State Police has increased its numbers in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and they’re making their presence known. Over 150 additional troopers are patrolling the French Quarter and the metro area. Spokesperson Melissa Matey says, so far, troopers have made over 115 arrests since last Friday…:
CUT 9 (08) “of the streets”
She says State Police in partnering with other local law enforcement, is working to keep revelers safe during Mardi Gras.

The Attorney for Houston-based Texas Brine has reportedly asked the Louisiana Office of Conservation to grant permission for the company to stop paying $875 a week to the remaining residents in Bayou Corne around the sinkhole. They say the case has been made that stability conditions around the sinkhole have improved and merit an end to the payments.

It’s a dreary and wet Lundi Gras for much of Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has more on our Mardi Gras forecast..:
CUT 1 (30) “reporting”

Governor Bobby Jindal is headed to north Louisiana today where it’s expected he’ll make an economic development announcement in Monroe which would mean 400 new IBM jobs for the area over the next 10 years. The announcement is also expected to include details about $4.5 million dollars that will be provided to ULM, Louisiana Tech and Grambling for additional computer science programs to help meet IBM’s workforce needs and keep Louisiana graduates in the state.