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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 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.
by Carolyne Heldman November 17, 2023 Updated November 17, 2023

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.
by Carolyne Heldman November 10, 2023 Updated November 14, 2023

Behind the Lens episode 219: ‘A community that depends on us’

This week on Behind The Lens, a historic drought at the root of ‘superfog’ causing a massive wreck on I-55 and small non-profit news outlets, like The Lens, speak up in the ever-changing media landscape.
by Carolyne Heldman November 3, 2023 Updated November 3, 2023

Behind The Lens episode 218: ‘They need stability … this does not bode well for that’

This week on Behind The Lens, a $9.5 million private security contract for Louisiana youth prisons raises eyebrows.
by Carolyne Heldman October 27, 2023 Updated February 5, 2024

Behind The Lens episode 217: ‘Wetlands may be severed from that historic protection’

A new judicial interpretation of the Clean Water Act leaves more than half of the country’s 118 million acres of wetlands unprotected, including the swamps of Acadiana and key waterfowl habitat.
by Carolyne Heldman October 20, 2023 Updated October 20, 2023

Behind The Lens episode 216: ‘It’s torturous’

This week on Behind The Lens, Calvin Cains died in police custody in June and his mother sought body camera footage from on-scene officers through a lawsuit. Those recordings, she hopes, can show her sons final moments, before he was killed by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.
by Carolyne Heldman October 6, 2023 Updated October 6, 2023

Behind The Lens episode 215: ‘A striking shock contrast’

St. John the Baptist Parish residents fight the proposed construction of a large industrial size grain terminal, but they may now have some powerful allies.
by Carolyne Heldman September 30, 2023 Updated September 30, 2023

Behind The Lens episode 214: ‘That doesn’t happen on this side of the river’

by Carolyne Heldman September 15, 2023 Updated November 14, 2023

Behind The Lens episode 213: ‘Kids in solitary confinement’

Youth being held on Angola's grounds continue to face challenges and officials have high hopes for a $2.9 billion diversion of the lower Mississippi River.
by Carolyne Heldman August 25, 2023 Updated August 25, 2023

Behind The Lens episode 212: ‘Industry spin has become reality’

Nick Chrastil on the city's work to find $22 million for controversial Phase III jail construction. Sara Sneath on LNG export terminals belching more pollution than estimated.
by Carolyne Heldman August 11, 2023 Updated November 14, 2023

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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 girlhood to prison pipeline: how Louisiana policy fails Black girlsThe girlhood to prison pipeline: how Louisiana policy fails Black girlsMarch 11, 2026Andrea HaganCriminal Justice
Trump’s rush to expand offshore oil leases in the Gulf is bad for the environment. It’s also illegal.Trump’s rush to expand offshore oil leases in the Gulf is bad for the environment. It’s also illegal.March 12, 2026Rachel MathewsEnvironment

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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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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