6:45 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team will battle with cross town foe Southern University this afternoon at 2 PM at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers are coming off a sweep over Western Michigan. They outhit the Broncos 26 to 9 during the three game series. Second baseman Gavin Dugas is expecting big things from LSU’s offense…
cut 17 (18) “….gonna do’
LSU pitcher Paul Skenes was named SEC Pitcher of the Week for his performance in the season opener. He struck out 12 in six shutout innings.

Last night in Ruston, Louisiana Tech beat BYU 10 to 2 to split their four game series with the Cougars. Brody Drost drove in a three runs for Tech.

Tough loss for Nicholls basketball last night as the Colonels fell to Texas A-and-M Commerce 72-71 on their home floor. The Lions scored the winning bucket with five seconds left as Nicholls lost for just the second time at home this season. They are nine and six in Southland Play.

For the second straight game the McNeese Softball team beat a ranked opponent. After knocking off 22nd ranked North Texas on Sunday, the Cowgirls defeated 12th ranked Washington three to two yesterday in Lake Charles. Jil Poullard had the game winning hit, a solo home run in the fourth inning. Coach James Landreneau also got great pitching from senior Whitney Tate…
cut 20 (17) “….behind her”
McNeese is now 9-and-2 on the season and they will host South Alabama today at 3 PM.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Shreveport Police have released details on Saturday’s fatal shooting of a 16-year-old from Texas during the Krewe of Gemini Parade. Officers say the victim and his friends were chasing each around the vehicle they arrived in with plastic swords when another 16-year-old obtained a handgun and shot the victim. The juvenile suspect was detained at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Everywhere else in the country today it’s just Tuesday, but here in Louisiana its Fat Tuesday, a tradition like no other. There are parades all across south Louisiana today. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his great aunt, 106 years ago, Aminthe (ah-men-eth) Nungesser led the imitative for women to have the right to march in Mardi Gras…
cut 4 (11) “….over 3,700″
At the time the Krewe of Iris was the only women’s Mardi Gras parade but she inspired others and the rest is history.

In rural Acadiana they still celebrate Mardi Gras the traditional way. Teiko Foxx has more on the celebration in Eunice…
cut 2 (30)) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

It will be a perfect day for Mardi Gras celebrations. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 13 (11) “….or low 80s”
Temperatures will remain warm over the next several days.

LRN AM Newscall February 20

More than a century ago an 18-year-old girl from New Orleans led the charge to have women included in Mardi Gras parades. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

Acadia & St. Landry Parish is reviving up to let the good times roll tomorrow- Eunice style. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

Seen on viral video: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell flipping “the bird” at Mardi Gras parade riders. Kevin Gallagher looks at possible political fallout…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________________

When Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser talks about how Mardi Gras is such a unique tradition in Louisiana, you could say it’s in his DNA because it is. 106 years ago, his great aunt Aminthe (ah-men-eth) Nungesser led the initiative for women to have the right to march in Mardi Gras.

Cut 4 (11)  “…over 3,700.”

At the time the Krewe of Iris was the only women’s Mardi Gras parade but she inspired others and as they say, the rest is history.

Cut 5 (06) “…as men.”

And a century later it’s her great-nephew who’s at the helm of promoting state tourism and one of Louisiana’s most beloved events, Mardi Gras.

Cut 6 (08)  “…those throws.” 

Aminthe Nungesser was only 18 years old when she began advocating for women to participate in Mardi Gras. In addition to the Krewe of Iris, she also captained the Krewe of Venus.

_____________________________________________

Mardi Gras in the City of Eunice is not your typical idea of Mardi Gras. Instead of beads and doubloons, revelers chase chickens in colorful costumes. City of Eunice Events Coordinator, Courtney Elkins says Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run is not your average Mardi Gras.

Cut 7 (09) “…body suits.”

Mardi Gras is a family-friendly event. Elkins says chasing the chickens has been a tradition everyone loves to participate in.

Cut 8 (10)  “…Cajun way.”

The Courir de Mardi Gras is Eunice’s largest community event of the year. It dates back to the late 19th century and attendance continues to grow each year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…this weekend.”

_______________________________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is under fire again; this time for a video showing her making an obscene gesture at some float riders. The video, taken Saturday during the Krewe of Tucks parade, shows Cantrell shouting “I love you” to the float, then giving the “the finger.” New Orleans political analyst Clancy Dubos says Tucks floats are often satirical, and this one did rib the mayor, but he says in politics, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen”…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…Mardi Gras parade.”

