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.

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.

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.