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 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.