The House has advanced a bill that would prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state offices and public colleges. The vote was 57-to-32, with three Republicans joining Democrats in voting no. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The House Transportation Committee approves a Senate bill that is attempting to prevent speed cameras from operating outside of school zones. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey says these cameras are unconstitutional and the citizens of Louisiana agree….

Cut 10 (10) “…go away”

Shreveport’s Chief Administrative Officer Tom Dark testified against it, saying the city does not have the physical ability to send officers to run radar. He says speed cameras are an effective tool to get drivers to slow down.

Cut 13 (10)  “…paying attention.”

The House Appropriations Committee advanced Republican Brian Glorioso’s bill that bars those who plead guilty from claiming innocence. Attorney General Liz Murrill says this will accelerate death-row case deadlines.

Cut 23 (12) “…in this system (2x).”

Opponents warn that it strains public defenders and risks errors, given the state’s high death row reversal rate.

One Senate bill that was not voted on was one that would make insurance commissioner an appointed position instead of an elected position. Author Royce Duplessis, a Democrat from New Orleans, returned it to the calendar, but not before being confronted about it by Bossier City Republican Adam Bass.

Cut 24 (15) “…finding another solution.”

The House has advanced a bill, nearly along party lines, that would prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state offices and public colleges. Three Republicans joining Democrats in voting no. The vote came after two hours of impassioned debate. More than a dozen Black Democrats took to the house floor to denounce Baton Rouge Republican Emily Chenevert’s bill. Edmond Jordan called Chenevert’s bill an anti-Black bill.

Cut 7 (13) “…the Japanese internment?”

A pair of Republicans offered a rebuttal to the Black Democrats’ arguments. Gray Republican Beryl Amedee took exception with the concept of equity.

Cut 8 (09) “…for is equality.”

The bill now moves to the Senate.

The manhunt continues for six of the ten inmates who escaped the Orleans Parish Jail last Friday – and now we’re getting word that a maintenance worker has been arrested for allegedly aiding in the escape. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Tragedy in Sabine Parish as a six-year-old special needs girl drowns in Toledo Bend Lake. The sheriff’s office says the girl was left unattended inside her house and walked a very short distance to the lake. The girl’s mother, 27-year-old Bethany Stocking, is charged with felony cruelty to juveniles for allegedly leaving her daughter unattended.

Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Sean Richardson spoke with a local expert on the disease.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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ULM has its new president. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Saints are not looking to bring in a veteran quarterback as the team begins organized team activities today. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Urology Dr. Kevin Hebert says the cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9, has metastasized to his bones, indicating a high-risk, advanced stage.

Cut 4 (09) “…see and treat.”

The diagnosis followed increasing urinary symptoms and the discovery of a prostate nodule last week. While the cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management, Hebert notes it is not curable once spread to the bones.

Cut 5 (11) “…is life significantly.”

The 82-year-old Biden is reviewing treatment options, which may include hormone therapy or radiation.  Hebert says its possible that Biden won’t die from prostate cancer despite it being a metastatic disease at this point.

Cut 6 (07) “…from prostrate cancer.”

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Nearly everyone in Louisiana agrees on the notion that income taxes and sales taxes in the state are too high. Dr. Michael Henderson, the survey director of LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey, says the percentage of residents who feel that way is going up.

Cut 7 (12) “…the sales tax.”

Dr. Henderson says what’s interesting in this finding is the fact that even though sales taxes ticked up at the outset of this year, state income taxes actually fell for all Louisianans, thanks to the tax reform package that the legislature passed in the special session last fall.

Cut 8 (09) “…much about it.”

But what about the essential services that those tax dollars fund? Dr. Henderson says there are certain things that people would be willing to pay higher taxes for.

Cut 9 (10)  “…teacher pay raises.”

More than one-thousand Louisiana residents were surveyed for this study.

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Four days after a mass jailbreak from Orleans Parish Jail, multiple escaped inmates remain at large, prompting a widespread manhunt involving the FBI, Louisiana State Police, and U.S. Marshals. The escape occurred early Friday when inmates exploited defective cell locks and a breached wall, exiting via a supply dock and scaling a perimeter wall. Orleans Parish DA Jason Williams condemned the jail’s conditions.

Cut 10 (12) “…on higher floors.”

Governor Jeff Landry criticized the DA’s office, questioning why additional charges have yet to be filed.  Williams says its simply because the sheriff’s office never submitted evidence.

