This week on Behind the Lens, three ballot proposals in the upcoming election would result in a 40 percent cut to the New Orleans public library’s budget, and city officials are promising no changes to the service or experience. The library director, however, admitted this week that there is no plan for how they will accomplish that pledge. 

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week on non-unanimous jury verdicts in the state. But two candidates facing off for District Attorney both pledge to review all those cases regardless of how the high court rules. 

There are still five open seats on the Orleans Parish School Board that will be filled after this weekend’s election. And COVID numbers are on the rise in New Orleans schools.

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