The city council president in New Orleans is blasting Mayor Latoya Cantrell for attending a mayor’s conference in Washington D.C., despite a city-wide travel ban for all nonessential travel.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

If a bear hunting season for 2025 gets the green light, it will be bigger than last year’s. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell criticized Mayor LaToya Cantrell for violating a travel ban by attending the Yale Mayor’s College Conference in Washington, D.C.

Cut 3 (14) “…claim we have”

The ban, which will be in effect until at least the end of April, prohibits non-essential travel and related expenses. Morrell’s letter argues that pre-approved travel is not exempt, as the ordinance even includes provisions for reimbursing canceled trips. He demands a full accounting of any expenses incurred.

Cut 4 (11) “…people from Yale.”

The city claims the conference was scheduled before the ban and asserts no costs will be incurred. The controversy arises amid financial concerns and scrutiny of the mayor’s travel. Morrell’s letter condemns the mayor’s actions, arguing she should prioritize financial discipline.

Cut 5 (14) “…law went into effect.”

In response, the city defends the trip as beneficial for leadership development and dismisses criticism as divisive.

______________________________________________________________

There could be another black bear hunting season this winter, and this one would be even bigger than last year’s. John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says the department is looking to open up two additional bear areas along with Bear Area 4 in northeast Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “…Terrebonne, Iberia.”

Hanks says the number of tags would go up. Last year, there were ten tags available in Area 4. That would go up to 14 in Area 4, along with eight in Area 1 and three in Area 2. And just like last year, there would be a lottery for those tags, and the odds will be quite long.

Cut 7 (11) “…for those permits.”

Hanks says the growing bear population is making it possible to have a bear hunting season.

Cut 8 (11) “…are excess animals.”

If approved, the bear hunting season would run from December 6th to the 21st. The department will accept written public comment through May 1st.

______________________________________________________________

Three suspects are now under arrest in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Kyle Thurman was arrested in Port Allen yesterday, and Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean (ELL-jeen) McKneely says police had expected Thurman to turn himself in as well.

Cut 9 (06)  “…this past Friday.”

Lieutenant McKneely says, however, that never materialized.

Cut 10 (09) “…to apprehend him”

23-year-old Caleb McCray turned himself in last Friday. Investigators say Wilson died after being punched in the stomach during a hazing ritual with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. McKneely says it’s possible that more arrests could be forthcoming.

Cut 11 (09) “…have been arrested.”

___________________________________________________________

Saints Coach Kellen Moore says he’s excited to work with quarterback Derek Carr as the 33-year-old signal caller is staying in New Orleans. Moore says he had a good conversation with Carr before he agreed to a restructured contract….

Cut 12 (12) “…going to provide”

At his introductory press conference, Moore said he was looking forward to going through a process to determine if Carr should return for a third season. Moore says it didn’t take long to determine that Carr should be the quarterback to lead the team in 2025…

Cut 13 (10)  “…special ways.”

Carr’s contract was restructured over the weekend, converting part of the contract to a signing bonus. The move saves the Saints 30-million dollars in salary cap space, and it means Carr will get his full 40-million dollars in salary for 2025. Moore is glad Carr will be with the Black and Gold in 2025…

Cut 14 (07) “…good situation.”

The Saints have also restructured the contracts of guard Cesar Ruiz, defensive end Carl Granderson and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, giving the team 13-million dollars in salary cap space.

A third suspect wanted in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson has surrendered. Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. Smith along with 23-year-old Caleb McCray and Kyle Thurman are facing felony charges for their role in Wilson’s death last month. Authorities say Wilson died after being punched in the stomach during a hazing ritual with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. McCray was arrested late last week, and Thurman was arrested by Baton Rouge Police and U.S. marshals yesterday.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s trip to Washington, DC, amid a city-imposed travel ban is not sitting well with the president of the city council. J.P. Morrell is demanding a full accounting of any expenses incurred by Cantrell during her trip.

Cut 4 (11) “…people from Yale.”

The unanimously-approved travel ban runs through at least the end of next month.

There could be another black bear hunting season this winter, and this one would be even bigger than last year’s. The department is looking to expand the areas to include much of South Louisiana.  John Hanks, the large carnivore program manager at the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, says the number of tags would go up from 11 to 26 – but your odds of scoring one would be quite long.

Cut 7 (11) “…for those permits.”

If approved, the bear hunting season would run from December 6th to the 21st. The department will accept written public comment through May 1st.

And now, a look at today’s commodities.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says property insurance reforms in Louisiana are working. Temple says since the legislature passed his package of property insurance reform bills last year, many property insurance premiums are no longer skyrocketing.