Cantrell has taken heat lately for lavish travel upgrades at public expense, being allegedly ‘soft on crime” and for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a police officer. Dubos feels the mayor’s digital display during the Tucks parade does nothing to help bolster her sinking approval with taxpayers, and was beneath her position…:

Cut 11 (06)  “…to the office.”

The Mayor’s office released a statement saying the incident was “all in good fun”, but Dubos says her taste and timing are bad as petitioners to recall Cantrell announce they have the 49-thousand signatures needed to get an election. They’ll hand those in tomorrow. Dubos says Cantrell’s behavior is exactly what not to do when a recall is afoot…:

Cut 12 (13) “…sign the petition.”

______________________________________________

Today will be another warm and partly cloudy Mardi Gras. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the weather should be terrific for enjoying parades but wear a sweater if you’re heading out early…:

Cut 13 (11)  “…or low 80′s.”

Keim says warm air coming in off the Gulf of Mexico will make for ideal weather for Fat Tuesday – with temperatures ranging up into the low-to-mid 80s today, but you may find it a bit humid…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…in New Orleans.”

Keim says the warm front coming in for Mardi Gras will remain with us for a few days…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…or mid-80′s.”

Keim says warmer, spring-like weather may stay with us well into next week.

______________________________________________

Top-ranked LSU baseball takes on Southern University this afternoon and second baseman Gavin Dugas is off to a great start. In two games in the sweep over Western Michigan, Dugas was six for eight at the plate and hit two home runs. Dugas says swinging at a bad pitch in the fall led to an eye doctor determining he was nearly blind in his left eye which led to surgery…

Cut  16 (19)  “…fits properly.” 

Dugas could be a big-time cog in an offense that’s expected to be potent.  He’s expecting big things from LSU’s offense…

Cut 17 (18) “…gonna do.” 

______________________

5:30 LRN Newscast Feb 20

New Orleans Police have arrested a man in connection with a shooting that killed one man and injured four others including a four-year-girl and charged him with second-degree murder. It happened around 9:30 last night towards the end of the Krewe of Bacchus Parade. At a press conference this afternoon Acting NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says they’ve arrested Mansour Mbodj.

Cut 3 ongoing. :12

Police are still gathering evidence including surveillance footage from individuals and homes in the area. Woodfork wouldn’t say if it was a targeted attack or if he was the sole gunman, only that he’s been arrested.

Cut 4 with a judge. :08

The ages of the victims range from four years to 24 years old.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire that destroyed the New Friendship Baptist Church in Grant Parish Thursday is not suspicious. SFMO spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says investigators have determined the blaze began in a mechanical room and they are trying to determine if it was electric or weather-related.

Cut 13 (09) “…it is not.” 

Church members plan to rebuild the more than 70-year-old building.

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents have arrested 23-year-old Luis Garcia for allegedly catching and selling over $350-thousand worth of Louisiana oysters. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck (“EYE-kn”) says it the investigation started last November when Garcia, without a license was stopped by agents on Lake Borgne. As for those who purchased the oyster, Einck says none of the customers are being charged, at this time.

Cut 12 (08) “…still under investigation.”

4:30 LRN Newscast Feb 20

One person is dead and four others injured after gunfire erupts on St. Charles Avenue during the Bacchus Parade in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more..:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

There were one or more shooting incidents during the Krewe of Gemini parade in Shreveport Saturday. Details from SPD are scarce, but we do know a teen from Marshall, Texas was shot and killed. The other shooting is unconfirmed at this time, but we are told a person was shot and wounded. Mayor Tom Arceneaux says parades will be safer going forward.

 

A head-on crash in Terrebonne Parish kills two and seriously injures two others. Trooper Ross Brennan says that shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday on Highway 57 near Dulac, Craig and Cookie Boudreaux were traveling south in a Silverado and a Mitsubishi driven by 60-year-old Jorge Hernandez was traveling north…:

CUT 06(13)      “…at the scene.”

Toxicology samples were taken from both drivers – live and dead – to see if impairment played a role in the crash.

In St. Martin Parish a single-vehicle crash killed two Breaux Bridge residents Sunday afternoon. 41-year-old Christopher Thibodeaux and his 16-year-old nephew Carter Potts were both killed. Thibodeaux was NOT wearing a seatbelt, the teen was. Gossen says it’s unknown whether Thibodeaux being unrestrained caused injury to Carter…:

CUT 09(09)      “…is restrained.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team looked good in sweeping Western Michigan this past weekend. The Tigers won the season opener 10-to-0, five to three on Saturday and then nine to two on Sunday. Coach Jay Johnson says it’s a brand of baseball that’s sustainable…
cut 19 (15) “…biggest takeaway”
The Tigers did not commit any errors, gave up five runs and Gavin Dugas hit two home runs and was six for eight at the plate.

