Behind The Lens

Mizani Ball on ethnographic dancer Chipo Kandake on her history of American music performance. Marta Jewson on improving literacy scores for young Louisiana students. The post Behind The Lens episode 275: ‘Snake hips' appeared first on The Lens.

Reporter Bernard Smith and Editor Katy Reckdahl break down a new program that provides tablets to incarcerated individuals. And a recent ruling to protect Angola's Farm Line workers. The post Behind The Lens episode 274: ‘Human decency' appeared first on The Lens.

Delaney Dryfoos on the the largest new delta in North America. Marta Jewson on how the decentralized New Orleans school district caught one special education student in the lurch between NOLA Public Schools and KIPP New Orleans. The post Behind The Lens episode 273: ‘Caught in the lurch' appeared first on The Lens.

Delaney Dryfoos on the Calcasieu River's concerning pollution. Marta Jewson on Lycee's $400k property tax bill and the city's offer to settle a lawsuit with the school board. The post Behind The Lens episode 272: ‘Growing threat' appeared first on The Lens.

Nick Chastil and Katy Reckdahl on working conditions at Angola's Farm Line, with an eye on summer heat, and execution in Louisiana, following the first state execution in more than a decade. The post Behind The Lens episode 271: ‘Death warrant' appeared first on The Lens.

Education reporter Marta Jewson on the state's request that the courts free them from a special education consent decree, the city council seeks to send $10m to schools and NOLA Public Schools has a new superintendent. The post Behind The Lens episode 270: ‘The wrong schools' appeared first on The Lens.

This week, two St. James Parish residents who recently wrote a piece for the Lens on their families' deep roots in the region and how local histories like their own are threatened by the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Barbara Washington and Gail LeBoeuf are co-founders and co-directors of Inclusive Louisiana, a local organization dedicated […] The post Behind the Lens episode 269: ‘They are not forgotten' appeared first on The Lens.

Mizani Ball on family and friends settling in to their traditional parade watching spots on the route. Katy Reckdahl on a Black Masking Indian continuing his father's tradition. The post Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part II: ‘The best spot on Fat Tuesday' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 268: ‘Cruel and unusual' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 267: ‘Young, Black, vibrant' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind the Lens episode 266 Carnival Part I: ‘Throw less, throw better' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 265: ‘That's just a payday loan' appeared first on The Lens.

The Lens spent January talking to Lower 9th Ward residents to tell their stories, narratives a Super Bowl committee wanted to control. The post Behind The Lens episode 264 Part II: ‘Our Katrina narrative' appeared first on The Lens.

The Lens spent January talking to Lower 9th Ward residents to tell their stories, narratives a Super Bowl committee wanted to control. The post Behind The Lens episode 264 Part I: ‘Our Katrina narrative' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 263: ‘They never paid' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 262: ‘A new generation's fight' appeared first on The Lens.

The Lens staffers reflect on our work, including favorite stories, in 2024 and look ahead to 2025. The post Behind The Lens episode 261: ‘A moment in the year' appeared first on The Lens.

Marta Jewson on the annual December announcement of which charter schools will close. Delaney Dryfoos on work to revitalize Maurepas Swamp. The post Behind The Lens episode 260: ‘Tough Transitions' appeared first on The Lens.

In a special episode, Adrinda Kelly, the founding Executive Director of Black Education for New Orleans (BE NOLA), whose mission is to support Black educators and Black-led schools, reflects on two decades of changes in New Orleans education. The post Behind The Lens episode 259: Opinion: ‘The education situation' appeared first on The Lens.

Delaney Dryfoos and Eric Schmid on new insurance models Mississippi River towns are leaning on. Nick Chrastil on juveniles leaving the Jackson Parish Jail. The post Behind The Lens episode 258: ‘Floodplains' appeared first on The Lens.

Delaney Dryfoos and La'Shance Perry on "Cajun Coral," a type of 3D printed coral used to help rebuild living reefs. Marta Jewson on the NOLA Public Schools' $36 million budget shortfall and superintendent's midyear resignation. The post Behind The Lens episode 257: ‘Creating new reefs' appeared first on The Lens.

Delaney Dryfoos a federal rule to eliminate lead pipes in the next decade. Nick Chrastil on changes to federal welfare money. Jay Marcano on the call for Tulane University to divest from fossil fuels. The post Behind The Lens episode 256: ‘A Tricky Endeavor' appeared first on The Lens.

Delaney Dryfoos on a wharf redevelopment in the Lower 9th Ward. Marta Jewson on Louisiana AG's decision to join a lawsuit targeting transgender men and women, and broader civil rights. The post Behind The Lens episode 255: ‘Civil rights at risk' appeared first on The Lens.

