This week on Behind the Lens, Southern University of New Orleans has rescinded scholarships for several of its students with no warning, leaving many families in the lurch. 

New Orleans is looking at a costly new law enforcement data system raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. And Jason Williams’ vacant seat on the New Orleans City Council is filled with a new appointee. 

A federal judge has ruled that the city must build the new jail facility known as Phase III, but it’s unclear whether the battle is over. And inmates over the age of 70 have begun to receive the vaccine for COVID 19.

New Orleans public schools will reopen for younger students next week while mobile testing at schools has ceased. 

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

Behind The Lens is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google 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.