Nearly 100-thousand customers in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana lost power for hours due to a “load-shed” event ordered by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator on Sunday.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office is investigating a fatal crash that happened Monday STPSO says the driver of a Porche failed to stop after a traffic violation on I-12. The deputy lost sight of the Porche but it was later found crashed into the tree line at the Lacombe exit. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released.

Police in Monroe arrest six people, including an Arkansas man, in connection with a brawl over the Memorial Day weekend. Police Chief Vic Zordan (rhymes with Jordan) says Trace Castleberry is facing a second-degree battery charge, and Monroe Police are working to bring him back to the city to face charges.

Cut 12 (07) “…lot in Monroe”

Zordan says investigators used surveillance video footage to arrest the six, and more arrests are expected.

Phil Robertson, patriarch of Duck Dynasty passed away Sunday following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Monroe tourism officials say he and his family provided a huge boost in visitors to the area. Sheila Snow with Discover Monroe-West Monroe …

Cut 6 (11) “…family called home.”

Phil Robertson was 79.

More than 10 days after 10 inmates escaped the Orleans Parish Justice Center, 2 are still at large. Three inmates were recaptured on Monday. Lenton VanBuren was arrested in Baton Rouge, and Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald were arrested in Houston. The number of accomplices who helped the prisoners escape or assisted them afterwards is up to a dozen and there may be more. The two remaining escapees are Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves, and they are considered armed and dangerous. There is a 20-thousand-dollar reward offered for information leading to the capture of each inmate.

Around 100-thousand Southeast Louisiana customers were without power for hours Sunday due to a “load-shed” event ordered by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator after an Entergy nuclear plant unexpectedly went offline but even Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta hasn’t been given specific information on the outage. He says MISO’s lack of transparency is unacceptable.

Cut 11 (07) “…explain everything.”

The outages affected 75 thousand Entergy and 25 thousand Cleco customers.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich gave high praise to current Speaker Mike Johnson during an appearance on Baton Rouge talk show, Mornings with Brian Haldane Tuesday. Johnson was elected to congress in 2016 and became Speaker of the House in 2023 and Gingrich says he is impressed with Johnson’s ability to unify factions within the GOP, something with which past leaders struggled.

Cut 5 (11) “…remarkably smart.”

Gingrich does not think Johnson will be a presidential candidate in 2028, because he’s too humble.

Fans of Duck Dynasty are mourning the death of patriarch Phil Robertson. Sheila Snow with Discover Monroe-West Monroe says the region took full advantage of its new-found fame brought by the TV show and the Robertson family.

Cut 8 (13) “…in West Monroe.”

Phil Robertson passed away on Sunday at the age of 79.

Another jailbreak – this one in Tangipahoa Parish. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A week ago today, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail and five of the escapees remain at large. It’s been three days since authorities announced the capture of an escapee. New Orleans Police announced today the arrest of 30-year-old Casey Smith for aiding at least two of the escapees. She’s accused of driving them to multiple locations following their escape.

And in St. Martin Parish, a 2007 SEC football championship ring is missing. Deputies say it was stole from a home in the Cade area last week along with several other items. St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Major Ginny Higgins says they’ve been able to recover nearly all of the stolen property, but the ring remains missing. Higgins says investigators have made arrests.

Cut 11 (06) “…with anything else.” (suspects are juveniles)

During Memorial Day Weekend, the “Click It or Ticket” campaign heats up increasing the likelihood of tickets for unbuckled drivers and passengers. LHSC spokesperson Mark Lambert says data shows more than 88-percent of Louisiana drivers wear a seat belt and nearly half of vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unbelted.

Cut 7 (12) “…getting seriously injured”

As of Friday afternoon, five of the 10 escapees from the Orleans Justice Center are still at large and another suspected accomplice has been arrested. NOPD arrested 30-year-old Casey Smith who they say admitted transporting some of the escapees. Three others were previously arrested by the State Police. 32-year-old Cortnie Harris, accused of transporting escapees. 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste accused of helping an escapee get food. 59-year-old Connie Weeden accused of providing cash to an escapee through a cell phone app. Maintenance worker at the jail, 33-year-old Sterling Williams allegedly turned off the water in a cell allowing inmates to escape through a hole behind a toilet.

And in Tangipahoa Parish, a manhunt is underway for 19-year-old Tra’Von Johnson, who escaped from the jail Thursday afternoon – and this is not the first time he’s escaped from that jail.  Sheriff Gerald Sticker says inmates flooded a cell and while jail employees were pushing the water out, both the cell door and an exterior door were open simultaneously for less than a minute, enough time for Johnson and another inmate to get out of the building – only Johnson left the property.

Cut 12 (09) “…the back fence.”

Johnson previously escaped jail with three other inmates in May of 2024.

An LSU SEC championship ring was among many items stolen from a home on May 13^th and Martin Parish, sheriff’s investigators are looking to recover it. Major Ginny Higgins…

Cut 10 (07) “…bragging about it.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of this ring is asked to call St. Martin Parish Crime Stoppers.

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC not to schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after ESPN scheduled LSU’s September 21st home game against UCLA for 2:30 in the afternoon. The temperature at kickoff was 94 degrees with a heat index of 100

Cut 3 (05) “…factor into it.”

The resolution if passed is only a formal request to the SEC and to the TV networks.

Another suspected accomplice has been arrested for allegedly helping the inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center last week. NOPD arrested 30-year-old Casey Smith who they say admitted transporting some of the escapees. Three others were previously arrested by State Police. 32-year-old Cortnie Harris is also accused of transporting escapees. 38-year-old Corvanntay Baptiste allegedly helped one of the escapees get food. 59-year-old Connie Weeden allegedly sent cash to an escapee through a cell phone app.  Maintenance worker at the jail, 33-year-old Sterling Williams, was the first arrested after he allegedly turned off the water in a cell allowing inmates to escape through a hole behind a toilet. As of Friday afternoon, five of the 10 escapees are still at large.

St. Martin Parish sheriff’s investigators are looking for an LSU SEC championship ring that was stolen earlier this month. Major Ginny Higgins says the ring was among many items stolen from a home on May 13th.

Cut 9 (06)  “…of this ring.”

Anyone with information about the ring is asked to call St. Martin Parish Crime Stoppers.

The House has passed a resolution asking the SEC to not schedule LSU home football games before six p-m in the month of September. Harahan Republican John Illg drafted the resolution after a a 2:30 September kickoff temperature was 94 degrees. Shreveport Democrat Steven Jackson asked Illg whether he’d be open to including all schools in this non-binding resolution.

Cut 5 (07) “…for everybody else.”

The House passed Illg’s resolution unanimously, but it is only a formal request to the SEC and to the TV networks which establish the kickoff times.

With increased travel beginning Memorial Day Weekend, The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is heating up. LHSC spokesperson Mark Lambert says by combining strict enforcement with public awareness, the campaign aims to encourage wearing seat belts every trip, every time.

Cut 8 (12) “…happy Memorial Day.”

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.