How 7 people allegedly helped New Orleans' escaped inmates, both before and after the brazen breakoutNew Foto - How 7 people allegedly helped New Orleans' escaped inmates, both before and after the brazen breakout

As authorities in Louisiana continue their hunt for five of the 10 inmates who broke out of a New Orleans jail this month, seven people have been charged with helping the escapees, both from inside jail and once they were at large. Officials said from the beginning the escape was strategically planned and the fugitives had help. The growing number of arrests provides new insight into just how elaborate and far-reaching the planned jailbreak may have been. "As I promised when we initiated our investigation, we will hold absolutely everyone who contributed any role to the prison break in New Orleans accountable," Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a Sunday statement, announcing the latestalleged accomplicein the escape. Investigators are combing through communications from the jail, including phone recordings, and believe other inmates or employeescould face additional chargesfor assisting in the May 16 escape and a possible initial cover-up in the hours following the jailbreak, a source with direct knowledge of the investigation told CNN this weekend. As of Sunday evening, authorities have arrested and charged seven people who allegedly helped the fugitives before and in the hours after their escape. Here's what we know so far: Trevon Williams, 23, is accused of helping with the escape. He was already being held in the same New Orleans jail on unrelated charges when investigators learned of his alleged involvement, authorities said. Williams faces 10 counts of principal to simple escape, but officials have not detailed how they believe he was involved in the jailbreak. Sterling Williams, 33, a maintenance worker at the jail, was arrested on suspicion of helping the escapees by turning off the water to the cell where they disconnected the plumbing to escape, Murrill said. (It was not immediately clear if Sterling Williams and Trevon Williams are related.) According to his arrest warrant affidavit, Sterling Williams told authorities that inmate Antoine Massey – one of the escapees still at large – threatened to shank him if he didn't turn off the water. Williams' attorney said he's "fully convinced" of his client's innocence. Emmitt Weber, 28, is the most recent suspect arrested in the jailbreak investigation. He faces a charge of accessory after the fact of simple escape, New Orleans police announced Friday. Connie Weeden, 59, is accused ofsending cash via a cell phone appto escapee Jermaine Donald. Weeden was arrested in Slidell, roughly 30 miles northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana State Police said. She faces one felony count of accessory after the fact. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison and a $500 fine. Corvanntay Baptiste, 38, was allegedly in contact with escapee Corey Boyd through social media and by phone. She also helped get Boyd food while he was in hiding,Louisiana State Policesaid. Baptiste has been charged with one count of accessory after the fact. Cortnie Harris, 32, is accused of being in contact with one of the escapees who remains missing. She also helped transport two missing fugitives to "multiple locations in New Orleans,"Louisiana State Policesaid. Harris is charged with one count of accessory after the fact. Casey Smith, 30, is accused ofhelping at least two escapeesin the hours following the jailbreak, New Orleans police said. Officers located Smith at a home in the city's Third District. Police said Smith admitted aiding the fugitives' transport, along with Cortnie Harris. Smith was booked with accessory after the fact to simple escape. The public defender's office has been appointed to represent most of the suspects while they are in custody, according to Orleans Parish court records. CNN reached out to the public defender's office for comment. The exception is Weeden, who was arrested in St. Tammany Parish. CNN is working to identify an attorney for her. The inmates who've been captured are Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, Gary Price and Corey Boyd, while the inmates still at-large are Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate and Lenton Vanburen. Investigators believe other inmates provided materials used during the escape and helped to conceal it after it happened,a source with direct knowledge of the investigation told CNN. The 10 inmates escaped througha hole in the wall behind a toiletin a handicapped cell they'd broken into. Other inmates are believed to have placed the toilet back on the wall after the jailbreak to conceal the hole, according to the source. The escapees used electric hair trimmers with multiple clipper blades to help cut their way through the cell walls, the source said. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office has not responded to CNN's questions about whether inmates are allowed to have access to electric hair trimmers and barber equipment. In addition, other inmates in the jail are also believed to have provided towels to the escapees that were used to help them scale the barbed wire fence surrounding the Orleans Parish Jail, the source said. The director of the New Orleans Police Department Crime Lab visited the jail to begin a formal forensic processing of the scene, which was not requested by the sheriff's office, Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said last week. The sweeping investigation into the jailbreak includes probes into the Orleans Justice Center, where the inmates were held, and into the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office that oversaw it. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order Wednesday "mandating an immediate and aggressive response across multiple state agencies" in response to the escape. The Orleans Justice Center is also undergoing an audit by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The last audit was more than a decade ago. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, who oversees the Orleans Justice Center, has come under increasing scrutiny. She was grilled during a tense city council meeting last week about whether the jail's persistent problems stem from inadequate funding or poor management. Hutson told the council she takes "full accountability" for the "failure" but also pointed to the alleged involvement of jail staff. "There were procedural failures. And missed notifications. But there were also intentional wrongdoings," the sheriff said. "This was a coordinated effort aided by individuals inside our own agency who made the choice to break the law." Hours after the city council meeting, the sheriff announced she was suspending her reelection campaign, telling the public ina statement, "I cannot spend a moment putting politics over your needs." CNN's Ryan Young, Jason Morris, Matt Rehbein, Rebekah Riess, Holly Yan, Hanna Park, Michelle Krupa and Cindy Von Quednow contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

