One of the three inmates who escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail is dead. 26-year-old Joseph Harrington shot himself to death during a standoff with Port Barre Police. The other two inmates – 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph – are still on the run. Mark LeBlanc with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says they chiseled through degrading concrete, got onto the roof and used construction equipment to make their escape.

Cut 10 (12) “…the building completely.”

Meanwhile in Vermilion Parish, 23-year-old Gavin Garnica, who’s facing drug and firearm charges, escaped that parish’s jail by scaling the jail’s fence. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says if you see him, do not approach him under any circumstances.

Cut 11 (10) “…drugs and weapons.”

CDC advisors open a two-day meeting, during which they could make changes to recommended childhood vaccinations, and Senator Bill Cassidy has something to say about that. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lane Kiffin may not get to coach Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff, but he will be appearing at the SEC Championship Game. The new LSU coach will be a guest on ESPN’s College Gameday as it broadcasts from Atlanta, the site of the SEC title game between Georgia and Alabama.

Four-star wide receiver Brayden Allen out of Lafayette signed with LSU yesterday on day one of the early signing period. Allen was committed to Oklahoma going into last weekend, but he decommitted the night Lane Kiffin was hired. Allen says there’s a lot to like about Kiffin’s offensive system.

Cut 18 (12)  “…really great feeling.”

Allen will join the Tigers in the summer as a late enrollee.

One of LSU’s top-rated commitments and the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country, Richard Anderson, out of Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, is set to formally sign with the Tigers on Thursday after a clerical hold up kept him from signing on Wednesday. Anderson’s revised documents will be sent to LSU on Thursday.

The No. 5 LSU women’s basketball team looks to stay undefeated on the season as the Tigers travel to Durham, North Carolina to face the Duke Blue Devils tonight at 8 p.m.

Tomorrow night is the semifinals of the high school football playoffs. In Division Two non-select, Plaquemine is in the semifinals for a second straight season, but LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the Green Devils have a touch matchup against top-seeded North DeSoto.

Cut 15 (10) “…ready to go.”

Louisiana Tech junior defensive back has been named Conference USA Co-Defensive Player of the Year after intercepting three passes, breaking up five passes and recording a team-high 92 tackles. Fields will not play his senior season for the Bulldogs as he entered the transfer portal on Wednesday.

The LSU men’s basketball team defeated Boston College in overtime last night by a score of 78-69 to remain undefeated on the season. Junior guard DJ Thomas led the Tigers in scoring with 23 points while also dishing out seven assists.

South Louisiana saw jail breaks in two parishes yesterday. In St. Landry Parish, Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped through one of the cells in an upper corner of the building.

Cut 9 (10)  “…of a hole.”

At that point, they were able to get outside and onto the roof.

In Vermilion Parish, a 23-year-old facing drug and firearm charges escaped that parish’s jail late last night. Deputies believed they saw Gavin Garnica sleeping covered by a blanket in his bunk, but they later discovered video showing him scaling the jail’s fence. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says Garnica is known to be violent, but the big question is how Garnica was able to escape the jail in the first place.

Cut 12 (07) “…have been violated.”

A tip and a traffic stop led to a major meth bust in Calcasieu Parish. State Police Trooper Roy Jones says when 48-year-old Brent Touchet of Lake Charles stopped, investigators found. Around 85 pounds of methamphetamine the vehicle, along with a weapon and other contraband. Touchet was arrested, along with the two people who were with him – 45-year-old Jessica Robinson of Lake Charles and 41-year-old Josh Reeves of Sulphur.

Cut 15 (10) “…a stolen vehicle.”

Some Louisiana royals will be aboard Louisiana’s float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Joining Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will be the Oyster Queen, and the Jambalaya Queen and they will be doing more than simply smiling and waving to the crowd.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the state.”

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices opened its two-day meeting today to discuss possible changes to its recommended childhood vaccination schedule. The long-standing recommendation for the Hepatitis B is in question after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked it to autism. Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, says it has never been proven that vaccines cause autism, and any changes to the Hepatitis B vaccine recommendation would be very dangerous.

Cut 5 (06) “…of scientific fact.”

He says the vaccine is safe and effective.

Some notable people will be aboard Louisiana’s float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the people onboard are as diverse as the state itself.

Cut 6 (06) “…Commissioner Mike Strain.”

Nungesser says they will also help decorate the float and promote Louisiana through interviews.

