IBM technology announces a 400-job application development and innovation center that will open in Monroe. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (31) “reporting”

State Police say a train-truck crash in Desoto Parish killed two men and left another critically injured. Authorities say 23-year-old John Watson of Centerville drove into the path of an oncoming train. Watson and one passenger, 24-year-old Michael Ryder II of Goldonna, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 35-year-old Herbert Barras III of Charenton was taken to an area hospital, reportedly in critical condition. None of the men were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The debate over which city “started” Mardi Gras, New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, continues. Big Easy Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy says while Mobile enjoys the second largest and longest running parade season in America, New Orleans has the biggest celebration in the world…

cut 6 (08) “that’s indisputable”

Hardy says the style of parade — floats, costumes, and masks — did in fact start in Mobile, but they didn’t roll on Mardi Gras day until 11 years after New Orleans did.

Now that a strong cold front has moved through, Canadian air has settled over Louisiana leaving us with another chilly Mardi Gras day. State Climatologist Barry Keim says for revelers who plan to be outside all day, make sure you bring a lot heavy coats, gloves and blankets…

cut 12 (08) “kinda windy”

Keim says if you’re headed to parades today anywhere in the state, it might be a good idea to bring an umbrella just in case but you probably won’t need it.