How 7 people allegedly helped New Orleans’ escaped inmates, both before and after the brazen breakout

How 7 people allegedly helped New Orleans' escaped inmates, both before and after the brazen breakout As authorities in Louisiana contin...
Man freed by firefighters after getting stuck under train armrest while looking for AirPodNew Foto - Man freed by firefighters after getting stuck under train armrest while looking for AirPod

Firefighters inGermanyhad to use hydraulic equipment to free a man who got stuck under a train armrest while searching for a dropped AirPod. Emergency services were called to Lehrte station in north-central Germany on Friday evening following reports that a passenger was trapped, the local fire department said in a statement published Saturday. "What initially looked like a fairly simple rescue then developed into a complex rescue operation, however, as the person's hand had swollen so much in the meantime that it could no longer be freed using simple rescue equipment," it said. Firefighters had to dismantle a luggage rack and seats, then saw through the armrest before using hydraulic equipment to free the man, who was stuck for around an hour and half in total, it added. "The injured person was then handed over to the emergency services together with his AirPods, which had also been rescued," said the fire department, which noted that a total of 11 firefighters and two vehicles were used in the operation. Police were also called to the scene because of what the fire department described as "unpleasant scenes" involving onlookers. "In order to prevent the gawkers from taking pictures of the trapped person with their mobile phones, the operation area was not only cordoned off over a wide area, but the direct view was blocked by a rescue blanket attached to the outside of the train," the department said. Because of the length of time taken to free the man, the train was evacuated and a replacement service took the remaining passengers on their onward journey, it added. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

Man freed by firefighters after getting stuck under train armrest while looking for AirPod

Man freed by firefighters after getting stuck under train armrest while looking for AirPod Firefighters inGermanyhad to use hydraulic equipm...
Thunderstorms, flood watches in southern, central US on Memorial DayNew Foto - Thunderstorms, flood watches in southern, central US on Memorial Day

Multiplerounds of thunderstormsare expected to hit the southern and central United States on Memorial Day, according to theNational Weather Service. Forecasters warn of excessive rainfall and severe thunderstorms over parts of the Southern Plains, as well as the Mississippi and Tennessee valleys on May 26. Flood watches have been issued over swaths of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Theregion already had days of rainfall since Friday, May 23. On Memorial Day, rainfall amounts could be as high as 1 to 3 inches per hour, with runoff from heavy rain creating "dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions," AccuWeather said in an email update. Forecasters also warned of hail in parts. Parts of northeasternTexas, near Tyler, andLouisiana, near Shreveport and Natchez, have flash flood warnings, local weather service offices said. The warnings also extended to parts of Mississippi. Early on Memorial Day, the affected areas already had heavy rains with flash flooding ongoing or expected, officials said. Thewarning in and around Shreveportaffected more than 350,000 people. Officials urged people to immediately move to higher ground. In Mississippi, warnings extended further south along the Mississippi River through most of the morning. Flash flooding would likely occur in small creeks and streams, as well as on highways, streets and underpasses with poor drainage and in low-lying areas, officials said. The weather service warned people not to drive into flooded roads, sincemost flood deaths occur in cars. Officials also said to be cautious at night when it's harder to see flooding. AccuWeather warned that repeated flooding downpours could cause delays and shutdowns at interstate highways and airports in the region. Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport had ground delays for nearly an hour due to thunderstorms, according to theFederal Aviation Administration. AccuWeather also said travel may be affected at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, in Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as at Memphis International Airport, in Tennessee. Heavy rainfall over the weekend has resulted in flooding across the Ozarks region, AccuWeather said. People with holiday or travel plans in the recreational area should be prepared for significant flooding, the weather company said. By the afternoon and evening, storms are projected to form incentral and western Texas. TheSan Angelo weather service officehad enhanced risk levels for damaging winds and very large hail with an isolated tornado possible. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Memorial Day forecast: Severe storms, rain in south-central US

