Behind The Lens episode 112: Virtual standstill

A growing backlog in Criminal District Court. And a drop in public school attendance from before the pandemic.

This week on Behind the Lens, statewide pre-k through 12th grade enrollment has dropped 2.3 percent from last school year and in Orleans Parish enrollment has dropped 3.3 percent according to state data.

In Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, the pandemic has created a situation where juries can no longer be convened, many of the proceedings are taking place via Zoom, and many cases are stalled leading to a tremendous backlog in cases.

Our guests this week are education reporter Marta Jewson, criminal justice reporter Nick Chrastil 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 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.