New Orleans officials say shortened parade routes will be used again for Mardi Gras 2023. The Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Panel made the announcement Thursday night. The City sites the shortage of police manpower to properly patrol and protect the traditionally longer routes. Mardi Gras historian and publisher of the annual Mardi Gras Guide Arthur Hardy says at least the decision came well in advance this year…:

CUT 12  (10)        …and make our plans

He says New Orleans will get beyond this and feels things will be back to normal by 2024. Mardi Gras Day is February 21, 2023.

Louisiana State Police will conduct a new cadet training class in February, but if you want to become a trooper, the deadline to apply is Monday. Trooper Kate Stegall says for the right person, it’s a terrific job…:

CUT 03(08)      …be that person

Animal shelters continue to be overwhelmed with abandoned and even owner-surrendered animals. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      …Thorington

After a Lake Charles man was shot by police and stumbled into a local home to die, a police robot went inside and discovered has body and two more persons, who’d apparently been dead for days. State Police are now investigating the case, as they do whenever an officer is involved in a shooting.