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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.

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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 April 4, 2026
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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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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.
by Carolyne Heldman February 21, 2025 Updated February 21, 2025
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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.
by Carolyne Heldman February 17, 2025 Updated February 17, 2025
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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.
by Carolyne Heldman February 7, 2025 Updated February 7, 2025
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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.
by Carolyne Heldman January 24, 2025 Updated January 24, 2025
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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.
by Carolyne Heldman January 17, 2025 Updated January 17, 2025
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Behind The Lens episode 261: ‘A moment in the year’

The Lens staffers reflect on our work, including favorite stories, in 2024 and look ahead to 2025.
by Carolyne Heldman December 19, 2024 Updated December 19, 2024
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Behind The Lens episode 260: ‘Tough Transitions’

Marta Jewson on the annual December announcement of which charter schools will close. Delaney Dryfoos on work to revitalize Maurepas Swamp.
by Carolyne Heldman December 12, 2024 Updated December 12, 2024

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About The Lens

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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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