Behind The Lens episode 158: ‘Even though I’ve been released, I’m still not free’

Questions about school COVID data. Entergy's generous shareholder payments. And an interview with special guest Brandon Jackson, who was granted parole after 25 years in prison on a split-jury conviction.

On this week’s episode, reported COVID cases in New Orleans schools are again down, but there’s a caveat to the data. And enrollment at schools is down for the second year in a row.

Entergy’s shareholders have taken in $1.5 billion in dividends since the pandemic began, even as customer bills rise. 

And later, we speak with Brandon Jackson, who was granted parole last week after serving over 25 years on a split-jury conviction.

Featuring reporters Nick Chrastil, Marta Jewson and Michael Isaac Stein, editor Charles Maldonado and special guest Brandon Jackson.

Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.