Five down, five to go – Five inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center last Friday have been recaptured, and five remain on the loose. As the search for the remaining at-large escapees continues, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson continues to come under fire – so much so that she has temporarily suspended her re-election bid. Hutson told the New Orleans City Council that the jailbreak is very troubling.

Cut 6 (09) “…urgency and transparency.”

A pair of House Democrats who represent New Orleans are calling for Hutson not only to drop her re-election bid, but also to step down immediately. Among them is Jason Hughes.

Cut 8 (08) “…down to leadership.”

The total reward money for each remaining fugitive is 20-thousand dollars, including 10-thousand from the FBI.

The House Appropriations Committee advances a bill that’s intended to speed up the appeals process in capital murder cases. Attorney General Liz Murrill says convicts can still file numerous appeals, but they can’t wait three to four years between them.

Cut (12) “…in this system (2x).”

It appears that insurance commissioner will remain an elected position in Louisiana and will not become an appointed position. After spirited debate, Senator Royce Duplessis essentially withdrew his bill. The New Orleans Democrat said one of his main goals was to take politics out of that role.

Cut 13 (12)  “…of the people.”

Currently, 39 states appoint their insurance commissioners.

It looks like insurance commissioner in Louisiana will remain an elected position. Following spirited debate yesterday, New Orleans Democrat Royce Duplesis effectively pulled it from consideration, sensing that he did not have the votes to pass it. Among those speaking out against it was River Ridge Republican Kirk Talbot, who said making insurance commissioner an appointed position would do nothing to lower premiums.

Cut 15 (14) “…not this.”

The House Appropriations Committee advances a bill that would streamline the post conviction appeals process. This, as Larry Roy – the Cheneyville slasher – continues to fight an execution date. He’s been on death row since 1997. Attorney General Liz Murrill says this is torture for the family members of the three people Roy killed…

Cut 11 (10) “…going to fix it.”

More than a quarter of households in Southwest Louisiana live paycheck to paycheck but make too much money to qualify for government assistance. Tammy Chrisope with United Way Southwest Louisiana says those families are left to make difficult financial survival decisions.

Cut 5 (09) “…rent that month.”

That figure does not include the 15-percent of families in that part of the state that live below the poverty line.

With the recent news that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, the disease is on the minds of many Americans. Ochsner Health Oncologist Dr. Brian Halbert says the key in treating it is to lower testosterone levels.

Cut 9 (11)  “…three years.”

Another option is a new advanced treatment called Pluvicto, which is essentially a targeted form of radiation.

The House Appropriations Committee advances a bill that’s intended to speed up the appeals process in capital murder cases. Attorney General Liz Murrill says convicts can still file numerous appeals, but they can’t wait three to four years between them.

Cut 10 (12) “…in this system (2x).”

The Office of the State Public Defender’s office says it would need an additional four-million dollars, since it would need more lawyers to defend the additional cases. Attorney Robert Morris represents death row inmates and expressed his concerns about the legislation…

Cut 12 (10) “…by this bill.”

The debate comes at the same time that death row inmate Larry Roy, the Cheneyville slasher, continues to fight an execution date – he’s been on death row since 1997.

According to new research, 31-percent of households in Southwest Louisiana live paycheck to paycheck but their income is high enough that they do not qualify for government assistance. Tammy Chrisope with United Way Southwest Louisiana says in addition, 87-percent of single-female-headed households with children in Louisiana are struggling – the highest rate in the nation.

Cut 6 (12) “…verge of losing it.”

Prostate cancer is on the minds of many Americans in light of the news that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease. Ochsner Health Oncologist Dr. Brian Halbert says prostate cancer is a hormone-sensitive cancer.

Cut 8 (14) “…for prostate cancer.”

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.”