Thunderstorms, flood watches in southern, central US on Memorial Day

Thunderstorms, flood watches in southern, central US on Memorial Day Multiplerounds of thunderstormsare expected to hit the southern and cen...
Phil Robertson, 'Duck Dynasty' Patriarch, Dies at 79New Foto - Phil Robertson, 'Duck Dynasty' Patriarch, Dies at 79

Phil Robertson, the patriarch of TV's "Duck Dynasty" reality show, has died. He was 79. In December, Robertson's family said on the "Unashamed With the Robertson Family" that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. More from Variety 'Duck Dynasty' Revival Lands at A&E With 20 Episode, Two-Season Order 'Duck Dynasty' Producers Reach Settlement With ITV Studios ITV Vs. 'Duck Dynasty' Producers: Judge Cites 'Ambush' But ITV Wins Management Rights Appeal His daughter-in-law Korie Robertson posted the news to Facebook Sunday, writing, "We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. He reminded us often of the words of Paul, 'you do not grieve like those who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.' Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again. We know so many of you love him and have been impacted by his life. We're having a private service for now, but we'll share details soon about a public celebration of his life." Robertson worked as a teacher and commercial fisherman before inventing the Duck Commander call, which turned into a multi-million dollar business now headed by his son Willie Robertson. "Duck Dynasty" aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017. By 2013 it became the most-watched nonfiction cable series in history. Presented in a sitcom-style format, it revolved around the Duck Commander business run by brothers Phil and Si, the bearded elders of the clan, and Phil's sons Jase, Willie and Jep, as well as their co-workers and children. Phil Robertson was suspended from the show in 2013 after saying that homosexuality was a sin, but his suspension was lifted after nine days. A new version of the show, "Duck Dynasty: Revival," starring Korie andWillie Robertson, will air on A&E this summer. Phil Robertson will not appear in the show. A film about Robertson's life, "The Blind – The True Story of the Robertson Family," was released in theaters in 2023. Robertson's wife, "Miss Kay" Robertson, was hospitalized earlier this year after a fall. The couple, who married in 1966, had four sons and 16 grandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren. Phil Robertson also had a daughter, Phyllis, from an extra-marital relationship. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty’ Patriarch, Dies at 79

Phil Robertson, 'Duck Dynasty' Patriarch, Dies at 79 Phil Robertson, the patriarch of TV's "Duck Dynasty" reality show...
Dick Van Dyke's Wife Arlene Makes Bold Admission About Husband's AgeNew Foto - Dick Van Dyke's Wife Arlene Makes Bold Admission About Husband's Age

Dick Van Dykeis celebrating nearly 100 years of life with no signs of slowing down. The 99-year-old revealed during a Q&A with his wife,Arlene Van Dyke, at the Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Vandy Camp event over the weekend, that he and the late Ed Asner had been planning a remake of the classic comedyThe Odd Couplebefore Asner's death in 2021 at the age of 91. "That would've been such fun, and we lost it. I've lost a lot of friends," theMary Poppins star said. Arlene, 53, added, "He's outlived everybody. That's the curse of living to almost 100." Despite this, Dick remains upbeat, sharing that his secret to staying positive is simple: "Well, life's been good to me. I can't complain." The actor will turn 100 on December 13. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 The Odd Couple, which first premiered as a Broadway play in 1965, has been an iconic part of entertainment history. The story of Felix and Oscar, two polar opposites living together, was adapted into a movie in 1968, starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and later into a popular TV series in 1970. As the Hollywood legend prepares for his 100th birthday in December, he shared withPeopleat the event the reason why he's still performing: "I'm a ham. love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience." Van Dyke's last birthday, however, was marked bya dramatic escapefrom a life-threatening situation. Last December, he found himself caught in the middle of a devastating Southern California wildfire that ravaged the Malibu area. The fires, which broke out on December 9, came close to he and Arlene's home, and in shocking footage from his front porch camera shown on theTODAYshow, Van Dyke was seen being carried away from his home. Dick Van Dyke's Wife Arlene Makes Bold Admission About Husband's Agefirst appeared on Parade on May 25, 2025