Marta Jewson and La'Shance Perry on their interview with a women about what it's like to be pregnant in Louisiana after the fall of Roe. Delaney Dryfoos on St. James residents' fight against industry. The post Behind The Lens episode 254: ‘It's scary, dangerous' appeared first on The Lens.

Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on the Jackson Parish Jail housing kids without the required license to do so. The post Behind the Lens episode 253: ‘Mace with no warning' appeared first on The Lens.

Marta Jewson and Katy Reckdahl on a new Louisiana law that requires doctors to keep common maternal health care medications under lock and key. Delaney Dryfoos on a Mississippi River mayors agreement. The post Behind the Lens episode 252: ‘Bleeding out' appeared first on The Lens.

Delaney Dryfoos on the continuing homeowners insurance crisis for Louisianans, and one politicians proposal to fix it. Marta Jewson reflects on covering school closures. The post Behind the Lens episode 250: ‘Insurance Crisis' appeared first on The Lens.

A conversation with independent scholar and writer Deborah G. Plant on her book Of Greed and Glory. The post Behind The Lens episode 249: ‘An America of enslavement' appeared first on The Lens.

Sara Sneath on the fossil fuel industry's relationship with Louisiana universities. Marta Jewson and Katy Reckdahl on Rooted School's guaranteed income study. The post Behind the Lens episode 248: ‘They've harmed our public health' appeared first on The Lens.

Delaney Dryfoos and Katy Reckdahl on Formosa's proposed plastic complex in St. James Parish. And Greenfield's retreat from its plans for an $800 million grain terminal. The post Behind the Lens episode 247: ‘Cumulative emissions' appeared first on The Lens.

Nick Chrastil and Katy Reckdahl on a court of appeals' ruling in favor of three young Black men stopped by security district officers. Marta Jewson on a new sunshine law. The post Behind the Lens episode 246: ‘unreasonable doubt' appeared first on The Lens.

Nick Chrastil on "extreme" conditions incarcerated people face at David Wade Correctional Center. Marta Jewson on a judge's order that will give Kennedy High School seniors who endured a graduation scandal their day in court. And Delaney Dryfoos on what a 'D' for New Orleans' water system means for residents. The post Behind The Lens episode 245: ‘Adults failed them' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 244: ‘More and more extremes' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 243: ‘The solar Motherhouse' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 242: ‘Extreme heat and dirty water' appeared first on The Lens.

Mizani Ball on the historical and ongoing struggle for civil rights in New Orleans and how its expressed through music in the city. Katy Reckdahl on a teacher accused of restraining a student been involved in a similar incident 8 years ago, raising concerns about background checks into school personnel. The post Behind The Lens episode 241: ‘Radical Black joy' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 240: ‘An enduring insult' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 239: ‘It's unconscionable' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 238: ‘Juvenile Jails' appeared first on The Lens.

Marta Jewson on Lycée Français charter school's teachers union victory. And Delaney Dryfoos on both industry and activists taking aim at the EPA. The post Behind The Lens episode 237: ‘A union victory' appeared first on The Lens.

Sara Sneath on LSU's unusual relationship with the oil and gas industry. Marta Jewson on Lycée Français charter school's union drive. The post Behind The Lens episode 236: ‘An energy company deciding subject matter' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind the Lens episode 235: ‘One step behind Exxon' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 234: ‘Rabble-rousing at the Big Green' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 233: ‘A Black hamlet' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens “Sunshine Week” episode 232: ‘It's so powerful to see' appeared first on The Lens.

Katy Reckdahl and La'Shance Perry on the loss of musician Kerry "Fatman" Hunter. Marta Jewson and Dr. Ashonta Wyatt on the district's decision to open a direct-run school at Lafayette. The post Behind The Lens episode 231: ‘We cannot allow it to fail' appeared first on The Lens.

La'Shance Perry on the Krewe of Choctaw's harmful portrayal of culture to those of Choctaw heritage. Delaney Dryfoos on stepped up Carnival recycling efforts this year. And Nick Chrastil on gun arrests during Mardi Gras and concerns about racial profiling. The post Behind The Lens episode 230: ‘It's easy to get lost in the fun of Mardi Gras' appeared first on The Lens.

Nick Chrastil on Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams's decision to work closely with newly elected Governor Jeff Landry's office, despite his progressive campaign promises. Aidan McCahill on New Orleans water bills, some of the highest in the nation, and seniors who are feeling the pinch. The post Behind The Lens episode 229: ‘Backtracking on promises' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 228: ‘The river knows what to do' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 227: ‘There's no real public oversight' appeared first on The Lens.

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. The post Behind The Lens episode 226: ‘The means to fight this' appeared first on The Lens.