Not one, but TWO jail breaks in South Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A major meth bust in Calcasieu Parish leads to the arrest of three people. State Police Trooper Roy Jones says investigators stopped 48-year-old Brent Touchet of Lake Charles and found narcotics and contraband in the vehicle.

Cut 14 (10) “…more drug paraphernalia.”

Two people who with Touchet were also arrested – 45-year-old Jessica Robinson and 41-year-old Josh Reeves.

CDC advisors open a two-day meeting, during which they could make changes to recommended childhood vaccinations, and Senator Bill Cassidy has something to say about that. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

___________________________________________________

Not one, but TWO jail breaks in South Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________________________

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices opened its two-day meeting today to discuss possible changes to its recommended childhood vaccination schedule. The most consequential of potential changes involves the Hepatitis B vaccine, which has been universally recommended since 1991. Senator Bill Cassidy says since then, the virus has nearly been eradicated.

Cut 3 (11) “…shortly after birth.”

The vaccine’s long-standing recommendation is in question after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked the vaccination to autism. Senator Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says the numbers don’t lie – the Hepatitis B vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective.

Cut 4 (11) “…time of birth.”

Cassidy says it has never been proven that vaccines cause autism, and any changes to the Hepatitis B vaccine recommendation would be very dangerous.

Cut 5 (06) “…of scientific fact.”

During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy assured Cassidy that he would not peddle any conspiracy theories about vaccines causing autism. Last month, Kennedy went back on his word, posting on the CDC website that the notion that vaccines do not cause autism is not based on scientific fact.

___________________________________________________

Some notable people will be aboard Louisiana’s float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the people onboard are as diverse as the state itself.

Cut 6 (06) “…Commissioner Mike Strain.”

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says those three and all the other riders are sponsored by tourism organizations and convention and visitors bureaus throughout the state, with the notable exception of New Orleans.

Cut 7 (10) “…partnered with us.”

Nungesser says those who are riding on the float will be doing a lot more than just simply putting on a smile and waving for the crowd and the TV cameras.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the state.”

The previously-announced musical guest aboard the float, named “Gulf to Gumbo,” is Louisiana’s own “American Idol” runner up John Foster.

___________________________________________________

Not one, but two jail breaks in South Louisiana yesterday. In St. Landry Parish Jail, three inmates escaped from the jail there. Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped through one of the cells in an upper corner of the building.

Cut 9 (10)  “…of a hole.”

At that point, they were able to get outside and onto the roof. LeBlanc says due to construction that was happening, they were able to use certain equipment to make their escape.

Cut 10 (12) “…the building completely.”

And in Vermilion Parish, a 23-year-old facing drug and firearm charges escaped that parish’s jail late last night. Deputies believed they saw Gavin Garnica sleeping covered in his bunk, but they later discovered video showing him scaling the jail’s fence. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says Garnica is known to be violent, so anyone who sees him should not approach him under any circumstances.

Cut 11 (10) “…drugs and weapons.”

Adams says one big question is how Garnica was able to escape the jail in the first place.

Cut 12 (07) “…have been violated.”

___________________________________________________

An investigation leads to a major meth bust in Calcasieu Parish. State Police Trooper Roy Jones says detectives received a tip about narcotics trafficking in the area. So they set up surveillance in the area and developed probable cause to stop 48-year-old Brent Touchet of Lake Charles.

Cut 13 (11)  “…they located narcotics”

Jones says the investigators found a slew of narcotics in the vehicle, along with other contraband.

Cut 14 (10) “…more drug paraphernalia.”

Jones says Touchet was arrested, along with the two people who were with him – 45-year-old Jessica Robinson of Lake Charles and 41-year-old Josh Reeves of Sulphur.

Cut 15 (10) “…a stolen vehicle.”

An investigation leads to a major meth bust in Calcasieu Parish. State Police Trooper Roy Jones says detectives received a tip about narcotics trafficking in the area. So, they set up surveillance in the area and developed probable cause to stop 48-year-old Brent Touchet of Lake Charles.

Cut 13 (11)  “…they located narcotics”

Around 85 pounds of meth was found in the vehicle.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is looking at their childhood vaccination schedule including the long-standing recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine. This after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked the vaccination to autism. Senator Cassidy, who is a physician, says the B vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective.

Cut 4 (11) “…time of birth.”

The Hepatitis B vaccine has been universally recommended since 1991

Not one, but two jail breaks in South Louisiana yesterday. In St. Landry Parish, three inmates escaped from the jail there. Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped by removing mortar from an aging part of the building and get onto the roof where they found construction materials…

Cut 10 (12) “…the building completely.”