Cut 11 (12) “…can’t go forward.”

Williams says taking politics out of the equation, there are multiple failures that need to be addresses from the lapse in monitoring during a lunch break to not alerting victims and witnesses of the escape. Williams says it’s a miracle no one’s hurt by these inmates.

Cut 12 (11) “…grace of God.”

The FBI is offering a reward of ten-thousand dollars per fugitive, with additional rewards from ATF and Crime Stoppers.

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ULM has its new president. The school has hired Dr. Carrie Castille as its 10th president in school history. Dr. Castille begins her new role on July 1st, taking over for interim president Dr. Nick Bruno, the retired president who’s serving in an interim role following the resignation of Ron Berry, who went back to teaching. Castille is excited for the opportunity.

Cut 13 (09)  “…for the university.”

Castille is an agriculture and natural resources consultant, most recently supporting the USDA during the presidential transition. She also has ten years experience in higher education, most recently as senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Castille says one of the first things she will do once she takes over as university president is to go on a listening tour.

Cut 14 (12) “…those opportunities are.”

Castille says her number-one priority is the students.

Cut 15 (14) “…and it’s paramount.”

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The battle to be the Saints starting quarterback in 2025 begins today as the Black and Gold will be on the practice field for OTAs. New Orleans will try to win with a young quarterback as Jake Haener is the only Q-B on the roster that has been in the NFL for two years. First year Saints head coach Kellen Moore says he was in Dallas when Dak Prescott led the Cowboys to 13 wins and an NFC East title.

Cut 16 (16) “…ready to roll.”

Haener is entering his third season, Spencer Ratter his second and Tyler Shough and Hunter Dekkers are both rookies. Moore is eager to see these guys perform during OTAS, even if it’s just seven on seven practice sessions.

Cut 17 (09)  “…about.”

Since Shough was drafted by this coaching staff, he’s considered the front-runner to win the starting job. Rattler says he will not put too much pressure on himself to win the job and is looking forward to operating in Moore’s offense.

Cut 18 (12)  “…in it now.”

The Saints unsettled quarterback position is one of the reasons why New Orleans will not have any of its games during primetime. General Manager Mickey Loomis thought they would get at least one game in primetime, but he understands why all of their games will be on Sunday afternoon.

Cut 19 (12) “…those opportunities.”

This is the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report for Tuesday, May 20th. I’m Andrew Greenstein.

Whether you’re an elected official or a private citizen; a Republican or a Democrat; or an adult or a child – nearly everyone will tell you that taxes in Louisiana are too high. In fact, according to LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey, the percentage of residents who feel that way is going up.

Cut 7 (12) “…the sales tax.”

Survey Director Dr. Michael Henderson says what’s interesting in this finding is the fact that even though sales taxes ticked up at the outset of this year, state income taxes actually fell for all Louisianans, thanks to the tax reform package that the legislature passed in the special session last fall.

Cut 8 (09) “…much about it.”

But what about the essential services that those tax dollars fund? Dr. Henderson says there are certain things that people would be willing to pay higher taxes for.

Cut 9 (10)  “…teacher pay raises.”

The number-one issue that people in Louisiana are concerned about – the economy. More than one-thousand people were surveyed both over the phone and online.

Much of the chatter at the Capitol lately has been about the 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail late last week. And the fingerpointing is underway. Governor Landry is slamming the criminal justice system in New Orleans for acting slowly on the inmates’ cases, and State Representative Aimee Adatto Freeman, a Democrat who represents New Orleans, is calling on Sheriff Susan Hutson to resign, saying she has failed in her most fundamental responsibility in keeping inmates in custody.

As of late this afternoon, seven of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail are still on the loose. Governor Landry has ordered an audit of the jail facility. During a press conference, he blamed prosecutors and judges for not moving fast enough in prosecuting the cases of accused violent criminals.

Cut 14 (15) “…dangerous criminals.”

The number of people who say Louisiana is heading in the right direction is on the rise – it’s now up to 50-percent. Dr. Michael Henderson, the survey director of LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey, says while that’s the break-even point, it’s a huge step up from not too long ago.

Cut 3 (10) “…a record high.” 

LSU President William Tate has announced that he is leaving his post to take an identical role at Rutgers University. Tate has been president of the LSU system and the head of the flagship Baton Rouge campus since July 1st, 2021. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says Tate’s relationship with state government took a turn for the worse with the change in gubernatorial administrations.

