Three of the ten escaped inmates from the Orleans Justice Center have been recaptured as of Saturday Morning and multiple agencies are searching for the remaining fugitives that authorities warn are dangerous. The inmates escaped through a hole behind a toilet and 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.”

The inmates escaped around 1:30 AM Friday and weren’t discovered missing until a routine headcount at 8:30 AM. Hours passed before the public was warned. Blame and finger pointing has begun from city and parish officials. Sheriff Susan Hudson says she has continuously raised concerns about infrastructure and blames defective locks. There were reportedly no deputies at the pod where the escapees were being held at the time of the escape – only a technician and a civilian to observe. Three employees have been placed on suspension.

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.”

“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.”

As of Saturday morning, seven of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center early Friday morning are still at large.

Cut 12 (07) “…in the jail.”

Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson says the inmates weren’t discovered missing until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. and the public wasn’t notified for more than an hour and half after the discovery. Photos of the inmates weren’t made available until more than four hours after the discovery. The escapees are considered very dangerous, convicted and accused of various crimes including murder.

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

The three recaptured inmates are Kendal Myles captured in the French Quarter, Robert Moody, captured with the help of a Crimestoppers tip, and Dkenan Dennis found near Chef Menteur Highway.

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.”

A handful of bills in the legislature would effectively raise the cost of healthcare, including imposing a dispensing fee to support local pharmacies. A new poll by JMC Analytics shows the vast majority says the price of healthcare is already too high. JMC founder John Couvillon…

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

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

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 13 (09)  “…Interstate shortly thereafter.”

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. Initially, it was reported that 11 inmates escaped and that two had been recaptured but Hutson says one believed to have escaped had been transferred to another cell. One escapee has been recaptured but Hudson is urging people to remain vigilant.

An historic plantation in Iberville Parish was destroyed by fire Thursday. Nottoway Plantation 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.

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.”

“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.”

Details of the escape of 10 Orleans Parish inmates are immerging. A large hole behind a sink and toilet was discovered inside a cell and that is believed to be how the inmates escaped. There was some graffiti above the structure that could been a message pointing the way to the escape portal. A manhunt is still underway. As of 3:00 Friday at least one inmate has been recaptured. NOPD Superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick says the escapees have very likely have changed out of their prison-issued jumpsuits.

Cut 16 (08) “…to stand out.”

A poll was conducted by JMC Analytics shows Louisianans believe the cost of healthcare is too high JMC founder John Couvillon says it sends a clear message to lawmakers about the possibility of making healthcare more expensive, and it does not bode well for local independent pharmacies, especially in smaller communities.

Cut 8 (13) “…was somewhat stronger.”

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.”

Over 24-thousand Louisiana K-12 students read more than 82-thousand books last year and cast their votes for the 2024-2025 Louisiana Readers’ Choice Award.  State Librarian Meg Placke says each year, committees of teachers and librarians compile a list of fiction and nonfiction books.

Cut 10 (12) “…excited about reading.”

A manhunt in underway in New Orleans. Two of the 11 escaped inmates from the Orleans Parish jail have been recaptured, one by NOPD and another by State Police Troop NOLA. The escape was discovered around 8:30 this morning. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says it happened at the sheriff’s jail, but NOPD, and multiple agencies are involved in the search for the remaining escapees.

Cut 14 (14) “…NOLA troops involved.”

Construction of Louisiana’s first Buc-ee’s in Ruston is progressing, with completion estimated by late 2026.  Ruston Mayor Ronnie 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.”

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.”

Over 24-thousand Louisiana K-12 students cast their votes for the 2024-2025 Louisiana Readers’ Choice Award.  Since its inception 26 years ago, the program has engaged students with over 1.5 million books read and nearly 485,000 votes cast. State Librarian Meg Placke says the program continues to grow…

Cut 11 (13) “…major increases.”

Breaking news out of New Orleans

Cut 12 (06) “…were unaccounted for.”

Sheriff Susan Hutson says 11 inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish  jail. One has since been recaptured but even after the inmates were discovered missing 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 people are being urged to stay vigilant and not to approach the escapees under any circumstances.

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 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.”

