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 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.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is holding another “Click it or Ticket” campaign.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Two college baseball teams from Louisiana are in Lewiston, Idaho for the NAIA World Series. LSU-Shreveport is the top seed as the Pilots are a remarkable 54-0 and Loyola of New Orleans is making its first appearance in the NAIA World Series. Wolfpack Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team has persevered all season long…

Cut 13 (07) “….the job done”

Cole Romero from Acadiana High School is Loyola’s top hitter as he’s hitting .342 with 11 home runs and 71 RBIs.

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)

Memorial Day weekend is officially underway, and Triple-A says more than 45-million Americans will be traveling domestically. Don Redman with Triple A says the vast majority of people will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. He says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign ramps up seat belt law enforcement, increasing the likelihood of tickets for unbuckled drivers and passengers. LHSC spokesman Mark Lambert says this high-visibility initiative stresses buckling up to avoid fines and reminds drivers of seat belt safety to reduce crash fatalities.

Cut 6 (06) “…event of a crash.”

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, and Illg says that was too much for many fans to overcome. 

Cut 4 (11) “…here in Louisiana.”

The NAIA World Series begins today; and while all the talk is about the 54-and-0 Pilots of LSU Shreveport, they’re not the only Louisiana team playing. Loyola New Orleans is in the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history. The eighth seed faces third-seeded Tennessee Wesleyan. Wolfpack Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”

On the heels of a 139-million-dollar increase in available funds for fiscal year 2026, an effort is now underway to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

It was one week ago today, ten inmates from the Orleans Parish Jail executed one of the largest jail breaks in the state’s history. Five of them are still at large. State Police have arrested three people for allegedly helping the escapees stay on the run.

More good news in Louisiana education as the school year wraps up. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent.

Cut 14 (07) “…at 64-percent.”

But 23-percent of third graders scored well below target reading levels and because of a new state law, they could be forced to re-take third grade again. Nearly 12-thousand third graders will have two more opportunities to score higher on the literacy test in order to advance to the fourth grade.

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.

Cut 3 (05) “…factor into it.”

Numerous fans needed medical attention because of heat exhaustion.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, and Triple-A is projecting a busy one. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

On the heels of a 139-million-dollar increase in available funds for fiscal year 2026, an effort is now underway to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring. Barry Erwin with Leaders for a Better Louisiana says it’s important for student success.

Cut 5 (07) “…those results continue.”

As LSU continues its march towards Omaha and the College World Series, two Louisiana teams will be competing in the NAIA World Series, which starts today in Lewiston, Idaho. The big story has been LSU Shreveport – 54 games, 54 wins. That’s the longest winning streak in all levels of college baseball among four-year schools. The Pilots take on Grand View, out of Iowa, at 11:30 this morning. Head Coach Brad Neffendorf says the way to beat them is not to worry about their opponent’s game, but rather to play their own game.

Cut 11 (07) “…done all year.”

Loyola New Orleans, meanwhile, is in the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history and is the eighth seed. They face Tennessee Wesleyan at three this afternoon, and Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team will have its work cut out for itself.

Cut 12 (06) “…juggernaut as well.”

Memorial Day weekend is here! And more than 45-million Americans will be heading out of town. Don Redman with Triple-A says the vast majority will be traveling by car, with gas prices 45 cents cheaper than last year. He says, however, that gas prices alone usually don’t determine whether people travel.

Cut 9 (12)  “…industry this summer.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana is looking to restore 30-million-dollars to fund high-dose tutoring after the discovery of an additional 139-million-dollars in available funds for next year’s budget. That’s a top priority for advocates like Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin to maintain academic progress.

Cut 6 (10) “…a good investment.”

More good news in Louisiana education as the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says this is further testament that the state’s reading strategy is working; and by staying the course, the state can continue to improve.

Cut 15 (16) “…the right direction.”

The number-one ranked LSU baseball team begins play tonight in the SEC Tournament as the Tigers will face 13th seeded Texas A&M. Right fielder Jake Brown says they’ve been waiting for this all year long.

Cut 19 (11) “…this year.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana is urging the state Legislature to keep funding a 30-million-dollar high-dosage tutoring program. The Louisiana House did not include the funding in their budget proposal, but this week the Revenue Estimating Conference recognized an additional 39-million-dollars in available funds for next fiscal year’s budget. Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin…

Cut 4 (08) “…for our kids.”

The Senate Finance Committee has the budget in its hands and they’ll have the first chance at adding more money to various programs.

Kids are out for the summer and the summer travel season is underway with AAA’s Don Redman says this appears to be a good summer for the cruise industry…

Cut 8 (12) “…very popular

LSU may be the talk of the college baseball world here in Louisiana, but they’re not the only ones playing for a championship. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

WWE fans in Louisiana are disappointed that Wrestlemania will not be held in New Orleans in 2026 as was previously announced. The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation says the city will still get to host Wrestlemania, but it will happen in a future year. The foundation says it’s part of a new multi-year agreement that will bring UFC 318 to New Orleans in July and WWE’s Money in the Bank in 2026.

On the heels of a 139-million-dollar increase in available funds for next fiscal, an effort is underway to restore 30-million dollars for high-dosage tutoring.  Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and it’s the official start of the summer travel season and AAA’s Don Redman says 45-million people will travel 50-miles or more this holiday weekend…

Cut 7 (06) “….traveling for the holiday”

The state department of education says the percentage of students reading on or above grade level increased among K-through-3 graders from 47-percent at the beginning of the year to 64-percent at the end of the year. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says he’s pleased with the work of teachers in partnership with parents to prompt this growth…

Cut 16 (06) “…great state”

Lewiston, Idaho is a long way from Louisiana but two schools from Louisiana are there this weekend for the NAIA World Series. LSU-Shreveport is the top seed as the Pilots are a remarkable 54-0 and Loyola of New Orleans is making its first appearance in the NAIA World Series. Wolfpack Coach Jeremy Kennedy says his team has persevered all season long…

Cut 13 (07) “….the job done”

Cole Romero from Acadiana High School is Loyola’s top hitter as he’s hitting .342 with 11 home runs and 71 RBIs.

Triple-A is projecting a busy travel weekend with more than 45-million Americans traveling domestically for Memorial Day. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

NOAA is predicting an above-normal hurricane season as the federal agency is forecasting 13 to 19 named storms, six-to-ten hurricanes and three-to-five major hurricanes.

State Police has arrested a third person for helping one of the ten escaped inmates from the Orleans Parish jail. 59-year-old Connie Weeden of Slidell allegedly provided Jeremaine Donald with money. Donald is one of the five escapees still at large.

____________________________________________________________

More good news in Louisiana education as the school year wraps up. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the latest Reading Screener shows that grade-level reading proficiency among kids kindergarten through third grade increased by 17-percent.

Cut 14 (07) “…at 64-percent.”

Brumley says this is further testament that the state’s reading strategy is working; and by staying the course, the state can continue to improve.

LSU-Shreveport will try to improve to 55-0 as they begin play in the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. Pilots head coach Brad Neffendorf says it’s an incredible accomplishment, but the job is not done yet…

Cut 10 (06) “….and win one”

The Pilots take on Grand View this morning and Loyola of New Orleans has also made the NAIA World Series for the first time in school history.