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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 241: ‘Radical Black joy’

by Carolyne Heldman June 21, 2024 Updated June 21, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 240: ‘An enduring insult’

Special guest writer Lolis Eric Elie on local civil rights pioneers who are being to replace the current street names, including his father, Lolis Edward Elie.
by Carolyne Heldman June 14, 2024 Updated June 14, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 239: ‘It’s unconscionable’

Nick Chrastil on an eye-popping State Police contract The Lens had to sue to obtain. It's been one year since JPSO shot and killed Calvin Cains III and his family is suing for body camera footage. And a redesign of City Park could disrupt Grow Dat Youth Farm.
by Carolyne Heldman June 7, 2024 Updated June 7, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 238: ‘Juvenile Jails’

Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a bill that would provide funding to build new local juvenile-detention faciilites. Marta Jewson and La'Shance Perry on the Living School's final days as it prepares to close its doors.
by Carolyne Heldman May 24, 2024 Updated May 24, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 237: ‘A union victory’

Marta Jewson on Lycée Français charter school's teachers union victory. And Delaney Dryfoos on both industry and activists taking aim at the EPA.
by Carolyne Heldman May 17, 2024 Updated May 17, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 236: ‘An energy company deciding subject matter’

Sara Sneath on LSU's unusual relationship with the oil and gas industry. Marta Jewson on Lycée Français charter school's union drive.
by Carolyne Heldman May 10, 2024 Updated May 10, 2024

Behind the Lens episode 235: ‘One step behind Exxon’ News Update

This week on Behind The Lens, Sara Sneath on a Louisiana law that allows carbon capture well sites to remain unknown under a "trade secret" exception and Nick Chrastil on state legislation that could cut food stamps for thousands.
by Carolyne Heldman April 25, 2024 Updated May 1, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 234: ‘Rabble-rousing at the Big Green’

La'Shance Perry on St. John Parish's vote on rezoning for Greenfield. Delaney Dryfoos on Gov. Landry's Task Force for Sewerage and Water Board. And Katy Reckdahl on union organizing at Tulane University.
by Carolyne Heldman April 12, 2024 Updated April 12, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 233: ‘A Black hamlet’

Delaney Dryfoos on St. John the Baptist Parish's voted to allow heavy industrial uses on the parish’s rural West Bank after years of contentious debate. Nick Chrastil on Gov. Jeff Landry's seismic changes to the criminal justice system.
by Carolyne Heldman March 29, 2024 Updated March 29, 2024

Behind The Lens “Sunshine Week” episode 232: ‘It’s so powerful to see’

Lens reporters on the Louisiana Public Records Act and how it helps us fulfill our mission. We reflect on how records made possible reporting on Henry Montgomery, a graduation scandal at Kennedy High School and the uncovering of the state's decision to send kids in juvenile detention across state lines.
by Carolyne Heldman March 15, 2024 Updated March 18, 2024

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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
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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