The LSU Lady Tigers continue to be ranked fifth in the latest A-P poll after beating Florida 90-79. Jasmine Carson hit a career-high seven three-pointers and finished with 25 points. Coach Kim Mulkey is glad to see Carson step up…
cut 17 (09) “…hitting them”

The LSU men’s basketball team’s losing streak is up to 14 games after losing to South Carolina 82-73 on Saturday. It was only the third SEC win of the season for the Gamecocks. Coach Matt McMahon continues to put the blame on himself for the team’s inability to crack the win column…
cut 29 (29) “…to win”
LSU hosts Vanderbilt on Wednesday.

Tonight. Nicholls basketball hosts Texas A-and-M Commerce. The Colonels are 9-5 in the Southland, while the Lions are 7-and-7.

Louisiana Tech baseball wraps up its series with BYU tonight. The Cougars have won two of the first three games in the series.

3:30 LRN Newscast Feb 20

A 17-year-old from Marshall, Texas was killed by gunfire along the route of the Shreveport Krewe of Gemini Parade. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

Two people were arrested Sunday afternoon after officers found a man shot near a parade route in St. Gabriel. Officers responded to a report of shots fired near Landry and 4th streets, adjacent to a parade route. A man was found on the scene with a gunshot wound. He is now in stable condition. The parade was temporarily halted so first responders could access the scene, but it continued shortly after.

 

One person was killed and four others wounded in a shooting along the Bacchus parade route in uptown New Orleans last night. Gunfire rang out at around 9:30 PM and witnesses say everyone near the scene took cover to avoid getting hit by bullets. NOPD Deputy Chief Hans Ganthier…:

CUT 03(08)      “…that end.”

The victim is A teenage male. Four persons in their 20’s were shot and injured.

Tangipahoa Parish deputies say they have recovered about 40 cellphones stolen by pickpockets in New Orleans. They also found dozens of credit cards, ATM cards and drivers licenses. Four people from Miami, Florida have been arrested. If you lost your phone at Mardi Gras in new Orleans, contact the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.

And Baton Rouge Police seek the person who fired shots into a small local church, during services last night. No one was reported hit.

LRN PM Newscall

One person is dead and four others injured after gunfire erupts on St. Charles Avenue during the Bacchus Parade in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A 17-year-old from Marshall, Texas was killed by gunfire along the route of the Shreveport Krewe of Gemini Parade. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

One person was killed and four others wounded in a shooting along the Bacchus parade route in uptown New Orleans last night. Gunfire rang out at around 9:30 PM and witnesses say everyone near the scene took cover to avoid getting hit by bullets. NOPD Deputy Chief Hans Ganthier (GAHN-the-a)….

Cut 3 (08) “…that end” 

Authorities say the person who was fatally shot is a male between the ages of 15 and 18 years old. The four victims treated and released ranged in age from a four-year-old girl to 24-year-old female.

N-O-P-D Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says a suspected shooter, a 21-year-old male, has been arrested….

Cut  4 (11)  “…from the scene” 

The person arrested is Mansour Mbodj.

Woodfork says they are conducting ballistic testing to see if he was the shooter or were there multiple gunmen. She says they are also trying to determine if he was the sole shooter and they do not know what sparked the shooting…

Cut 5 (09) “…out there”

_______________________________________________

A head-on crash in Terrebonne Parish kills two and seriously injures two others. Trooper Ross Brennan says that shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday on Highway 57 near Dulac, Craig and Cookie Boudreaux were traveling south in a Silverado and a Mitsubishi driven by 60-year-old Jorge Hernandez was traveling north.

Cut 6 (13)  “…at the scene.” 

Hernandez and his passenger were taken to a New Orleans area hospital for treatment. Brennan says toxicology samples were collected from both drivers. As for Hernandez’s intended destination…

Cut 7 (07)  “…this moment.” 

All involved were residents of Houma. (50-year-old Craig Boudreaux and 49-year-old Cookie Boudreaux)

______________________________________

In St. Martin Parish a single-vehicle crash killed two Breaux Bridge residents. Trooper Thomas Gossen says that shortly after 1 p.m. they were notified of the crash on State Highway 328 Sunday. He says the driver 41-year-old Christopher Thibodeaux and his 16-year-old nephew Carter Potts were both killed.

Cut 8 (08)  “…overturn.” 

Gossen says Thibodeaux not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. Carter however was restrained. Gossen says it’s unknown whether Thibodeaux being unrestrained caused injury to Carter.

