| By Jessica Williams | Deputy investigations editor JOY RIDES? : The spate of carjackings over the past year in New Orleans may be driven by the desire to joy ride or find quick transportation, rather than by the desire to sell stolen parts for profit. Nearly 70% of the vehicles stolen over the past two years were later recovered by police within the city's limits, often within 4 miles of the crime scene. PETERSON UNDER PROBE: State Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, who announced Friday she was stepping down from her legislative seat, is the subject of a federal investigation. Peterson made no mention of such a probe during her announcement, saying instead that she was resigning to focus on her recovery from a chronic gambling addiction. NEEB'S SAYS BYE: A 105-year-old hardware store in Old Gretna is closing its doors. Neeb's Hardware, run for the past five decades by owner Ken Donewar, will close in April so that Donewar, affectionately dubbed "Mr. Neeb" by customers, can get a break. The building's new owner intends to turn it into a flower shop. Thanks for starting your Monday with us. Check out NOLA.com for more news throughout the day. J.W. | 