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.

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.”