8:30 LRN Newscast

Was you phone stolen during Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans? Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff deputies have discovered 282 stolen phones at short-term rental complex in the Tickfaw Area. Chief Jimmy Travis says they arrested four individuals and found more than 160 cell phones on Sunday and then made a second round of arrests on Monday…
cut 6 (08) “…be stolen”
Travis says they are working to determine the phone numbers for the stolen devices and posting those numbers on the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Facebook page.

This afternoon organizers of an effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell will turn over what they say are the necessary number of signatures needed to force a recall election. Vice chair of the recall effort Eileen Carter says the residents of New Orleans are fed up with Cantrell’s administration…
cut 15 (08) “…your job”
Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau has once again filed a bill that would prohibit auto insurance companies from setting rates based on the gender of the driver. Luneau’s legislation has yet to receive legislative support..
cut 12 (10) “…insurance rates”
Luneau says there are no competent studies that indicate females are worse drivers.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten Season. Many Catholics will stay away from eating meat today and Fridays during the Lenten Season. Gulf Seafood Institute chairman Harlon Pearce says whatever you prefer, you’ll have no trouble finding your seafood favorites…:
Cut 9 (07) “…to go around.”
Pearce says wild-caught catfish is “exploding”, crawfish are big and abundant and crabs are about to start coming ready to harvest.

7:30 LRN Newscasts

Organizers say they’ve garnered enough signatures to force a recall election to oust New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Teiko Foxx reports today is the deadline to turn over the signatures to the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

LSU’s leading receiver last season Malik Nabers is facing gun charges. Records show he was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail on a charge of illegal carrying of a weapon. The LSU athletics department says they are aware of the arrest and working to gather more information. Last season, Nabers caught 72 passes for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns.

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is once again looking to pass legislation to prohibit auto insurance companies from using gender as a factor in setting rates. Luneau says over the years they’ve found some providers charge females more than they do male drivers.
Cut 10 (12) “…than males.”
Luneau has a bill filed for the upcoming regular season. Last year it failed to get out of committee.

Hundreds of smart phones were stolen from revelers in New Orleans and many of them have been found at an apartment complex in the Tickfaw areas. Tangiaphoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says the suspects are part of an organized crime group that came to Louisiana to take advantage of Carnival…
cut 4 (10) “…United States”
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has on its Facebook page the phone numbers of the phones they’ve recovered.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball fell behind four to nothing to Southern yesterday, but Tre Morgan and the Tigers roared back for a 18-4 win over the Jaguars. Morgan hit for the cycle and he did it in order, capping it off with a three run home run in the sixth….
cut 16 (23) “…day Tre”
That’s the Chris Blair of the LSU Sports Radio Network. LSU is 4-0 and they’ll play Kansas State Friday afternoon at the Round Rock Classic in Texas.

In other action, ninth ranked Arkansas outscored Grambling nine to seven. Southeastern Louisiana clobbered Jackson State 19 to 0 as the Lions are 5-0. Northwestern State edged LSU-A five to four and Sam Houston slammed McNeese 18-6.

LSU’s leading receiver last season Malik Nabers is facing a weapons’ charge after he was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail on a charge of illegal carrying of a weapon. Nabers was released Tuesday morning and not required to post bond. He caught 72 passes for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns last season.

LSU Special Teams Coordinator Brian Polian is reportedly transitioning to an off-the field role. Polian a longtime assistant for head coach Brian Kelly will move into a GM style role according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The Tigers struggled on special teams last season and Kelly is looking for a new coach.

Could we see new rules for college football designed to reduce the number of plays, which will lead to shorter games? Sports Illustrated Ross Dellenger reports college football executives are looking at several proposals including no longer stopping the clock after a first down and an incomplete pass.

6:30 LRN Newscast

At least 49,976 signatures will be submitted to the Orleans Parish Registrar of voter’s office today to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Cantrell, the first black woman elected as Mayor of New Orleans, has faced constant accusations and impropriety while in office. Vice Chair of the No-Latoya Recall, Eileen Carter, says the time is now to be held accountable.
Cut 13 (10) “…to deliver.”

