Louisiana is facing the worst budget crisis in state history. Governor John Bel Edwards has put together a special web page to solicit public input on how to handle the state’s massive deficit. The governor’s director of communications Richard Carbo explains that the purpose of the site is to inform the public and get suggestions from citizens…:
CUT 9 (09) “their feedback”
The site can be found at gov-dot-louisiana-dot-gov.

A woman tried to rob the Sorrento Post Office this morning with a water gun filled with pepper spray and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is trying to locate the suspect. They say it happened around 10:30am when a black female walked in to purchase stamps, then produced a handgun, which turned out to be a water gun with pepper spray inside, sprayed the clerk then fled. The suspect was last seen wearing a security type uniform, long coat with fur around the hood, and gloves.

Mamou’s famous Courier de Mardi Gras begins today with the town’s unique traditions. Emelie Gunn has more on the celebrations…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Revelers would rather have cold than rain and today they are also hanging on tight to their beads. For the second day in a row a wind advisory is in effect for most of the state, and meteorologists say gusts could reach 35 miles per hour in some areas.