A former Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is facing bribery and fraud charges. A five-count indictment was handed down against Jack Montoucet for allegedly receiving kickbacks in awarding a state contract to a business that provided online educational boating courses. Sportsman could take the courses to resolve citations issued by Wildlife and Fisheries.  Montoucet faces up to 20 years in prison and a one-million dollar fine. Two others have already pleaded guilty for their involvement.

Five of the ten escapees from the Orleans Parish jail remain on the run. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill conducted a tour of the jail to see for herself what improvements are needed. Afterwards she said having the right locks and hinges on the doors is a top priority…

Cut 8 (11) “…want them to be.”

Get ready for another active hurricane season. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you’re into trivia games, this is your weekend. Trivia Nationals are being held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Organizer Lee-Ann Whitlock says along with the trivia games, there will be a game show boot camp Saturday afternoon and an awards banquet Sunday night.

Cut 14 (07) “…for a weekend.”

It will cost you 275 dollars for all the games you wish to compete in during the event weekend. More information is available at trivia nationals-dot-org.

Attorney General Liz Murrill is looking into what contributed to last week’s jail break at the Orleans Parish Jail. She says a critical piece in preventing future escapes is making sure the Orleans Parish criminal justice system is moving cases through in an effective manner. She adds, housing inmates at a parish jail for several years is asking for trouble…

Cut 7 (11) “…doors”

Five of the ten inmates who escaped last week are still at large.

Get ready for another active hurricane season. NOAA is predicting an above-average season, with 13 to 19 named storms. Of them, they predict six to ten hurricanes, with three to five being major hurricanes – Category Three or higher. National Weather Service Director Ken Graham says even a storm that does not rise to the level of a major hurricane can still be very devastating.

Cut 3 (11) “…care the category.”

He says, start building your emergency kits now.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, along with ten other Southeastern states launched the website, Gator-Wise-dot-org to educate the public on safely coexisting with alligators. LDWF Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says alligator attacks are rare here with fewer than 25 since the 1970’s but three to four thousand nuisance complaints are filed every year.

Cut 11 (08) “…harvested or relocated.”

Linscombe says the initiative aims to foster realistic perceptions about alligators.

This is the weekend for trivia lovers. Trivia Nationals are being held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, just east of the Superdome. Organizer Lee-Ann Whitlock says there are many kinds of trivia competitions.

Cut 12 (09) “…puzzle-type activities.”

The cost to attend is 275 dollars for the entire weekend for all the games you wish to compete in. More information is at trivia nationals-dot-org.

A former Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is facing bribery and fraud charges. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Working toward preventing another jail break, Attorney General Liz Murrill and state corrections officials toured the Orleans Parish Jail. Murrill plans to spend the next several weeks looking at how the facility can be made more secure, and she says that’s not allowing construction materials to be used as weapons…

Cut 6 (11) “…job done.”

She says a critical piece in preventing future escapes is making sure the Orleans Parish criminal justice system is moving cases through in an effective manner.

NOAA is predicting an above-average hurricane season, with 13 to 19 named storms with six to ten hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes. National Weather Service Director Ken Graham on why so active this year.

Cut 5 (14) “…and they develop.”

Graham says storms can strengthen very rapidly, pointing out that all recent Category Five hurricanes were tropical storms 72 hours earlier.

There’s now a website to help you coexist with alligators. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in collaboration with ten other Southeastern states launched Gator-Wise-dot-org. LDWF Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says the website offers other practical tips

Cut 10 (14) “…to feed alligators.”

A 33-year-old Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office maintenance worker, Sterling Williams, was arrested for aiding the escape of 10 inmates from the Orleans Justice Center, as announced by the Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Cut 3 (07) “…period of time.”

Williams confessed to turning off the water in a cell as instructed by an inmate, enabling the group to escape through a hole behind a toilet. Murrill says he was identified after reviewing footage and interviewing employees who had directly interacted with inmates.

