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.”

________________________________________________

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.”

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.”

________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________

“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.”

________________________________________________

Breaking news out of New Orleans as 11 inmates have escaped from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s jail. Two have since been recaptured. Sheriff Susan Hutson says the inmates were discovered missing this morning.

Cut 12 (06) “…were unaccounted for.”

While the inmates were discovered missing at 8:30 this morning, it was at least an hour and a half before the sheriff’s office alerted the media and the public. The jail is on lockdown, and Hutson is urging people to stay vigilant.

Cut 13 (05)  “…approach these subjects.”

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says even though the escape happened under the watch of the sheriff’s office, NOPD is involved in the search for the remaining escapees because it happened in the city. Kirkpatrick says many other agencies are also involved.

Cut 14 (14) “…NOLA troops involved.”

Kirkpatrick says police are reaching out to the victims of the escapees and the witnesses who helped put them behind bars.

Cut 15 (14) “…taken to safety.”

Kirkpatrick says the escapees very likely have changed out of their prison-issued jumpsuits.

Cut 16 (08) “…to stand out.”

Breaking news out of New Orleans as 11 inmates have escaped from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s jail. Two have since been recaptured. Sheriff Susan Hutson says the inmates disappeared during the overnight hours and were discovered missing this morning.

Cut 12 (06) “…were unaccounted for.”

Even after the inmates were discovered missing at 8:30 this morning, it was at least an hour and a half before the sheriff’s office alerted the media and the public. People are being urged to stay vigilant and not to approach them under any circumstances.

Construction of North Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s in Ruston 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 thats.” 

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.”

Immigration raids could be coming to Louisiana, thanks to an executive order issued by Governor Landry. That would include Orleans Parish, where the sheriff’s office says it does not have enough room in its jails to house those arrested for immigration violations. Attorney General Liz Murrill says where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Cut 11 (10) “…should do that.”

The House unanimously passes the state budget which includes, among many other things, the more than 93-million dollars for the L-A GATOR scholarship program that Governor Landry had asked for. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says that might be a hard sell in the Senate.

Cut 5 (12) “…Senate Finance Committee.”

We’ll find out if Addis native John Foster becomes the next American Idol on Sunday, but his musical journey started last October at a marina in Brusly. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you’d like to indulge in some crawfish as you watch John Foster try to become the next American Idol, you can still do so without putting a huge dent into your bank account, even though we’re approaching the tail end of crawfish season. Boiled crawfish throughout the state is averaging about $4.75 a pound. If you’d like to boil it yourself, if you look hard enough, you can bring home live crawfish for under two dollars a pound.

Little drama in the State House of Representatives as it unanimously passed the state budget. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

An historic plantation in Iberville Parish is destroyed by fire. Nottoway Plantation was built in 1859 and was the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the south. The plantation has welcomed visitors from around the world since the 1980s. No one was hurt in the blaze.

Immigration raids could be coming to Louisiana. Governor Landry has issued an executive order launching Operation GEAUX, in which local law enforcement would team with federal partners in removing, in Landry’s words, “dangerous illegal criminals” from the streets. It has the full support of Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Cut 10 (09) “…should be removed.”

Before taking his talents to Hollywood and the American Idol stage, John Foster played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly last October. Though the initial crowd was small compared to now, Foster’s music career has rapidly gained momentum. Owner Jeremy Prejean says watching Foster for the first time was impressive.

Cut 7 (12) “…rolling after that.”

The House unanimously passed the state budget with almost no drama. It includes, among many other things, a one-time renewal of the teacher and school support staff stipend. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says as it makes its way through the Senate, the only changes he would anticipate would actually be finding more money to allocate to essential programs.

Cut 6 (11) “…definitely see changes.”

Governor Landry issues an executive order paving the way for immigration raids. Attorney General Liz Murrill says that includes Orleans Parish, where she says the sheriff’s department blocks and interferes with state and federal immigration enforcement.

Cut 12 (11) “…can do that.”