Cut 12 (09) “…are coming down.”

Not only that, Temple says some insurers are starting to file rate decreases. He says since last year, his department has licensed ten new insurers.

The lease for the temporary housing facility in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood that housed homeless people during the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras will be extended on a week-to-week basis. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says there are far fewer people in the transitional center today.

Cut 8 (09) “…down to 78.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has pardoned a crawfish today. It’s part of an unofficial kickoff to crawfish season here in Louisiana. 

Cut 4 (12) “…here in Louisiana.”

The crawfish is named Pat Huval, after the late former mayor of Henderson, just east of Lafayette, and the namesake of Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant, where the ceremony took place. The crawfish is being given a police escort to a state park, where he will live the rest of his life, while his family will be boiled and eaten.

New Orleans native Quannas White, the current associate head coach at the University of Houston, has been named the new head coach of the U-L Lafayette men’s basketball team. The Advocate’s Kevin Foote says it’s a huge win for the Ragin’ Cajuns program.

Cut 14 (10) “…great hire.”

One lucky crawfish will be treated like royalty as he will have his life spared this morning. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says property insurance reforms are working. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

New Orleans native Quannas White, the current associate head coach at the University of Houston, has been named the 15th head coach of the U-L Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

______________________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be pardoning a crawfish today. This is the ninth year he has taken part in the ritual as part of an unofficial kickoff to crawfish season in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (12) “…here in Louisiana.”

The ceremony will be held this morning at nine at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant in Henderson, just east of Lafayette in St. Martin Parish. Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says the pardoned crawfish will be given the name of the restaurant’s founder and namesake.

Cut 5 (07) “…Wharf and Restaurant.”

Nungesser says the crawfish to be named Pat Huval will be treated like royalty.

Cut 6 (09) “…beautiful state parks.”

The pardoned crawfish’s family, on the other hand, won’t be as lucky. Nungesser says they will be boiled alive.

______________________________________________________

The lease for the temporary housing facility in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood that housed homeless people during the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras expires today, but it will remain open for the time being. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says they’re going to extend the lease of the facility on France Road as long as necessary in short chunks.

Cut 7 (06) “…week by week basis.”

Steele says there are far fewer people in the transitional center today.

Cut 8 (09) “…down to 78.”

The transitional center was designed to be more than simply a roof over people’s heads. It also involved transportation services to and from jobs or medical appointments, job placement services and counseling services. Steele says the mission has been a success.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to self-vacate.”

______________________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says property insurance reforms in Louisiana are working. Temple says since the legislature passed his package of property insurance reform bills last year, rates are starting to trend in the right direction.

Cut 10 (09) “…overall reinsurance market.”

Temple says the Department of Insurance has licensed ten new insurers since the start of last year’s session. He says while there’s still a ways to go, Louisiana is seeing benefits of reform faster than one of its Gulf Coast neighbors.

Cut 11 (08) “…seeing the impact.”

Temple says another factor in the change in the property insurance trend is the fortified roofs program, which he says has many more benefits than one.

Cut 12 (08) “…to stay dry.”

______________________________________________________

New Orleans native Quannas White, the current associate head coach at the University of Houston, has been named the 15th head coach of the U-L Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns men’s basketball team. The Advocate’s Kevin Foote says White was the obvious choice.

Cut 13 (13)  “…graduated at St. Aug.”

Under mentor Kelvin Sampson, White played a key role in Houston’s success, contributing to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a 235-43 overall record. As a player at Oklahoma, White helped lead the Sooners to the 2002 Final Four. His coaching career includes stints at Western Kentucky and Tulane. Foote says the question was, would White take the job?

Cut 14 (10) “…great hire.”

Foote says he thinks White will be well accepted, but he does have a lot of work to do.  Especially if he plans on bringing Houston’s strategies and schemes to U-L Lafayette.

Cut 15 (09) “…recruit for that.”

______________________________________________________

The Saints have a new coaching staff for 2025, led by Head Coach Kellen Moore. This is the 36-year-old’s first head coaching job in the NFL. He was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles last season, helping them win Super Bowl 59. Moore says he’s working to build relationships with both his players and his fellow coaches.

Cut 16 (21) “…up as well.”

Moore’s two coordinators are coaches that he had worked with in the past. Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier was the Eagles quarterbacks coach last season. He says his experience in Philadelphia was amazing, especially how it culminated.

Cut 17 (16)  “…been blessed.”