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff deputies arrest eleven members of a Colombian Theft Ring for stealing at least 282 cell phones taken from individuals who were enjoying Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans. Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says the phones were found at an apartment complex in Tickfaw…
cut 5 (08) “…to a brick”
Travis believes the thieves were preparing to ship the phones out of the country.

With the start of 40 days of Lent, we look in on the Louisiana seafood industry. How ready are they for the additional demand…?
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Windy and warm today and rain chances are above 50-percent in north Louisiana.

Updated LRN AM Newscall cut 4 should say Tangiaphoa Parish deputies

With the start of 40 days of Lent, we look in on the Louisiana seafood industry. How ready are they for the additional demand…?

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

_______________________________________________

Alexandria Representative Jay Luneau is hoping this year lawmakers will approve his legislation to keep auto insurers from discriminating against females by charging them more. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

A recall petition has garnered enough signatures to oust New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

_____________________________________________

Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish make numerous arrests of what they say are a gang of pickpockets and cell phone thieves; here to prey on Mardi Gras visitors. Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says they received a text tip and tracked a stolen phone to a short-term rental in the Tickfaw area. That led to four persons being arrested, and 40 phones being recovered. He says two days later they arrested 7 more people and seized over 100 more phones. Travis says all the suspects were living in Miami and were an organized group that came to Louisiana to take advantage of Carnival…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…in the United States.”

Travis says deputies discovered the first stash of stolen phones in a box that was sealed up and ready to be shipped somewhere…:

Cut 5 (11) “…phones to a brick.”

Travis says, only days later, they followed another lead to another Air BNB and found more suspected pickpockets and a bigger stash of stolen phones…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…to be stolen.” 

Travis says they are working to determine each phone’s number, and they are posting those on the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Facebook page, so victims may hopefully reclaim their stolen phones.

_____________________________________________

Lent begins today, and many Louisianans will be eating mostly seafood for the next 40 days (or more.) How is the state’s seafood industry shaping up to meet the demand? Gulf Seafood Institute chairman and owner Harlon’s LA Fish, in Kenner. Harlon Pearce…:

Cut 7 (04) “…great year coming up.”

Pearce says he and fellow seafood professionals are excited for what looks to be an abundant year ahead. He says the seemingly early arrival of spring is a good thing for the seafood industry…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…in full swing.”

Pearce says wild-caught catfish is “exploding” right now, crawfish are big and abundant and crabs are about to start coming ready to harvest. He says whatever you prefer, you’ll have no trouble finding your seafood favorites at the market and restaurants…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…to go around.”

_______________________________________________

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is hoping the second time is the charm as he reintroduces legislation to keep auto insurance companies from unfairly discriminating price-wise against one’s gender. Luneau says over the years they’ve found some providers charge females more than they do male drivers.

Cut 10 (12)  “…than males.”

Last time the bill failed to make it out of committee. Luneau says some members opposed the legislation believing it would cause insurance rates for men to increase.

Cut 11 (05)  “…that way.”

The Alexandria Democrat says a few years ago an insurance actuary priced insurance for fictitious persons by the name of Chris.  Same address, and the same kind of car, the female Chris paid more than the male Chris. Even when it was added that the male Chris had a DUI, his rate was still less than the females.

Luneau says it’s really hard to get some legislators to consider the cost involved in paying for coverage and that it could be a product of the insurance company as well as any other factor.

Cut 12 (10) “…insurance rates.”

The regular legislative session begins on April 10th.

______________________________________________

On the day of prayer and fasting – Ash Wednesday 49,976 signatures will be submitted to the Orleans Parish Registrar of voter’s office to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Cantrell, the first black woman elected as Mayor of New Orleans, has faced constant accusations and impropriety while in office. Vice Chair of Nolatoya Recall, Eileen Carter, says the time is now to be held accountable.

Cut 13 (10) “…a good thing.” 

