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.”

A Rapides Parish man is under arrest for stealing hundreds of pounds of crawfish from a farmer’s traps. Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says a crawfish farmer told investigators late last month that someone had emptied his traps, and it happened again a few days later.

Cut 13 (05)  “…and 500 pounds.”

He says deputies launched “Operation Tail Chaser,” and on May 10^th they caught the suspect, 47-year-old Tony Hicks, red-handed in the pond.

St. Tammany Parish deputies arrested a 23-year-old Folsom man and his 45-year-old mother yesterday after a concerned resident reported them for a possible dog-fighting operation on their property. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control investigated and seized 28 pit bulls.

Cut 9 (08)  “…dog fighting.”

Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dogfighting, while Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dogfighting.

State Police is putting an emphasis this week on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program advanced out of the House Ways and Means Committee advanced One of them is House Bill 145 has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. House Bill 663 would create the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund. Pollock Republican Gabe Firment, says it would direct a portion of sales and use taxes in coastal areas following a natural disaster to the fund.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the fund.”

Firment says that amount would be capped at 60-million dollars. Both bills advanced to the full House without objection.

The House Appropriations Committee approves a bill that would create a new TOPS award called the TOPS Excellence Award, and it would go to high-performing students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

State Police is putting an emphasis on enforcing the state’s Move Over Law this week. That law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if safe, when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights. Trooper Ryan Davis says reminds drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and respect roadside responders’ safety.

Cut 5 (07) “…if the need arises.”

A Rapides Parish man is under arrest for stealing hundreds of pounds of crawfish from a farmer’s traps. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says a crawfish farmer told investigators late last month that someone had emptied his traps, and it happened again a few days later. He says deputies launched what they dubbed “Operation Tail Chaser,” and they caught the suspect, 47-year-old Tony Hicks, red-handed.

Cut 12 (11) “…on May 10th.”

Hicks is facing several charges, including theft and criminal trespass.

A mother and son were arrested in St. Tammany Parish yesterday after a neighbor reported them for suspected dog fighting. 23-year-old Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dog fighting, and his 45-year-old mother Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dog fighting. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control seized 28 pit bulls.

Cut 11 (06) “…will be arrested.”

Both suspects were booked into the parish correctional center.

A neighbor reported a suspected Dog fighting operation leading St. Tammany Parish deputies to arrest a 23-year-old Folsom man and his 45-year-old mother yesterday. Austin Alexander faces 28 counts of dogfighting, while Natia Alexander faces 28 counts as a principal to dogfighting. Lt. Suzanne Carboni says STP Animal Control seized 28 pit bulls and deputies discovered items associated with dog fighting.

Cut 10 (11) “…machine pistol.”

Both suspects were booked into the parish correctional center.

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced a pair of bills aimed at lowering homeowners insurance premiums by strengthening the state’s fortified roof program. One of them is House Bill 145, proposed by Denham Springs Republican Roger Wilder

Cut 6 (08) “…a fortified roof.” (Doubles deduction from $5,000 to $10,000)

The bill has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple

Addis’ very own John Foster has made it to the season finale of American Idol. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 30 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Several L-S-P Troops will participate in a special enforcement of the Move Over Law tomorrow. The law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes, if safe, when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road with their lights flashing. Trooper Ryan Davis…

Cut 4 (11) “…from the roadside”

The Associated Press is reporting that President Trump and Governor Jeff Landry have discussed Congresswoman Julia Letlow challenging Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary. ULM political science professor Joshua Stockley says Cassidy’s vote in 2021 to convict Trump in his impeachment trial still has many Republicans upset…

Cut 12 (11) “…for this state.”

A spokesperson for the Cassidy’s campaign says the Senator delivers conservative results for Louisiana and works hard to support the President’s agenda.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement over the weekend, saying his right shoulder developed a degenerative condition that will prevent him from continuing his NFL career. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says it’s a crushing blow for Carr.

Cut 9 (12)  “…it a career.”

Louisiana’s education comeback continues with another increase in a national ranking. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved a budget that keeps teacher salaries at their current level though teacher stipend money received over the last few years was not included in the governor’s proposed budget. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the committee amended the budget proposal so teachers will not receive a pay cut.

Cut 4 (12) “…support staff”

Teachers may continue to receive that two-thousand-dollar stipend they’ve received in the last couple of years. The House Appropriations Committee sent a budget bill to the House floor that contains money to keep paying teachers. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says the proposed budget for next fiscal year is also balanced and contains no new taxes…

Cut 5 (06) “…pledged to do.”

It’s possible the House could approve the budget and send it to the Senate by the end of the week.

In two years, Louisiana has moved up 9 spots to 37th in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of state’s K-through-12 education Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says teachers are focusing on the basics, reading and math and providing additional tutoring and support to students who need more help. And He says he’s proud of the rankings…

Cut 8 (07) “…left to do.”

Could US Representative Julia Letlow run for U-S Senate next year? Jeff Palermo reports President Trump and Governor Landry have reportedly discussed it…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints need to name a new starting quarterback now that Derek Carr has announced his retirement. New Orleans has taken quarterbacks in the last two drafts – Rattler in the fifth-round last year and Shough in the second round this year. Luke Jackson, who covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and The Advocate, says depending on what happens this season, they may do so again next year.

Cut 11 (08) “…next year’s draft.”