In 2023, Brandon Staley was the head coach of the Chargers, and Moore was his offensive coordinator. In New Orleans, the spots on the organizational chart are flip-flopped, with Staley now serving as Moore’s defensive coordinator. Staley says Moore is the real deal as a coach.

Cut 18 (15)  “…just really special.”

A work release inmate who walked off the job is captured. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says 22-year-old Taegan Howarth was caught in St. Tammany Parish. Ashley Rodrigue with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says the work release program is a Department of Corrections program, and Howarth is not the first to walk off the job since Gerald Sticker became sheriff last year.

Cut 11 (09) “…about two hours.”

Former Louisiana First Lady Alice Foster passed away last Thursday at 84, in her historic home, Oaklawn Manor, in St. Mary Parish. She was the wife of former Governor Mike Foster for 40 years until his passing in 2020.  Former Foster Press Secretary Marsanne Golsby says Alice Foster was an amazing woman.

Cut 12 (13) “…both of them.”

Daylight Saving Time is again sparking debate on its effects and whether it should be abolished. While opinions vary, experts agree that clock changes impact health, particularly by disrupting sleep. Dr. Rahn Bailey with LSU Health New Orleans says losing an hour during the “spring forward” transition affects biological clocks, reducing morning sunlight exposure and delaying sleep schedules.

Cut 3 (14) “…than earlier thought” 

A legendary North Louisiana high school football coach has passed away. Red Franklin was the head football coach at Haynesville High School for 35 years, winning 11 state championships. Franklin’s son, David, says his father arrived at the school during integration.

Cut 6 (10) “…our town together.”

Many people are feeling the effects of Daylight Saving Time. Sean Richardson has more on how to catch up on your lost sleep.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

___________________________________________________

A legendary high school football coach has passed away. Andrew Greenstein has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

___________________________________________________

Daylight Saving Time is again sparking debate on its effects and whether it should be abolished. While opinions vary, experts agree that clock changes impact health, particularly by disrupting sleep. Dr. Rahn Bailey with LSU Health New Orleans says losing an hour during the “spring forward” transition affects biological clocks, reducing morning sunlight exposure and delaying sleep schedules.

Cut 3 (14) “…than earlier thought”

Bailey emphasizes the importance of routine for melatonin regulation, cognitive function, and mental well-being, and the time change can throw that off for days.

Cut 4 (14) “…those particular times.”

Bailey also notes that shift workers are impacted by this change more than most.

Cut 5 (12) “…is key.”

______________________________________________________________

A legendary North Louisiana high school football coach has passed away. Alton Franklin, affectionately known as “Red,” passed away over the weekend at the age of 89. Franklin was the head football coach at Haynesville High School for 35 years, winning 11 state championships along the way. Franklin’s son, David – the current head coach for the Haynesville Golden Tornadoes – says his father arrived at the school during integration, and he helped the community come together as one.

Cut 6 (10) “…our town together.”

David Franklin says his father was not only the head coach of his players, but he was also their mentor in both football and life.

Cut 7 (08) “…itself after that.”

David Franklin says his father was quite the disciplinarian – both on the football field and at home.

Cut 8 (05) “…do what was right.”

Red Franklin was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame in 2010.

______________________________________________________________

Be on the lookout for a work release inmate on the loose. 22-year-old Taegan Howarth walked off the job Friday evening. Ashley Rodrigue with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says Howarth was working for a company in St. James Parish.

Cut 9 (12)  “…around 6:30 p.m.”

Haworth is serving time in Tangipahoa Parish for battery, along with drug and weapons charges. He was last seen in Convent wearing a yellow vest and a white hard hat. Rodrigue is urging you to be on the lookout for him.

Cut 10 (14) “…out for Howarth.”

Rodrigue says the work release program is a Department of Corrections program, and Howarth is not the first to walk off the job since Gerald Sticker became sheriff last year.

Cut 11 (09) “…about two hours.”

___________________________________________________________

Former Louisiana First Lady Alice Foster passed away last Thursday at her historic home, Oaklawn Manor, in St. Mary Parish. She was the wife of former Governor Murphy “Mike” Foster for 40 years until his passing in 2020.  Former Press Secretary for Governor Foster, Marsanne Golsby, says she was an amazing woman.

Cut 12 (13) “…both of them.”

During her tenure as first lady, Alice Foster championed numerous causes, including The Governor’s Mansion Foundation, Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Breast Cancer Awareness. However, Golsby says her legacy extended beyond her public service, as she was remembered for her strong values, loyalty, and grace.

Cut 13 (14)  “…better boss.”

