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.

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.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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.

The search is ongoing for three inmates who escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail. The sheriff’s office says in a social media post that 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathnan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped by removing a section of decaying concrete blocks.

Thousands of new jobs are coming to the Bayou Region, as a shipbuilder announces plans to expand a shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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 way the law is written, someone could be arrested simply for letting people know that Border Patrol agents are in the vicinity.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the statute.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill says the law is constitutional and says she looks forward to defending it in court.

Christmastime is here – and, unfortunately, so is flu season. 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 lowering your chances of getting the flu go beyond simply washing your hands and covering your mouth.

Cut 10 (06) “…time of year.”

Thousands of new jobs are coming to the Bayou Region, as a shipbuilder announces plans to expand a shipyard in St. Mary Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The ACLU of Louisiana is suing the state over its law making it a state crime to interfere with an immigration enforcement operation. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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In the non-select high school football playoffs, there are three double-digit seeds left in the semifinal rounds. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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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.”

Bourgeois says the company is expected to create 15-hundred direct new jobs and an additional 17-hundred indirect jobs. She says this is great news for the bayou region’s economic future.

Cut 5 (09) “…just naturally does.”

Bourgeois says Louisiana has a long history of shipbuilding and this project builds on that proud 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.”

Saronic broke ground on the expansion last month and expects construction to be completed next year, with expanded operations starting in 2027.

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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.”

Ahmed says the way the law is written, someone could be arrested simply for letting people know that Border Patrol agents are in the vicinity.

Cut 8 (11) “…of the statute.”

Ahmed says the law is essentially silencing ISLA in violation of its First Amendment rights.

Cut 9 (11)  “…that they can.”

In a statement, Attorney General Liz Murrill says the state law is constitutional, and she looks forward to defending it in court.

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Christmastime is here – and, unfortunately, so is flu season. What’s worse is that 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 there are things you can do to lower the chances of getting the flu – and they actually go beyond simply washing your hands and covering your mouth.

Cut 10 (06) “…time of year.”

Dr. Dehner says take extra precautions if you’re near anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

Cut 11 (09) “…much as possible.”

Dehner says you’ll want to take precautions if you’re the one experiencing those symptoms.

Cut 12 (12) “…start getting worse.”

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Tomorrow night is the semifinals of the high school football playoffs, and several south Louisiana teams will head to north Louisiana in the hopes of playing in the Superdome next week. In Division One non-select, Zachary is at top seeded Ruston. The LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the Bearcats have beaten the Broncos the last three years in the postseason.

Cut 13 (10)  “…heading up there”

In Division Three non-select, St. James versus Sterlington in a rematch of last year’s state championship game won by the Panthers, who beat the Wildcats by a touchdown. Verrett expects another close game.

Cut 14 (09) “…a crazy matchup.”

In Division Two non-select, Plaquemine is in the semifinals for a second straight season, but Verrett says the Green Devils have a touch matchup against top-seeded North DeSoto.

Cut 15 (10) “…ready to go.”

Tomorrow we’ll look at some of the select matchups.

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Four-star wide receiver Brayden Allen 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 he’s happy to play for the purple and gold and to stay in his home state.

Cut 16 (10) “…great at LSU.”

Allen met with Kiffin Sunday night as the new coaching staff pushed to get his commitment. Allen says he’s ready to ride the Lane train.

Cut 17 (11)  “…championships over here.”

Kiffin and his offensive staff led the Rebels to the number-three total offense and number-11 scoring offense in the nation this season. 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.

As part of Operation Swamp Sweep, the Department of Homeland Security is launching what it calls Operation Catahoula Crunch. This operation is targeting specific undocumented aliens with violent crime arrests who had been released by police departments who it says have refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Once arrested, those people could be sent to the so-called “Louisiana Lockup” in Angola, which Governor Landry said would be used specifically for these people.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and holding facility.”

Louisiana’s best high school football players started signing with colleges today. LSU’s first signee of the day was Destrehan receiver Jabari Mack. Lee Brecheen of Louisiana Football Magazine says Mack reminds him of former LSU star Ja’Marr Chase.

Cut 8 (05) “..strong kid.”

Remembrances and tributes are pouring in for Dr. William Jenkins. The former LSU System president passed away last week at the age of 88. Stephen Moret, the former head of the LSU Foundation, spoke with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana and remembered not only the leadership and mentorship of Dr. Jenkins but the man whom he said was the same caring man in private as he was in public.

Cut 3 (10) “…the same way.”

Senator Bill Cassidy helped sponsor the bipartisan IRS Math Act that was just signed into law. Cassidy says the bill improves fairness, transparency and clarity when the IRS notifies taxpayers of errors in their tax returns.

Cut 12 (08) “…This addresses that.”

Now when the IRS notifies a taxpayer of an adjustment to his or her tax return, it must specify the line number, a clear explanation of the error and the reason for the adjustment.

Remembrances and tributes are pouring in for former LSU System president Dr. William Jenkins, who died last week at the age of 88. Stephen Moret, the former head of the LSU Foundation, says Dr. Jenkins had a deep love for LSU and expressed deep care for everyone who made up the university from star professors to students and those who kept the university going.

Cut 5 (10) “…the future.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is hailing the signing of the bipartisan IRS Math Act that he had helped sponsor.

Cut 14 (08) “…get in trouble.”