Over 24-thousand Louisiana K-12 students read more than 82-thousand books last year and cast their votes for the 2024-2025 Louisiana Readers’ Choice Award.  State Librarian Meg Placke says this marks a surge in participation, especially among 6th-8th graders, with an 88-percent voting increase.

Cut 9 (08)  “…difficult to do.”

The House Education Committee revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. Due to cost concerns, it was replaced with a two-hour annual training. The bill was proposed by New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd after Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death.

Cut 6 (07) “…don’t have to deal with.”

The summer heat has officially arrived in Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim forecast temperatures expected to soar this weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…high 80’s.”

If you want to catch the Saints on primetime television this season, don’t hold your breath. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Addis native John Foster is back in LA, preparing for Sunday’s season finale of American Idol after a whirlwind day in his hometown, which included a parade and a mini-concert and a stop by the State Capitol, where lawmakers issued a proclamation in his honor. Livonia Republican Jeremy LaCombe urged his members – and all Louisianans – to vote for Foster on Sunday, as many times as the show allows.

Cut 11 (11) “…take it home.”

American Idol Finalist and Addis native, John Foster was home for a quick visit yesterday. He was honored with a parade and by Lawmakers at the State Capitol. He told the crowd he hopes to bring an American Idol title back to Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08) “…bring it honor.”

The Saints have released their 2025 schedule; and for the first time in 25 years, they will be no primetime games. WWL Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says later in the season, NBC, ESPN or Amazon Prime can flex them into a primetime slot if the Saints surprise the naysayers. He says they will need to take advantage of their early season home games, since seven of their last 11 games will be away from the Superdome.

Cut 14 (08) “…towards the end.”

A bill to prevent hazing that initially required a semester-long course for students joining campus groups was revised in the House Education Committee. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Most of the state will see temperatures in the 90s this weekend LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim warns that heat-related illnesses can escalate quickly. He urges residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Cut 5 (11) “…be careful out there.”

Most of the state will see temperatures in the 90s this weekend LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim noted, the shift marks a turning point from the unusually mild spring, as locals brace for the intense Louisiana summer months.

Cut 4 (09) “…brace yourselves.”

The House Education Committee revised a bill to prevent hazing, initially requiring a semester-long course for students joining campus groups. Due to cost concerns, it was replaced with a two-hour annual training. The bill was proposed by New Orleans Democrat Delisha Boyd after Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death. She was disappointed but called the change a starting point and emphasized educating students on hazing’s legal consequences.

Cut 8 (06) “…across our state.”

Addis native John Foster is back in Los Angeles, preparing for Sunday’s season finale of American Idol. He returned after a whirlwind day in his hometown, which included a parade and a mini-concert. Earlier in the day, the 18-year-old LSU pre-med student stopped by the State Capitol, where lawmakers issued a proclamation in his honor. Foster said he makes it a point on American Idol to mention that he’s proud to be from Louisiana.

Cut 9 (08)  “…I am, absolutely.” (applause fades)

For the first time in 25 years, there will be no Saints Games on primetime television this season. WWL Saints Analyst Mike Detillier isn’t surprised. He says the Saints made three primetime appearances last season and stunk up the field in every one of them.

Cut 13 (13)  “…prime doing this.”

A bill to prevent hazing proposed after Southern University student Caleb Wilson’s hazing-related death that would have required a semester-long course for students joining campus groups that university officials say will cost millions has been amended in the House Education Committee to include a two-hour annual training. Vacherie Democrat Ken Brass amended the bill adding penalties for non-compliant student groups and updating the current law’s requirement of a one-hour class.

Cut 7 (11) “…get money allocated.”

The bill now heads to House Appropriations for debate.

The summer heat has officially arrived in Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim forecast temperatures expected to soar this weekend.

Cut 3 (12) “…high 80’s.”

If you want to catch the Saints on primetime television this season, don’t hold your breath. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Addis native John Foster is back in LA, preparing for Sunday’s season finale of American Idol. He returned after a whirlwind day in his hometown, which included a parade and a mini-concert and a s stop by the State Capitol, where lawmakers issued a proclamation in his honor. Livonia Republican Jeremy LaCombe urged his members – and all Louisianans – to vote for Foster on Sunday, as many times as the show allows.

Cut 11 (11) “…take it home.”