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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 podcast logo

Behind The Lens episode 274: ‘Human decency’

Reporter Bernard Smith and Editor Katy Reckdahl break down a new program that provides tablets to incarcerated individuals. And a recent ruling to protect Angola's Farm Line workers.
by Carolyne Heldman June 13, 2025 Updated June 13, 2025
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Behind The Lens episode 273: ‘Caught in the lurch’

Delaney Dryfoos on the the largest new delta in North America. Marta Jewson on how the decentralized New Orleans school district caught one special education student in the lurch between NOLA Public Schools and KIPP New Orleans.
by Carolyne Heldman May 16, 2025 Updated May 16, 2025
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Behind The Lens episode 272: ‘Growing threat’

Delaney Dryfoos on the Calcasieu River's concerning pollution. Marta Jewson on Lycee's $400k property tax bill and the city's offer to settle a lawsuit with the school board.
by Carolyne Heldman May 9, 2025 Updated May 9, 2025
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Behind The Lens episode 271: ‘Death warrant’

Nick Chastil and Katy Reckdahl on working conditions at Angola's Farm Line, with an eye on summer heat, and execution in Louisiana, following the first state execution in more than a decade.
by Carolyne Heldman April 17, 2025 Updated April 17, 2025
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Behind The Lens episode 270: ‘The wrong schools’

Education reporter Marta Jewson on the state's request that the courts free them from a special education consent decree, the city council seeks to send $10m to schools and NOLA Public Schools has a new superintendent.
by Carolyne Heldman April 11, 2025 Updated April 11, 2025
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Behind the Lens episode 269: ‘They are not forgotten’

by Carolyne Heldman March 28, 2025 Updated March 28, 2025
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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.
by Carolyne Heldman March 27, 2025 Updated March 27, 2025
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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.
by Carolyne Heldman March 21, 2025 Updated March 21, 2025
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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.
by Carolyne Heldman March 14, 2025 Updated March 14, 2025
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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.
by Carolyne Heldman March 2, 2025 Updated March 2, 2025

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

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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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