Now, among other things, when the IRS notifies a taxpayer of an adjustment to his or her tax return, it must now specify the line number, a clear explanation of the error and the reason for the adjustment.

Some of the state’s best high school football prospects signed with LSU today. Jeff Palermo has more on the first day of the early signing period.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

If you’re a fifth or sixth grade girl attending school in Zachary, leave the skirt at home. Two months from now, a new rule will go into effect banning those students from wearing skirts in school. The school board made the decision due to alleged disruptions to the learning environment.

As part of Operation Swamp Sweep, the Department of Homeland Security is launching what it calls Operation Catahoula Crunch. This operation is targeting specific undocumented aliens with violent crime arrests who had been released by police departments who it says have refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Once arrested, those people could be sent to the so-called “Louisiana Lockup” in Angola, which Governor Landry said would be used specifically for these people.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and holding facility.”

A new task force has begun meeting to make sure Louisiana has enough power to provide electricity for everyone, with a massive data center under construction in Richland Parish. Senate President Cameron Henry says the task force will produce its findings by March 1st.

Cut 12 (08) “…some adjustments.”

The number of homeowners insured by Citizens Insurance, the state’s insurer of last resort, remains near its 20-year peak. As of the end of last month, Citizens accounted for more than 122-thousand policies. Ben Albright, the president and CEO of the Independent Agents and Brokers Association of Louisiana, says in some areas, the only option besides Citizens are smaller insurance companies.

Cut 4 (13) “…much more capitalized.”

Louisiana’s best high school football players are signing with colleges today as a three-day early signing period began today. Lafayette Christian Academy star Brayden Allen was one of LSU’s first signees. Lee Brecheen of Louisiana Football Magazine says the Tigers are getting a good one in Allen

Cut 6 (09) “…slot corners.”

There’s a new head coach on The Bluff. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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During his introductory press conference, new football coach Lane Kiffin talked about the emotions of leaving Ole Miss for LSU. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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With the Border Patrol’s immigration enforcement operation underway, the attorney general of Louisiana has a stern warning for anyone looking to get in the agents’ way. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Pro Football Hall of Famer and New Orleans native Marshall Faulk was introduced as Southern’s head coach yesterday. Faulk says the Jaguars will give it their all each week.

Cut 4 (11) “…to be represented.”

Faulk also says it’s important for him to not only be a great football coach for his players at Southern, but also to be a great coach for them in life.

Cut 5 (15) “…as in football.”

Faulk faces a tall task, as the Jaguars won just two games this past season. He says the program will need financial help in order to be successful and urged Jaguar nation to show up for the players when it matters most.

Cut 6 (13) “…cheering for you.”

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New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin says he leaned on two national championship-winning coaches in making his decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU. Kiffin says he spoke with Nick Saban and Pete Carroll, and it was the former USC and current Las Vegas Raiders coach who really convinced him, along with others.

Cut 7 (13) “…the best resources.”

Kiffin says it was difficult to leave Ole Miss and not have the opportunity to finish the season with the Rebels. But when he got to Baton Rouge Sunday and saw Tiger Stadium all lit up, he called former LSU coach Ed Orgeron.

Cut 8 (12) “…to the fans.” (crowd laughs)

Orgeron has expressed interest in returning to LSU as an assistant coach, and reports indicate it may happen.

Kiffin will be focused on signing a recruiting class this week, as a three-day early signing period begins tomorrow. Kiffin, who declared himself the “Portal King” at Ole Miss for his ability to sign players out of the transfer portal, believes he’ll have an easier time at LSU.

Cut 9 (14)  “…portal’s not open.” (crowd laughs)

The transfer portal window opens January 2nd.

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With the Border Patrol’s immigration enforcement operation underway in New Orleans and the surrounding areas, Attorney General Liz Murrill has a warning for anyone who gets in agents’ way – not only is it a federal crime to obstruct ICE or the Border Patrol, but it’s a state crime as well, punishable by fines and prison time.

Cut 10 (13) “…stop doing it.”

Furthermore, Murrill says public officials who obstruct their operations face charges of malfeasance in office. Some Democrats and immigration lawyers say that since the Border Patrol has taken over immigration enforcement sweeps from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, they’re going after people indiscriminately based solely on the color of their skin or their Hispanic appearance. Murrill disagrees with that notion.

Cut 11 (10) “…they find them.”

In recent months, Border Patrol agents have been captured on video using aggressive tactics like boxing people in with their vehicles, smashing in windows and forcing people out of their vehicles and pepper-spraying protestors at point-blank range. Murrill says those videos likely do not tell the whole story.

Cut 12 (15) “…get somebody’s attention.”

Operation Swamp Sweep is expected to last two months, with a stated goal of five-thousand arrests.

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Governor Landry has announced that Chennault Airport has secured a 20-million-dollar grant from FEMA that will be used to build a 37-thousand-square-foot paint hangar. Chennault International Airport executive director Kevin Melton says the new hangar will expand airport operations, and its main use will be to paint airplanes.

Cut 13 (10)  “…commercial-sized aircraft.”

Melton says the construction is expected to begin in February and will take a little over a year to complete. He says once constructed, the paint hangar will support more than 100 additional jobs.

Cut 14 (05) “…our local companies.”

Melton says Chennault is receiving this grant to help the airport recover from the damages sustained during Hurricane Laura.

Cut 15 (08) “…advantage of that.”