And in Vermilion Parish, a 23-year-old Gavin Garnica escaped that parish jail there. video showed him scaling the jail’s fence after he was believed to have been sleeping in his bunk. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says Garnica is known to be violent, so anyone who sees him should not approach him under any circumstances.

Cut 11 (10) “…drugs and weapons.”

The search continues for three inmates who escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail. Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Jonathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped through one of the cells in an upper corner of the building.

Cut 9 (10)  “…of a hole.”

At that point, they were able to get outside and onto the roof. LeBlanc says due to construction that was happening, they were able to use certain equipment to make their escape.

And in Vermillion Parish a 23-year-old facing drug and firearm charges escaped the parish jail there. The Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies believed they saw Gavin Garnica sleeping covered in his bunk but later discovered video showing Garnica scaling the jail’s fence just after 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night. Authorities say Garnica has a well-documented criminal history and is known to be violent.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices opened its two-day meeting today to discuss possible changes to its recommended childhood vaccination schedule. The most consequential of potential changes involves the Hepatitis B vaccine, which has been universally recommended since 1991. Senator Bill Cassidy says since then, the virus has nearly been eradicated.

Cut 3 (11) “…shortly after birth.”

Cassidy, a physician, says the vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective.

The State of Louisiana will again have a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the riders including the Oyster and Jambalaya Queens are sponsored by many of the tourism organizations and convention and visitors’ bureaus throughout the state…

Cut 7 (10) “…partnered with us.”

CDC advisors open a two-day meeting, during which they could make changes to recommended childhood vaccinations, and Senator Bill Cassidy has something to say about that. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The search is ongoing for three inmates who escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail. One is facing murder charges and Two are convicted felons. Authorities say 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Jonathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped by removing a section of decaying concrete blocks.

Some Louisiana royals will be aboard Louisiana’s float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Joining Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will be the Oyster Queen, and the Jambalaya Queen and they will be doing more than simply smiling and waving to the crowd.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the state.”

The previously announced musical guest aboard the float, named “Gulf to Gumbo,” is Louisiana’s own “American Idol” runner up John Foster.

The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the state over its law making it a state crime to interfere with immigration enforcement operations. Legal Director Nora Ahmed says the ACLU filed the suit on behalf of Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy, which has been providing outreach to let people know of their rights with Border Patrol agents potentially arriving in their neighborhoods.

Cut 7 (12) “…Security is undertaking.”

An estimated 32-hundred jobs are coming to Louisiana’s Bayou Region as Saronic Technologies announces it’s investing 300-million dollars to expand the Franklin Shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this major investment will result in Saronic building more autonomous boats.

Cut 4 (09) “…purposes as well.”

The CDC says Louisiana has the highest rate of flu or flu-like illness in the country as flu season gets underway in earnest. Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) says if you start experiencing symptoms, take extra precautions.

Cut 12 (12) “…start getting worse.”

Tomorrow night is state semifinal night in high school football, as we will find out who goes to the Superdome for the Prep Classic. In Division Two non-select, Plaquemine is in the semifinals for a second straight season, but the LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the Green Devils have a tough matchup against top-seeded North DeSoto.

Cut 15 (10) “…ready to go.”

Four defending champions are still in the running for repeat titles.

The ACLU is suing Louisiana over its law making it a state crime to interfere with immigration enforcement. Legal Director Nora Ahmed says the law is essentially silencing Immigration Services and Legal Advocacy in violation of its First Amendment rights.

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they can.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says she looks forward to defending the law in court.

Saronic Technologies announces it’s investing 300-million dollars to expand the Franklin Shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this project builds on Louisiana’s proud shipbuilding legacy by integrating innovative technology to ensure the state continues to be at the forefront of America’s defense economy.

Cut 6 (09) “…advantage of that.”

Flu season arrives in Louisiana with a vengeance. According to the CDC, Louisiana has the highest rate of flu or flu-like illness in the country. Ochsner Health family medicine physician Dr. Madeleine Dehner (DAY-ner) says take extra precautions if you’re near anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

Cut 11 (09) “…much as possible.”

The state semifinals of the high school football playoffs are tomorrow night. In Division Three non-select, St. James versus Sterlington in a rematch of last year’s state championship, with Sterlington winning by a touchdown. The LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett expects another close game.

Cut 14 (09) “…a crazy matchup.”

South Plaquemines, Edna Karr and Archbishop Shaw are the other defending champions playing tomorrow night.