Today on Louisiana Considered, Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas tells us about his approach to playing Atticus Finch as the touring production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” heads to the Saenger Theatre. And we learn why Louisiana leads the nation in rates of inmates serving time for crimes they committed as kids.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is coming to the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans from May 30 through June 2. Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work has received rave reviews since it debuted on Broadway in 2018. 

Starring as Atticus Finch is Richard Thomas, a longtime veteran of both the screen and the stage. Many remember Thomas for playing the role of Johnboy on the CBS Great Depression-era TV show, the Waltons. The Emmy Award-winning actor tells us more about taking on this iconic role and why he believes the story is increasingly important.

According to a new report published by the nonprofit Human Rights for Kids, the United States punishes adults for crimes they committed while they were kids much more often and more severely than other countries; and of all U.S. states, Louisiana does this most often.

Criminal justice reporter Nick Chrastil covered this report for The Lens. He spoke with WRKF’s Karen Henderson about the findings.

Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our digital editor is Katelyn Umholtz and our engineers are Garrett Pittman and Aubry Procell.

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