Behind The Lens episode 167: ‘Two jurors did not believe the State met its burden of proof’

Government watchdog agencies looking into city roadwork program. COVID is up in local schools. And the state Supreme Court hears a case that could affect hundreds of people imprisoned on split-jury convictions.

On this week’s episode, the city of New Orleans has a little more than a year remaining to spend over $1 billion in Katrina relief funds on infrastructure or it risks losing that money. Meanwhile, government watchdog offices are looking into how the city is managing the program.

The Louisiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments on an old split-jury case that could impact hundreds of inmates currently serving time in state prisons.

And the final NOLA Public Schools COVID report for the school year shows a rise in cases, again.

Our guests this week are reporters Nick Chrastil, Marta Jewson, Michael Isaac Stein and editor Charles Maldonado.

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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.