Behind The Lens episode 106: No Thanks

NOPD using facial recognition software. Religious schools facing additional legal scrutiny after taking PPP loans. And non-unanimous jury verdicts — we haven't quite gotten past them.

This week on Behind the Lens, after years of denying it, NOPD admits they are using facial recognition software. It’s just not their facial recognition software.

Two private schools in New Orleans — which would typically be immune from many discrimination suits under federal exemptions granted to religious organizations — are being sued because they took PPP money and are no longer exempt, according to the attorney who brought the actions. 

A civil rights group released a report this week on non-unanimous jury verdict cases in the state. It found that 80 percent of prisoners still inside on non-unanimous verdicts are Black.

Our guests this week are government and cultural economy reporter Michael Isaac Stein, education reporter Marta Jewson, criminal justice reporter Nick Chrastil, and The Lens editor, Charles Maldonado.

Behind The Lens is available on Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle Play and Stitcher. And we broadcast the show on community radio stations 102.3 FM WHIV LP in Mid-City and 90.3 FM WAMF-LP in the Marigny.

Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman has been in media for 35 years, most recently as Executive Director at an NPR member station in Colorado where she was responsible for new multi-platform content initiatives, strategic planning, research, branding, and non-traditional revenue generation. During her tenure she also created and launched four weekly news, public affairs and cultural affairs programs and monthly live Town Hall broadcasts. Heldman moved to New Orleans last summer with her husband and canine companion and they live happily in The Marigny.