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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 244: ‘More and more extremes’

Nick Chrastil on changes that have resulted in thousands of Louisianans losing food stamps and a new state law that threatens thousands more. And Delaney Dryfoos on spring flooding in the Midwest and how it can benefit Louisiana.
by Carolyne Heldman July 19, 2024 Updated July 19, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 243: ‘The solar Motherhouse’

Nick Chrastil on a judge's order to the Dept. of Corrections requiring a plan to protect Angola inmates working the Farm line in blistering heat. Delaney Dryfoos on the The Sisters of the Holy Family nuns who are working to build a solar-powered microgrid resilience hub for their neighbors in New Orleans East.
by Carolyne Heldman July 12, 2024 Updated July 12, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 242: ‘Extreme heat and dirty water’

La'Shance Perry, Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on the jail exceeding its population cap and Angola prisoners still forced to work the fields in extreme summer heat.
by Carolyne Heldman July 1, 2024 Updated July 1, 2024

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

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