Cut 9 (16)  “…a specific way.”

Louisiana ranks 11th in the country for lightning deaths. That’s according to a new study from the CDC which looked at data from 2006 through 2021. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says males are four times more likely to be struck than females.

Cut 7 (12) “…than females are.”

Seven of the Orleans Parish jail escapees remain on the run. They busted out of the jail during the middle of the night early Friday morning. Superintendent of State Police, Colonel Robert Hodges, believes it’s only a matter of time before these fugitives are back in custody…

Cut 12 (11) “…public’s help.”

Louisiana ranks in the upper quarter in the U.S. in lightning deaths. A new study from the CDC says Louisiana is 11th in the country for lightning deaths with 12 deaths from 2006 to 2021. Florida is first with 79 in that time frame, followed by Texas with 36. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says those two states have a lot more golf courses than Louisiana.

Cut 8 (12) “…hard to believe.”

LSU’s president is stepping down at the end of next month. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSU won’t be the only school welcoming a new president. ULM has hired a new president – Carrie Castille. She’s an agriculture and natural resources consultant, most recently supporting the USDA during the presidential transition. Dr. Castille takes over the full-time role from Ron Berry, who stepped down in January to return to teaching.

Seven inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail early Friday morning remain on the loose. The reward for information leading to the capture of any one of the seven is now up to 20-thousand dollars – ten-thousand from the FBI and five-thousand each from ATF and CrimeStoppers. State Police Colonel Robert Hodges says they have intelligence on the seven escapees, but they are elusive.

Cut 4 (07) “…more challenging.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill is appealing a ruling that effectively throws her off the Antoinette Frank case. Frank is the former New Orleans police officer sentenced to death for killing her partner and two restaurant owners in a robbery in 1995. Murrill disagrees with Judge Kimya Holmes’ ruling that says her office cannot assist the D-A’s office in this case.

Cut 13 (12)  “…think is wrong.”

John Foster played his first gig last October; and in just seven short months, the 18-year-old Addis native won the hearts of everyone in Louisiana and all across the country. Foster made it all the way to the final two of American Idol, before finishing second behind Jamal Roberts. There was a watch party at the Walk-On’s in Brusly, and people there said no matter the final outcome, Foster is a winner in their books.

Cut 11 (11) “…really good also.”

It’s National Safe Boating Week. Lieutenant Garrett Kimble, the boating education coordinator with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says between 2020 and 2024, there were 96 boating fatalities – 78 of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Cut 7 (06) “…wear it.”

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office says several factors led to Friday’s jailbreak in which ten inmates escaped. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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It’s National Safe Boating Week as Louisiana’s boating season ramps up ahead of the Memorial Day weekend. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The search continues for the seven inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish jail on Friday. State Police Colonel Robert Hodges says multiple agencies are involved in the manhunt.

Cut 3 (10) “…bring them to justice.”

Hodges says they are urging the public to provide tips in helping them locate the escaped inmates. The FBI has increased its reward from five thousand dollars to ten thousand dollars for information leading to the capture of these fugitives. Hodges says they have intelligence on the seven escapees, but they are elusive.

Cut 4 (07) “…more challenging.”

Hodges says anyone caught helping these fugitives stay on the run will be charged criminally.

Governor Jeff Landry says there is no excuse for what happened. He wants to know why the escape happened.

Cut 5 (09) “…Attorney General.”

Landry is also calling for an audit of the Orleans Parish Jail, which the Louisiana Department of Corrections will conduct. The governor says the audit should be completed by the end of the week. Landry also wants the state’s Inspector General to get an inventory of the inmates in the Orleans Parish jail who have been convicted of crimes, but are still awaiting sentencing. He says one of the escapees has been awaiting sentencing for eight months.

Cut 6 (14) “…to escape.”

Orleans Sheriff Susan Hutson says defective locks, a breached wall, and possible assistance from the inside led to what is believed to be the largest jail break in the state’s history.

The inmates escaped at about one Friday morning, and jail staff didn’t notice that they were gone until 8:30 that morning when they were unaccounted for during a routine check. At least 90 minutes later, the public and the media were notified.

