About 1.4 million people visit New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season, which is more than 4 times the city’s population according to a study from WalletHub. Analyst Jill Gonzales says that means big bucks for The Crescent City’s economy…:
Cut 15 (07) “to add up”
She says last year almost 150,000 people flew to New Orleans to take part in carnival celebrations.

A local businessman stepped up to ensure the annual Opelousas Mardi Gras parade will roll on. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Brian Cosetllo is the author of a new book, “Carnival in Louisiana: Celebrating Mardi Gras from the French Quarter to the Red River.” It outlines Fat Tuesday traditions throughout the state, including one of the most unique rooted in Catholic culture along coastal Louisiana…:
Cut 5 (11) “their prayers”
Also in Cajun towns the tradition of the Courir de Mardi Gras is alive and well.

The trial date for the woman accused of shooting LDWF agent Tyler Wheeler was set Monday in Morehouse Parish. 31-year-old Amethyst Baird has pleaded not guilty on a charge of first-degree murder, according to court officials, and will be tried on September 25th with a July 18th hearing.

The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office says they’ve seized about 60 pounds of marijuana when executing a narcotics related search warrant in Denham Springs. They said deputies located and seized approximately 8 duffel bags containing numerous bags of marijuana, electronic scales, packaging materials and over $100,000 in cash.