Cut 9 (09) “…is restrained.”

A toxicology sample was taken from the driver and the crash remains under investigation.

______________________________________

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents arrest a man they say illegally caught and sold over $350-thousand in Louisiana oysters. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck (“EYE-kn”) says it started last November, with 23-year-old Luis Garcia being stopped by agents on Lake Borgne for a routine license check…:

Cut 10 (06) “…for Louisiana.” 

That led to an investigation that uncovered Garcia’s entire 2022 catch was taken illegally. Einck says it was a good season for Garcia, too…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…354-thousand dollars.”

Einck says this was not a case of an expired oyster fisherman’s license. Garcia has never held a Louisiana license, he is not a legal resident of Louisiana or the U.S. and was operating completely rogue. What of the oysters he sold? Einck says none of Garcia’s customers are being charged, at this time…:

Cut 12 (08) “…still under investigation.”

Garcia’s 2022 haul was 5915 sacks of oysters, valued at just over $354-thousand. If convicted, Garcia could get 90 days in jail, and a $500 fine, but he could also be subject to civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally sold oysters.

_______________________________________

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire that destroyed the New Friendship Baptist Church in Grant Parish Thursday is not suspicious. SFMO spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says investigators have determined the blaze began in a mechanical room and they are trying to determine if it was electrical or weather-related.

Cut 13 (09) “…it is not.” 

No one was injured in the fire and Rodrigue says the more than 70-year-old building in Pollock was a complete loss. She says when the 911 call came in it was early enough that the local fire department was able to respond when the blaze was contained to one part of the building.

Cut 14 (06)   “… the majority of the building.”

A worship service was held on the church grounds under a tent Sunday, and members reportedly plan to rebuild.

2:30 LRN Newscast Feb 20

New Orleans Police arrest a 21-year-old for shooting and killing one and injuring 4 during last night’s Krewe of Bacchus parade. Acting NOPD Superintendent Michelle Woodfork says the suspect is Manour Mbodj. She says now they are working to see if he acted alone, and what sparked the gunfire…:

CUT 05(09)      “…happened out there.”

A head-on crash in Terrebonne Parish kills two and seriously injures two others. Trooper Ross Brennan says an SUV crossed the center line on Highway 57 near Dulac Sunday; killing Craig and Cookie Boudreaux when it hit their pickup. The driver of the SUV, Jorge Hernandez, and his passenger were badly hurt…:

CUT 07(07)      “…at this moment.”

All four persons involved in the crash are from Houma.

 

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire that destroyed the New Friendship Baptist Church in Grant Parish last Thursday is not of suspicious origin. Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the fire started in a mechanical room, and was probably electrical, but they are investigating. She says when firefighters arrived, flames were contained to one part of the 70-year-old structure…:

CUT 14(06)      “…of the building.”

A total loss. Members says they will rebuild.

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents bust a man for illegally catching over $300-thousand in Louisiana oysters. Agents first discovered Luis Garcia had no commercial fishing license last November, and – after their i9bnvestigation – they arrested him last week. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says Garcia took a lot of oysters…:

CUT 11(07)      “…thousand dollars.”

Though his jail time and fine may be not-so-large, Garcia could he held subject to civil restitution for the replacement value of the illegally sold oysters.

1:30 LRN Newscast Feb 20

One person is dead and four others injured after gunfire erupts on St. Charles Avenue during the Bacchus Parade in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

Two Breaux Bridge men died Sunday in a single-vehicle crash on state Highway 328 in St. Martin Parish. State Police say the driver was not buckled in, and was ejected from the vehicle as it left the roadway and rolled. The passengers was belted, but sustained fatal injuries. 41-year-old Chris Thibodeaux and his nephew Carter Potts, just 16.

 

State Wildlife & Fisheries agents arrest a man they say illegally caught and sold over $350-thousand in Louisiana oysters. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says it started last November, with 23-year-old Luis Garcia being stopped by agents on Lake Borgne for a routine license check…:

CUT 10(06)      “…for Louisiana”

That meant his entire 2022 catch was illegally-taken; over 5900 sacks of oysters, valued at just over $354-thousand. Einck says he could be held legally responsible for the money he took from the legal oyster trade.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire that destroyed the New Friendship Baptist Church in Grant Parish Thursday is not suspicious. SFMO spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says investigators have determined the blaze began in a mechanical room and they are trying to determine if it was electrical or weather-related…:

CUT 13(09)      “…it is not.”

A worship service was held on the church grounds under a tent Sunday. Members says they will rebuild.