Dick Van Dyke's Wife Arlene Makes Bold Admission About Husband's Age

Dick Van Dyke's Wife Arlene Makes Bold Admission About Husband's Age Dick Van Dykeis celebrating nearly 100 years of life with no si...
Kid Rock embraces American pride, breaks down why performing for veterans is 'most rewarding' work he's doneNew Foto - Kid Rock embraces American pride, breaks down why performing for veterans is 'most rewarding' work he's done

Kid Rockdoesn't intentionally set out to make patriotic music, but that's what the iconic musician manifests when he puts pen to paper. During an interview with Fox News Digital at his "Rock N Rodeo" event in Texas on May 16, Kid Rock acknowledged that his music carries a strong message of American pride, which he's happy about, but it isn't necessarily his goal. "The message of patriotism in my music has just always been there, and I don't know if it's been on purpose. I guess it's not really something I think about. It's just what comes out when I'm writing. What I feel, what I see, what I experience. That's what comes out on a piece of paper and usually into a song," he said. Country Star Chris Janson Sees 'Eye To Eye' With Trump Supporter Kid Rock Kid Rock said he gets more into the patriotic spirit around Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. "I guess that would mean I have to do a Christmas record, right? Yeah, Kid Rock. Jingle f---ing bells." Read On The Fox News App WATCH: KID ROCK SAYS PATRIOTISM ISN'T HIS INTENT WHEN MAKING MUSIC, 'IT'S JUST WHAT COMES OUT' Over his multi-decade music career, Kid Rock has performed shows for U.S. service members on active duty. He told Fox News Digital that he'd just sent a text to his "little brother,"podcaster Theo Von, who is working with President Donald Trump to perform comedy routines for troops in Qatar, praising him for the work. WATCH: 'TRUMP AT HIS BEST': PODCASTER THEO VON APPEARS WITH THE PRESIDENT IN QATAR "I said, 'Man, I'm so proud of you,' and just sent him some well-wishes, and he said he loved it, it was awesome. I said, 'Yeah, to me, it was some of the most rewarding things I've ever done in my career.' Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News "Unfortunately, those wars were so long. I went a lot of times along with people likeToby Keith– rest in peace, my old friend Toby – and so many other talented artists … that's the least we could do is give our time and talents to be over there entertaining these kids. And like I said, some of the most rewarding, hardest work I've ever done," he said. He added, "It's unfortunate these wars happened, but I feel blessed and so fortunate to have been able to go over there and bring some smiles to these kids' faces, most times halfway around the world in some godforsaken place." WATCH: KID ROCK SAYS PERFORMING FOR MILITARY MEMBERS WAS 'SOME OF THE MOST REWARDING' WORK HE'S DONE "Kid Rock's Rock N Rodeo" held an event at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on May 16. Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter "Experience the electrifying fusion of rock, country and hip-hop with Kid Rock performing live in concert at this revolutionary new rodeo event during the PBR World Finals!"the websitestated. "Known for mega-hits like 'Bawitdaba', 'All Summer Long', and 'Cowboy,' Kid Rock transforms every stage into a powerhouse of energy. Dive into the world of this multi-platinum phenomenon and get ready to rock with one of music's most dynamic and enduring superstars!" Original article source:Kid Rock embraces American pride, breaks down why performing for veterans is 'most rewarding' work he's done

Kid Rock embraces American pride, breaks down why performing for veterans is 'most rewarding' work he's done

Kid Rock embraces American pride, breaks down why performing for veterans is 'most rewarding' work he's done Kid Rockdoesn't...

 

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