Two people who died in separate accidents hours apart Friday night were a couple and had a child. 25-year-old Alexis Lee died when her car traveling north went off Hwy 67 hitting a culvert and overturning around 2:00 a.m. It happened in East Baton Rouge Parish. Nearly 2 hours later 35-year-old John Collins traveling south ran off Hwy 67 striking a tree after missing a curve. Some believe Collins was traveling to check on Lee.

One of Governor Landry’s priority bills advances to the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The 2025 Louisiana Survey polled one thousand Louisiana adults and it shows that once again, the economy is the top concern.  The director of the Louisiana Survey, Doctor Michael Henderson of LSU says that’s a shift from a year ago, when crime was the top priority.

Cut 14 (11) “…back on top.”

A maintenance worker at the Orleans Parish Justice Center was arrested for aiding in the escape of 10 inmates this past weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A six-year-old special needs child drowned in Toledo Bend Lake Monday, and her mother has been arrested. Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell says it appears the child was left unattended and walked a short distance from her home into the lake at Lanan Bay Cove. The child’s mother, 27-year-old Bethany Stocking pulled the child from the water, called 9-1-1, and began CPR. The child was pronounced deceased at Sabine Medical Center. Stocking has been charged with on count of felony cruelty to juveniles.

The House Transportation Committee advances a Senate bill that would outlaw speed cameras that issue tickets from operating outside of school zones. Several local police departments oppose the legislation. They say cameras that issue speeding tickets help with highway safety, but Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey argues manpower improves public safety…

Cut 11 (09) “…pulling you over.”

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux testified against the bill saying speed cameras in school zones have helped to reduce speeding in front of schools and the city plans to install speed cameras outside of school zones…

Cut 12 (13) “…local level.”

This bill does not address traffic-light cameras and speed cameras would still be legal in school zones.

A 33-year-old Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office maintenance worker, Sterling Williams is facing 10 counts of principal to simple escape and malfeasance in office. He confessed to turning off the water in a cell enabling the group to escape through a hole behind a toilet. Williams says one of the inmates threatened to stab him with a makeshift knife if he didn’t turn off the water. Attorney General Liz Murrill says the investigation into the escape of the 10 inmates continues and she urges anyone involved to turn themselves in.

Cut 5 (11) “…came forward voluntarily.”

Four out of the ten inmates have been captured.

The economy is the top concern of Louisianans according to the 2025 Louisiana Survey polled Survey director, Doctor Michael Henderson of LSU, says that’s a shift from a year ago, when crime was the top priority. Henderson says homeowners’ insurance with its rising premiums is showing up as a challenging issue.

Cut 15 (09) “…just a year ago.”

The House has advanced a bill that would prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in state offices and public colleges. 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 some calling it an anti-Black bill. When Chenevert returned to the podium, she delivered a heartfelt plea to support her bill saying her bill does not codify discrimination.

Cut 9 (10)  “…is it doesn’t.”

The bill now moves to the Senate. Governor Landry is in support of the bill.

The House Transportation Committee approves a Senate bill that would outlaw speed cameras that issue tickets. The bill makes an exception to allow them in school zones. Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey says these cameras are unconstitutional and the citizens of Louisiana agree….

Cut 10 (10) “…go away”

The bill only addresses speed cameras and ignores red light cameras. Several local police departments oppose the legislation and say the cameras help with highway safety.

LSU is looking for a new President as President Dr. William Tate has announced he is leaving for Rutgers University. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says there’ a rumored list of administrators people wanted out, and Tate’s name was allegedly on it. She says there may also be a troubling trend in play.

Cut 10 (11) “…in the SEC.”

During Tate’s four years, campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport achieved a record-breaking 543-million dollars in combined research activity. One of Tate’s goals was to make LSU a top 50 research university.

Seven of the Orleans Parish jail escapees are still at large and four of them are accused of murder. The reward for information that leads to their arrest is now 20-thousand dollars per fugitive. Superintendent of State Police, Colonel Robert Hodges says anyone caught trying to help these escapees evade authorities will be arrested….

Cut 13 (09)  “…someone else helps them.”

