. Reynold Verret. Interviews by Philip Kiefer.
by Carolyne Heldman September 11, 2020 Updated September 11, 2020

Behind The Lens episode 98: Public resources, public mandates

Two local HBCU presidents discuss their decision to participate in a vaccine trial. Also, schools, crowds and COVID. Library told to do more with less. And the great jail building debate turns 10.
by Carolyne Heldman September 11, 2020 Updated September 11, 2020

Behind The Lens episode 97: ‘There are still these gaps’

Disappearing COVID-19 data. An apparent suicide at the New Orleans jail. And taking attendance without a classroom.
by Carolyne Heldman September 4, 2020 Updated September 4, 2020

Behind The Lens episode 96: ‘The effects tend to linger’

Disasters and mental health. A defamation lawsuit from a former New Orleans charter school administrator. And an unusually forceful criminal justice resolution from the City Council.
by Carolyne Heldman August 28, 2020 Updated August 28, 2020

Behind The Lens episode 95: Save the date

A Metairie wedding venue with a political connection. The People's DA Coalition unveils a new platform to reduce incarceration. And more.
by Carolyne Heldman August 21, 2020 Updated August 21, 2020

Behind The Lens episode 94: Inhabited dwellings

A parole hearing for the man serving life for stealing hedge clippers. Virtual school in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. And fears of a looming wave of evictions.
by Carolyne Heldman August 14, 2020 Updated August 14, 2020

Behind The Lens episode 93: The NOLA Music Special

We can enjoy live streams all we want, and the performers do, too. But they need your support now, more than ever, as bars and other stages remain closed across the state of Louisiana.
by Tom Wright August 7, 2020 Updated August 5, 2020

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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, we are deeply committed to sharing our knowledge with the community at large. We center human impact in all our work.

Our reporting has more urgency than ever.

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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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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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