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It’s National Safe Boating Week, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division is using this time to remind all boaters about the importance of being safe, responsible, and knowledgeable while on the water. LDWF’s Boating Education Coordinator Lieutenant Garrett Kimble says between 2020 and 2024 there were 96 boating fatalities and 78 of the victims were not wearing a life jacket…

Cut 7 (06) “…wear it.”

Each vessel should have enough PFDs on board for all occupants. LDWF regulations also state that anyone 16 years of age and younger must wear a PFD while underway in vessels less than 26-foot long

LDWF also wants to remind anybody born after Jan. 1, 1984 that they are required to complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) boating education course to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower. Kimble says boating classes are free of charge statewide…

Cut 8 (13) “…navigation rules.”

Kimble says Boating Safety Week serves as a time to emphasize safe boating practices in the lead up to Louisiana’s busy boating season…

Cut 9 (11)  “…wear your lifejackets.

Alcohol use is one of the leading causes of boating crash incidents and fatalities on the water.

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He may have come up just short in his quest to be the next American Idol, but people in his hometown are still proud of their local hero. Andrew Greenstein is in Brusly, where there was an American Idol watch party last night.

Cut 10 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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John Foster played his first gig last October; and in just seven short months, the 18-year-old Addis native won the hearts of everyone in Louisiana and all across the country. Foster made it all the way to the final two of American Idol, before finishing second behind Jamal Roberts. There was a watch party at the Walk-On’s in Brusly, and people there said no matter the final outcome, Foster is a winner in their books.

Cut 11 (11) “…really good also.”

Foster performed “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and his original “Tell That Angel That I Love Her,” in memory of his friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who were killed in a crash New Year’s Eve 2022. Foster could not get through when performing it during his visit to his hometown last week, as he was too overcome with emotion. People at the watch party say Foster hit it out of the park.

Cut 12 (07) “…to win it.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is planning to appeal a decision by a New Orleans judge that effectively throws her off the Antoinette Frank case. She’s the former New Orleans police officer who was sentenced to death for killing her partner and two restaurant owners in a robbery in 1995. Frank is seeking post-conviction relief as she fights her death sentence. Murrill disagrees with Judge Kimya Holmes’ ruling that says her office cannot assist the district attorney’s office in this case.

Cut 13 (12)  “…think is wrong.”

Murrill says she especially disagrees with Holmes’ judgment that this is neither a criminal nor a civil proceeding.

Cut 14 (11) “…a civil proceeding.”

Murrill says whether the post-conviction proceedings are criminal or civil matters is irrelevant.

Cut 15 (09) “…in and assist.”

Judge Holmes also set future dates in the case, and Murrill is appealing that decision as well.

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They are celebrating in Stonewall as North DeSoto won its second state championship in baseball on Saturday with a seven to four win over top-seeded Brusly. Sophomore Preston Eaves got the win on the mound as he threw four innings and survived a late rally by the Panthers in the seventh inning…

Cut 16 (16) “…got it done.”  (Sound courtesy of the LHSAA Network)

Catholic High and Teurlings Catholic won back-to-back titles. The Bears swept Brother Martin in their best of three series and the Rabels beat E-D White 14-3 on Saturday to win their 10th state championship. Head coach Brooks Badeaux…

Cut 17 (17)  “…a credit to these guys”

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The LSU baseball team is the number three seed in the SEC Tournament after taking two of three from South Carolina. Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson were the winning pitchers in the series for the Tigers. Jacob Rudner covers college baseball for Baseball America and Rudner says Anderson and Eyanson are a big reason why LSU is a contender to win it all…

Cut 18 (23)  “…that’s rare.”

In LSU’s seven to three win on Saturday, Derek Curiel had three hits and drove in a run. Rudner says Curiel is living up to the hype as one of the top freshmen in the country…

Cut 19 (20) “…for LSU”

LSU’s next game is Friday night in the SEC Tournament. The Tigers will play either Texas A&M, Mississippi State, or Auburn. Rudner says because this year’s tournament is single elimination, it’s hard to pick a winner…

Cut 20 (20) “…some intrigue.”

We’re learning new information on how ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson says the inmates started yanking on a cell door to pull it off its track shortly before 12:30 Friday morning.

Cut 12 (07) “…in the jail.”

The sheriff’s office released a photo of the cell, with the toilet pulled from its bolts, a hole cut into the wall where the toilet had been and graffiti taunting jail staff written above. They exited a door at the loading docks, scaled a wall and ran across I-10 to escape. Deputy Chief of Corrections Jay Mallett says based on the design of the toilets, the inmates had to have had accomplices from outside the jail facility.