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards will issue an election proclamation once the petition is certified. Carter says

Cut 14 (07)  “…can do.”

Cantrell recently went viral for making an obscene gesture at float riders in the Krewe of Tucks parade. Carter says the city is not expecting perfection – just do the right thing.

Cut 15 (08)  “…your job.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s leading receiver last season Malik Nabers has been arrested on gun charges. Records show he was booked into the Orleans Parish Jail early this morning on a charge of illegal carrying of a weapon. The LSU athletics department tells WAFB-TV they are aware of the arrest and working to gather more information. Last season, Nabers caught 72 passes for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns.

LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly is reportedly making a change with his special teams coordinator. Multiple reports say Brian Polian will transition to an off-field role. LSU special teams units were frustrating to watch in 2022 as they had trouble staying away from penalties, different guys mishandled punts and two blocked kicks cost LSU the season opener against Florida State.

Ross Dellenger at Sports Illustrated is reporting college football executives are looking at making changes in an effort to reduce plays in games for safety and game length reasons. Dellenger reports one proposal that seems to have wide support is keeping the clock running after a first down.

After visiting the Jets over the weekend, free agent quarterback Derek Carr is still not in a rush to sign with a team. It’s been reported Carr had a good visit with the Jets, but his brother, David Carr, told the NFL Network that Derek is expected to take more visits and that this is a long process. The Saints met with Carr before the Raiders released the four-time Pro Bowler.

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 and tied with Southeastern for third place.

Tomorrow night, LSU men’s basketball will try to end a game 14-game losing streak as the Tigers host Vanderbilt. The Commodores are on a roll as they’ve won five in a row. Tip off is at 6 PM.

LSU’s Angel Reese has been named SEC Player of the Week for a sixth consecutive time which is a new record for the league. Reese is averaging 24 points and 16 rebounds a game. The Lady Tigers are at Vandy on Thursday.

LRN PM Newscall February 21

Detectives in Vernon Parish are asking the public for help with a 33-year-old cold case of a teen that disappeared. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

It’s Fat Tuesday one of the more joyous days out of the year in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

It was 33 years ago when 15-year-old Tammy Call disappeared from Leesville High School and seven years later, her remains were found in the Sandy Hill area. On the anniversary of her disappearance, Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft made a post on social media to encourage anyone with information to contact them.

Cut 3 (12) “…they may know.” 

He says one clue could help them find a break in this cold case.

It was February 20, 1990, that Call was last seen on Highway 171, a Thursday morning, leaving school, just blocks away from Leesville High. Craft says they later located her book bag but ever since they’ve had very few clues to go on.

Cut  4 (12)  “…happened to her” 

Then seven years after her disappearance a hunter reportedly found human remains. Craft says they were discovered in the Fort Polk area.

Cut 5 (12) “…suspicious at the time.”

If you have any information you’re asked to call the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and also asked to share their Facebook post about the cold case.

_______________________________________________

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 across south Louisiana. In New Orleans, the party will go until midnight and these revelers on historic St. Charles Avenue are ready….

Cut 6 (06)  “…never enough” 

You could not ask for a better Mardi Gras weather wise. Warm temperatures and no rain and these parade goers are enjoying the day….

Cut 7 (07)  “..celebrating life” 

Mardi Gras celebrations attract visitors from around the world. These folks from Texas are enjoying their first Fat Tuesday in the Big Easy…

Cut 8 (08)  “…overturn.” 

Today is the last day of parades until next January. It will be an early Mardi Gras in 2024 as Fat Tuesday next year is February 13th.

_______________________________________________

Authorities have arrested a 19-year-old in connection with the Sunday night shooting death of a person in the Coteau area. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Katherine Breaux says Caiden Sheridan was arrested by Lake Charles police Monday evening.

Cut 9 (08) “…second-degree murder.”

Breaux says it was 7 PM Sunday they received a call about a shooting in the 3400 block of General Patton Street.

Cut 10 (11) “…on foot.” 

