Behind The Lens episode 36: ‘No, I don’t have my diploma yet’
We hear from a Kennedy High School senior who still doesn't know if she graduated. Plus, a plan for ending cash bail. And a new budget crisis for public defenders in New Orleans.
Legal agreement in federal bail suit will require New Orleans judge to consider alternatives to detention, whether defendants can pay
The agreement comes after a two-year civil rights lawsuit against Magistrate Judge Harry Cantrell over how he was setting bail.
Judge says City Council’s votes on Entergy plant violated state law
The plaintiffs said the use of paid actors in meetings aggravated the violations. Judge Piper Griffin ruled for the city in a second, related lawsuit.
Orleans schools drop plans to install antimicrobial filters, focusing on lead
After nearly a year of delays due to low water pressure issues, the district is giving up on microbe-removing filters and focusing on lead removal.
It’s time to abolish money bail and conviction fees in New Orleans courts
How New Orleans' system of financing courts feeds on the poor.
Vera Institute of Justice proposes plan for ending cash bail, conviction fees in New Orleans
Only highest-risk defendants would be jailed under the plan. Judges would impose $1 bail for crimes that require cash bail under state law. The group says the proposal would save the city millions in funding for the jail.
Records show longer emergency call-answering times, more abandoned calls since 311, 911 merger
The agency is still meeting national standards and will soon add more staff, director says.
Orleans schools superintendent considering revocation for Kennedy High School’s charter after grade changes
The charter group recently confirmed diplomas for 67 seniors and is reviewing the status of about 80 more.
New Beginnings board unable to give Kennedy High School parents update on graduation review
As students prepare for college, the class of 2019 remains in limbo. Board president can’t commit to a timeline for completion, but he says parents should know more soon.
Week in Review: Emails show Kennedy HS administrators scrambled to confirm graduates’ eligibility
Plus progress, but little information, on a city program to ID 'high-risk' residents. 911, 311 merger 'improper,' state AG says. And a new episode of Behind The Lens.