Cut 14 (09) “…from the inside.”

Furthermore, Sheriff Hutson says this was likely an inside job, with the inmates getting help from people from within the department.

There’s a small handful of bills in the legislature that would effectively raise the cost of healthcare, including imposing a dispensing fee to support local pharmacies. A new poll shows that voters are not too keen on the idea. The poll was conducted by JMC Analytics and was commissioned by the group Save Our Benefits. JMC founder John Couvillon says the vast majority says the price of healthcare is already too high.

Cut 6 (14) “…over additional options.”

Construction of North Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s is progressing, with the 74-thousand-square-foot travel center set to feature 120 gas pumps.  Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says it also involves eight-million dollars in infrastructure improvements.

Cut 3 (08) “…finished with that.”

Construction of north Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s in Ruston is progressing daily with the gas mecca set to be completed by late 2026. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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As lawmakers consider a small handful of bills that would in effect increase the cost of healthcare, a new poll indicates that people believe the cost is already too high. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Construction of north Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s is progressing, with the 74-thousand-square-foot travel center set to feature 120 gas pumps. Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker says it involves eight-million dollars in infrastructure improvements.

Cut 3 (08) “…finished with that.”

Walker estimates completion by late 2026, delayed by roadwork expanding bridges to five lanes to handle 15-thousand daily vehicles.

Cut 4 (09) “…26 being open.”

Walker says the 60-million-dollar project will create over 250 full-time jobs, with starting pay at up to 20 dollars per hour, plus benefits like health insurance and 401k matching.

Cut 5 (07) “…that’s really big.”

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There’s a small handful of bills in the legislature that would effectively raise the cost of healthcare, including imposing a dispensing fee to support local pharmacies. A new poll shows that voters are not too keen on the idea. The poll was conducted by JMC Analytics and commissioned by the group Save Our Benefits. JMC founder John Couvillon says the vast majority says the price of healthcare is already too high.

Cut 6 (14) “…over additional options.”

Couvillon says two-thirds of people polled would not pay more for prescription drugs, even if it would support local pharmacies.

Cut 7 (10) “…over everything else.”

Couvillon says besides sending a clear message to lawmakers about the possibility of making healthcare more expensive, the poll does not bode well for local independent pharmacies, especially in smaller communities.

Cut 8 (13) “…was somewhat stronger.”

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“The Gardener of Alcatraz” and “Camp Scare” are among the books chosen for the Louisiana Readers’ Choice Awards for the 2024-25 school year. State Librarian Meg Placke (“plack-ee”) says more than 24-thousand K-through-12 students read more than 82-thousand books. That marked a surge in participation, especially among 6th through 8th graders, with an 88-percent voting increase.

Cut 9 (08)  “…difficult to do.”

Placke says each year, committees of teachers and librarians compile a list of fiction and nonfiction books.

Cut 10 (12) “…excited about reading.”

Since its inception 26 years ago, the program has engaged students with over 1.5 million books read and nearly 485-thousand votes cast. Placke says the program continues to grow…

Cut 11 (13) “…major increases.”

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We’re learning new information on how ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson says the inmates started yanking on a cell door to pull it off its track shortly before 12:30 Friday morning.

Cut 12 (07) “…in the jail.” (Inmates cut a hole in the wall behind where the toilet once was)

The sheriff’s office released a photo of the cell, with the toilet pulled from its bolts, a hole cut into the wall where the toilet had been and graffiti taunting jail staff written above, including the misspelled words, “too easy.”

Cut 13 (09)  “…Interstate shortly thereafter.”

Deputy Chief of Corrections Jay Mallett says based on the design of the toilets, the inmates had to have had accomplices from outside the jail facility.

Cut 14 (09) “…from the inside.”

Furthermore, Sheriff Hutson says there’s every indication that this was an inside job, that the escapees got help from people from within the department. Initially, it was reported that 11 inmates escaped and that two had been recaptured. Hutson says one of them had actually been transferred to another cell and records had not been updated; thus, he never tried to escape. One escapee has indeed been recaptured. Hutson is urging people to remain vigilant.

Cut 15 (05) “…approach these subjects.”

In an earlier news conference, New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says the escapees very likely have changed out of their prison-issued jumpsuits.

Cut 16 (14) “…taken to safety.”