The victim has now been identified as 19-year-old Ashton Money, of Broussard.

______________________________________

Shreveport Police and Louisiana State Police have been fast and transparent in the recent officer-involved shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley; releasing body cam footage & other evidence to the public quickly. This contrasts with the 2019 case of Ronald Greene, wherein body cam footage was suppressed for over a year, before it leaked to the public. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Franz Borghardt says there’s no comparison…:

Cut 11 (13)  “…apples and papayas.”

Borhardt can only speculate, but says quite possibly lessons learned from the Greene case have inspired law enforcement to be more forthcoming with information going forward. He says there is a risk involved in being too transparent with ongoing case information, though…:

Cut 12 (13) “…as to guilt.”

Those accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in court. Shreveport Police Officer Alexander Tyler has been charged with negligent homicide in Bagley’s death. Borghardt says, in this case, releasing the body cam video was the right choice…:

Cut 13 (10) “…a good thing.” 

_____________________

11:40 LRN Sportscast

ESPN reporting LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly is moving special teams and recruiting coordinator Brian Polian to an off the field role on the staff. The Tigers special teams unit struggled last season as they struggled handling punts, there were penalties and two blocked kicks cost them the season opener against Florida State.

Ross Dellenger at Sports Illustrated is reporting there’s discussion of rule changes for college football that would shorten games in an effort to reduce the number of plays. Dellenger reports there are proposals that call for the clock to continue to run after first downs and incomplete passes.

After visiting the Jets over the weekend, free agent quarterback Derek Carr is still not in a rush to to sign with a team. It’s been reported Carr had a good visit with the Jets, but hsi brother, David Carr, told the NFL Network that Derek is expected to take more visits and that this is a long process. The Saints met with Carr before the Raiders released the four-time Pro Bowler.

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 and the Tigers take on the Jaguars at 2 PM today.

Last night, Louisiana Tech defeated B-Y-U 10 to 2 to even up a four-game series with the Bulldogs. Brody Drost and Philip Matulia each drove in three runs. Ethan Bates struck out five to earn the win in relief.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The organizers of an effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell say they have enough signatures for the Secretary of State’s Office to schedule a recall vote. Cantrell’s latest controversy involves her flipping off a Mardi Gras float poking fun at her alleged affair. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Cantrell’s behavior is exactly what not to do when a recall is a foot…
cut 12 (13) “….sign the petition”
The deadline to secure more than 49-thousand signatures is tomorrow.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his great aunt, Aminte Nungesser, was one of the first woman to walk in a Mardi Gras Parade some 106 years ago. Nungesser is proud that his family started this tradition…
cut 6 (08) “….those throws”
Aminthe Nungesser helped start the Krewe of Iris and also captained the Krewe of Venus.

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”

In Vernon Parish, the sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help in solving a cold case. The remains of 15-year-old Tammy Call were located in February 1997 on West Boundary Road in the Area of Sandy Hill on Highway 10. She disappeared from Leesville High School on February 20th, 1990. Anyone with information is urged to call the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.

8:30 LRN Newscast

It’s Mardi Gras Day and a day of revelry that will feature numerous parades across south Louisiana. In Mamou and Church Point, revelers will chase chickens as part of the traditional Mardi Gras celebration. City of Eunice Events Coordinator, Courtney Elkins, says the chasing of chickens is a tradition everyone loves to participate in….
cut 8 (10) “…Cajun way”

Over 100 years ago, women were not allowed to march in Mardi Gras parades. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says his great aunt Aminthe Nungesser was one of the first females to participate in a Mardi Gras parade and she later helped form the Krewe of Iris an all-female parade…..
cut 5 (06) “…as men”
Aminthe Nungesser was only 18 years old when she began advocating for women to participate in Mardi Gras.

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.”

It will be a warm, humid and breezy Mardi Gras day and State Climatologist Barry Keim says this spring like weather will remain with us for a few days…
cut 15 (08) “….or mid 80s”
Some areas could set record-highs this week.