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 228: ‘The river knows what to do’
Marshland restoration is underway in Barataria Basin. Lafayette Academy families are still trying to catch their breath after the district told them their school would close — and then reversed its decision. A parade celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., returned to its historic route on St. Claude Avenue this year.
Behind The Lens episode 227: ‘There’s no real public oversight’
Nick Chrastil on The Lens' lawsuit against the state Office of Juvenile Justice for public records related to its $9.5m emergency staffing contract. And author Matthew Kincaid joins us to talk about his new book: Freedom Teaching.
Behind The Lens episode 226: ‘The means to fight this’
Nick Chrastil on the federal consent decree guiding the jail's construction of a facility called Phase III. Terry Jones from Floodlight on carbon capture and sequestration in the state.
Behind The Lens episode 225: ‘If there’s an accident, it’d be hard to evacuate’ ‘
Delaney Dryfoos on new land growing along Louisiana's coast. Sara Sneath on Venture Global's tax incentives in Plaquemines Parish and parallels to the mining town of Port Sulphur.
Behind The Lens episode 224: ‘Holding power to account’
Delaney Dryfoos on St. John Parish's President cutting off advocate Joy Banner during public comment. Now, she's suing for the violation of her First Amendment rights. A judge again barred the parish from changing the zoning on the Greenfield Property.
Behind The Lens episode 223: ‘History and art everywhere you look’
Nick Chrastil and La'Shance Perry on the NOPD's plans to use drones which concerns privacy advocates. Some of the city's iconic crescent and star water meter covers are being replaced by generic looking lids to make way for “smart meters” which could, if they work properly, help resolve the agency’s notorious inflated bills.
Behind The Lens episode 222: ‘A safe space’
The OPSB voted to close the Living School at an emotional December board meeting and the Buttermilk Drop scrambled to pay bills after its Uber Eats account was hacked.
Behind the Lens episode 221: ‘A force multiplier’
The Orleans Parish DA's office is using new predictive analytics software they say can help combat crime. Some critics are concerned. And annual A through F letter grades are in — what that means for schools.
Behind The Lens episode 220: ‘Mothers want their kids out of there’
This week on Behind The Lens, Jackson Parish’s is housing kids awaiting adjudication in a detention center unlicensed to do so and state A through F letter grades are due out soon.