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. During that time, Louisiana had 12 deaths. Florida had the most with 79. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim on why so many more lightning deaths in the Sunshine State…

Cut 6 (08) “…in the world.”

LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey shows the number of people who believe the state is heading in the right direction equals those who believe it’s heading in the wrong direction. Two years ago, it was about two-to-one who said the state was headed in the wrong direction. Survey Director Michael Henderson says the trend started reversing itself from rock-bottom during John Bel Edwards administration.

Cut 5 (09) “…he took office.”

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

Seven of the Orleans Parish jail escapees remain on the run. Four of them are accused of murder. Governor Jeff Landry has ordered an audit of the Orleans Parish facility blaming the New Orleans prosecutors and judges for not moving fast enough in prosecuting the cases of those accused violent criminals

Cut 14 (15) “…dangerous criminals.”

LSU President William Tate is heading to the Garden State. Announcing his departure from LSU on June 30th to become the new president at Rutgers University. That leaves LSU scrambling to find a new president. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator says there could be a few names to potentially be included on the shortlist.

Cut 11 (11) “…the job again.”

During Tate’s four years at LSU, campuses in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport achieved a record-breaking 543-million dollars in combined research activity, part of his goal to make LSU a top 50 research university.

More people are saying that Louisiana is headed in the right direction, with that number pulling even with that of the people who say the state is heading in the wrong direction. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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. Louisiana had 12 deaths. Florida had the most with 79. Texas came in at number two with 36 deaths. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Florida and Texas have a lot more golf courses than Louisiana, which is one reason why they have a lot more lightning fatalities…

Cut 8 (12) “…hard to believe.”

LSU President William Tate is stepping down at the end of next month. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The number of people who say Louisiana is heading in the right direction is on the rise. LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey has found that the percentage of those who say the state is headed in the right direction but Survey Director Michael Henderson says while the number of people who believe the state is going in the right direction is up, that doesn’t mean they’re the majority.

Cut 4 (10) “…the wrong direction.”

More than one-thousand Louisiana residents were surveyed for this study and Henderson says a big driver of that is people’s views on the economy

The reward for information that leads to the arrest of the inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center has increased to 20-thousand dollars per fugitive. Seven of the prisoners that escaped during wee hours of Friday morning are still at large. Superintendent of State Police, Colonel Robert Hodges says anyone caught trying to help these escapees evade authorities will be arrested themselves….

Cut 13 (09)  “…someone else helps them.”

Four of the inmates that are on the run are accused of murder.

The Centers for Disease Control study shows Louisiana ranks 11th in the country for lightning deaths. Data highlights that 18% of fatalities are work-related, with farmers and ranchers most at risk.  LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says males are four times more likely to be struck than females, and the average age is 37.

Cut 7 (12) “…than females are.”

As of Saturday morning, the search for seven of the ten escaped inmates from the Orleans Justice Center continues. Early Saturday morning, the three recaptured fugitives were transported out of the city by State Police helicopter to a secure state correctional facility. Troopers report that one inmate required the use of a spit hood after displaying hostile behavior. Sheriff Susan Hutson says the ten inmates went through a hole behind a toilet inside a jail cell. It happened around 1:30 am Friday morning and later video footage was found…

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

The search for the seven remaining fugitives remains active with numerous local, state, and federal agencies working around the clock. Tips to Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans and FBI – New Orleans have played a key role in locating the escaped inmates. Authorities remind the public that fugitives are dangerous and encourage the public to continue to share any information, no matter how small it may seem. Reach Crimestoppers at 504-822-111 and the FBI at 1-800-call-FBI

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

A recent poll shows over 70% of Louisianans believe prescription drug prices, insurance premiums, and co-pays are too high. The poll was commissioned by Save Our Benefits and conducted by JMC Analytics. JMC founder John Couvillon says the two-thirds of people polled would not be willing to pay more for prescription drugs, even if it would support local pharmacies.

Cut 7 (10) “…over everything else.”

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.