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Behind The Lens episode 134: ‘A strike for better wages and working conditions’

The Orleans school district moves to close Singleton Charter School. City Councilmembers vow not to take Entergy campaign donations and city employees ask for $15/hour. And Medicaid recipients should watch for renewal information as eligibility will begin again when the federal COVID-19 'public health emergency' ends.
by Carolyne Heldman

This week on Behind the Lens, NOLA Public Schools takes steps to revoke the charter of the troubled James M. Singleton Charter School. 

A group of New Orleans Department of Public Works employees initiated a strike decrying working conditions and pay. And the New Orleans City Council passed a non-binding resolution pledging that they will not accept campaign contributions from Entergy and the council’s utility consultants.

Finally, many Louisiana residents may face the loss of Medicaid benefits as COVID-19 emergency winds down.

Our guests this week are education reporter Marta Jewson, government and cultural economy reporter Michael Isaac Stein, and health reporter Philip Kiefer.

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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.

View all posts by Carolyne Heldman