Category: 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 266 Carnival Part II: ‘The best spot on Fat Tuesday’
Mizani Ball on family and friends settling in to their traditional parade watching spots on the route. Katy Reckdahl on a Black Masking Indian continuing his father's tradition.
Behind The Lens episode 268: ‘Cruel and unusual’
Special guest Ned Randolph on Entergy's proposal to build a massive AI data center in an impoverished section of north Louisiana that Meta is eyeing. Nick Chrastil on the state's push to use nitrogen hypoxia for executions.
Behind The Lens episode 267: ‘Young, Black, vibrant’
Mizani Ball and Marta Jewson on how Mardi Gras Day parade route changes affected local businesses and marching bands. Delaney Dryfoos on Venture Global's expansion plans amid its spotty environmental compliance record.
Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part I: ‘Throw less, throw better’
Nick Chrastil on how gun laws clash during Carnival, including on the parade route. Delaney Dryfoos on krewes' efforts to make parades greener. And Marta Jewson on high school marching bands — and their budgets.
Behind The Lens episode 265: ‘That’s just a payday loan’
Nick Chrastil on records that show plans for Gov. Jeff Landry's "transitional center" were well underway before the terrorist attack. Marta Jewson on the ongoing dispute over a supposed $90 million settlement between the City and School Board amid its financial crisis.
Behind The Lens episode 264 Part II: ‘Our Katrina narrative’
The Lens spent January talking to Lower 9th Ward residents to tell their stories, narratives a Super Bowl committee wanted to control.
Behind The Lens episode 264 Part I: ‘Our Katrina narrative’
The Lens spent January talking to Lower 9th Ward residents to tell their stories, narratives a Super Bowl committee wanted to control.
Behind The Lens episode 263: ‘They never paid’
Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a temporary shelter Gov. Jeff Landry opened in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl and local concerns about the process. Delaney Dryfoos on The Descendants Project's lawsuit against agencies they allege violated the state constitution in giving Greenfield LLC tax breaks.
Behind The Lens episode 262: ‘A new generation’s fight’
Delaney Dryfoos on the sale of Entergy New Orleans' natural gas arm to a new entity and La'Shance Perry on the legal challenge to Act 246, the nation's strongest law blocking certain reproductive healthcare.