Construction gets underway today on the North Oaks Health System Academic and Athletic Complex at Southeastern Louisiana University. SLU President William Wainwright says it will be a multi-year construction project, building the new addition first and concluding with the renovation of the existing facility.

Cut 15 (08) “…early 2027.”

The 30-thousand-square-foot state-of-the-art complex will serve as the new home for the university’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program and will provide advanced training spaces for student-athletes.

American Idol finalist John Foster’s star has skyrocketed in a very short period of time. It was just last October when he played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly. Owner Jeremy Prejean says Foster’s journey reflects the power of persistence and community support in launching a successful music career.

Cut 9 (03)  “…in his journey.”

Will Foster be the next American Idol? Tune in to ABC at seven Sunday evening to find out.

Little drama in the State House of Representatives as it unanimously passed the state budget. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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We’ll find out if Addis native John Foster becomes the next American Idol on Sunday, but his musical journey started last October at a marina in Brusly. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

____________________________________________

Immigrant raids could be coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There was little drama in the State House of Representatives as it unanimously passed the state’s budget. It renews stipends for teachers and support staff – two-thousand dollars and one-thousand dollars, respectively. That will cost almost 200-million dollars, and the House found that money by making cuts to equipment purchases, the Health Department’s budget and intensive tutoring. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says House members were very reluctant in slashing funds for tutoring.

Cut 4 (10) “…its funding restored.”

The House also devoted all 93-million dollars to the L-A GATOR Program that Governor Landry had sought. Procopio says that might be a hard sell in the Senate.

Cut 5 (12) “…Senate Finance Committee.”

Procopio says as the budget makes its way through the Senate, the only changes he would anticipate would actually be finding more money to allocate to essential programs.

Cut 6 (11) “…definitely see changes.”

______________________________________________________

Before taking his talents to Hollywood and the American Idol stage, John Foster played his first gig at Floyd’s Morley Marina in Brusly last October. Though the initial crowd was small compared to now, Foster’s music career has rapidly gained momentum. Owner Jeremy Prejean says watching Foster for the first time was impressive.

Cut 7 (12) “…rolling after that.”

Prejean says seeing Foster performing for a national audience and competing to become the next American in just seven months after performing at the marina was the last thing he would have expected.

Cut 8 (09) “…for sure.”

Prejean says Foster’s journey reflects the power of persistence and community support in launching a successful music career after a high-profile national appearance.

Cut 9 (03)  “…in his journey.”

The finale airs Sunday at 7 p.m. on ABC.

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Immigration raids that have been sweeping the country since the start of the second Trump administration could be coming to Louisiana. Governor Landry has issued an executive order launching Operation GEAUX, in which local law enforcement would team with federal partners in removing, in Landry’s words, “dangerous illegal criminals” from the streets. It has the full support of Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Cut 10 (09) “…should be removed.”

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office says it does not have enough room in its jails to house those arrested for immigration violations. Murrill says where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Cut 11 (10) “…should do that.”

Murrill says the sheriff’s department in Orleans Parish has policies that she says blocks and interferes with state and federal immigration enforcement, and she says that’s wrong.

Cut 12 (11) “…can do that.”

Governor Landry says the operation includes enhanced screening, aggressive identification and a public awareness campaign.

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Southeastern Louisiana University will break ground on the North Oaks Health System Academic and Athletic Complex today. SLU President William Wainwright says it’s a 30-thousand-square-foot facility designed to enhance both academic and athletic programs.

Cut 13 (12)  “…athletic training.”

Wainwright says this state-of-the-art complex will serve as the new home for the university’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program and will provide advanced training spaces for student-athletes.

Cut 14 (10) “…supporting the curriculum.”

The project is a collaborative effort between Southeastern and North Oaks Health System, the official healthcare provider for Southeastern athletics. Wainwright says it will be a multi-year construction project, building the new addition first and concluding with the renovation of the existing facility.

Cut 15 (08) “…early 2027.”