Golsby says her and the governor had a strong relationship that complemented each other and says she helped make the governor who he was as a leader.

Cut 14 (12) “…nerves of steel.”

Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Franklin on Wednesday at noon.

Be on the lookout for a work release inmate on the loose. 22-year-old Taegan Howarth walked off the job Friday evening. Ashley Rodrigue with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says Howarth was working for a company in St. James Parish.

Cut 9 (12)  “…around 6:30 p.m.”

Haworth was last seen wearing a yellow vest and a white hard hat.

A legendary North Louisiana high school football coach has passed away. Alton Franklin, affectionately known as “Red,” was the head football coach at Haynesville High School for 35 years, winning 11 state championships. Franklin’s son, David – the current head coach for the Haynesville Golden Tornadoes – says his father arrived at the school during integration.

Cut 6 (10) “…our town together.”

Many people are feeling the effects of Daylight Saving Time. Sean Richardson has more on how to catch up on your lost sleep.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Early voting starts this Saturday in the state constitutional amendment election. You’ll be voting on four amendments, including Amendment 2, which for all intents and purposes rewrites Article 7 of the state constitution. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says it codifies some changes in the tax laws that the legislature passed in the special session last November.

Cut 7 (14) “…make every year.”

The new Central Louisiana State Hospital in Pineville is unveiled, designed for patients with severe mental illnesses. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson says the facility is needed because far fewer beds are currently available.

Cut 10 (15) “…two-thousand patients.”

Natchitoches Parish is bracing for the upcoming closure of the International Paper mill in Campti. Colleen Crain has an update.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The LSU baseball team now has an 11-game winning streak after sweeping North Alabama this weekend. The Tigers are now 16-and-1 on the season as they get set to open SEC play. The LSU women’s basketball team, meanwhile, lost in the SEC Tournament semifinals to Texas.

The International Paper mill in Campti is set to close next month, with more than 400 workers affected. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOO-zhwah) says the closure of the plant means a major loss of tax revenue for Natchitoches Parish, so the state is looking at ways to repurpose the plant’s site.

Cut 6 (12) “…site from them (2x).”

Two big basketball tournaments are being held in Lake Charles this week. At McNeese’s Legacy Center, the Southland Basketball Tournament got underway yesterday. Eric Zartler, the executive director of the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority, says locals who want to see the McNeese men play will have to wait until tomorrow, with the Cowboys earning a double bye as the tournament’s top seed.

Cut 14 (12) “…six o’clock.”

Today, the Boys’ Marsh Madness Basketball Championships get underway at the Burton Complex, with scores of high school basketball fans coming from all over the state.

There’s a new Central Louisiana State Hospital in Pineville, a modern facility designed for up to 116 patients with severe mental illnesses. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The suspect in the deadly Mardi Gras concert shooting in Mamou is captured. 19-year-old Trea’land Ty’rell Castille was found hiding in an apartment complex in Montgomery County, Texas, just north of Houston. Two people were killed and several others were hurt in the shooting. Castille is facing numerous charges, including two counts of first-degree murder. He’s being held without bond and is awaiting extradition.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is in Washington, DC, attending the annual Yale Mayor’s College Conference. It comes amid a city council-imposed travel ban, prohibiting all non-essential travel by city officials and employees through at least April amid a financial crisis. Mayor Cantrell’s office says the trip was scheduled well before the city council unanimously passed the travel ban. 

Early voting starts this Saturday in the state constitutional amendment election. You’ll be voting on four amendments, including Amendment 2, which for all intents and purposes rewrites Article 7 of the state constitution. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says the passing of Amendment 2 is necessary in order to achieve the objectives of the new tax law.

Cut 9 (09)  “…functions of government.”

Early voting runs through March 22nd, and Election Day is March 29th.

Be on the lookout for a work release inmate on the loose. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office says 22-year-old Taegan Howarth walked off the job Friday evening after being terminated. Haworth is serving time for battery, along with drug and weapons charges. He was last seen in Convent wearing a yellow vest and a white hard hat.

Lake Charles is a basketball mecca this week, with two tournaments being held in the city. The Southland Conference men’s and women’s basketball championship tournaments started yesterday at McNeese’s Legacy Center, and the Boys’ Marsh Madness Basketball Championships get underway at the Burton Complex today. Eric Zartler, the executive director of the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority, says it’s going to be a huge economic boost for the region.

Cut 13 (07)  “…three-million dollars.”

The Southland women’s championship will take place Wednesday, with the men’s championship the following night. The high school champions will be crowned Friday and Saturday.