It’s shaping up to be a glorious Mardi Gras weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is moving through which might bring in a quick shower tonight, but after that the next couple of days look superb…:
cut 25 (11) “upper 60s”
Keim says you may need an umbrella tonight and light jacket tomorrow.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to start a new carnival tradition of safe and sober driving. Executive Director Dr. Katara Williams reminds revelers to “Protect Your Beads.” She says Mardi Gras is a celebration of our culture, but we should be smart about it…:
CUT 26 (10) “designated driver”
She says the five day holiday period from today through Tuesday usually records more vehicle crashes with injuries or deaths than any other holiday in Louisiana.

On Sunday Governor John Bel Edwards will meet with US Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price to discuss Medicaid expansion. Governor’s Office spokesman Richard Carbo says Edwards wants to show federal officials how the ACA can benefit poor working class people…:
Cut 8 (11) “Medicaid expansion”
The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions at the nation’s capital about repealing the Affordable Care Act.

The state Board of Regents decided not to recommend to the legislature that the TOPS program be changed to require students to take 30 hours a semester instead of 24. The committee met today and deleted the change from other proposals they are making to the legislature that seek to make the program more sustainable for the future. Under the governor’s budget proposal for next fiscal year, TOPS is only funded at its current level: 70%.