More than a century ago an 18-year-old girl from New Orleans led the charge to have women included in Mardi Gras parades. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Acadia & St. Landry Parish is reviving up to let the good times roll tomorrow- Eunice style. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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Seen on viral video: New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell flipping “the bird” at Mardi Gras parade riders. Kevin Gallagher looks at possible political fallout…:
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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When Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser talks about how Mardi Gras is such a unique tradition in Louisiana, you could say it’s in his DNA because it is. 106 years ago, his great aunt Aminthe (ah-men-eth) Nungesser led the initiative for women to have the right to march in Mardi Gras.
Cut 4 (11) “…over 3,700.”
At the time the Krewe of Iris was the only women’s Mardi Gras parade but she inspired others and as they say, the rest is history.
Cut 5 (06) “…as men.”
And a century later it’s her great-nephew who’s at the helm of promoting state tourism and one of Louisiana’s most beloved events, Mardi Gras.
Cut 6 (08) “…those throws.”
Aminthe Nungesser was only 18 years old when she began advocating for women to participate in Mardi Gras. In addition to the Krewe of Iris, she also captained the Krewe of Venus.
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Mardi Gras in the City of Eunice is not your typical idea of Mardi Gras. Instead of beads and doubloons, revelers chase chickens in colorful costumes. City of Eunice Events Coordinator, Courtney Elkins says Courir de Mardi Gras & Chicken Run is not your average Mardi Gras.
Cut 7 (09) “…body suits.”
Mardi Gras is a family-friendly event. Elkins says chasing the chickens has been a tradition everyone loves to participate in.
Cut 8 (10) “…Cajun way.”
The Courir de Mardi Gras is Eunice’s largest community event of the year. It dates back to the late 19th century and attendance continues to grow each year.
Cut 9 (11) “…this weekend.”
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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is under fire again; this time for a video showing her making an obscene gesture at some float riders. The video, taken Saturday during the Krewe of Tucks parade, shows Cantrell shouting “I love you” to the float, then giving the “the finger.” New Orleans political analyst Clancy Dubos says Tucks floats are often satirical, and this one did rib the mayor, but he says in politics, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen”…:
Cut 10 (10) “…Mardi Gras parade.”
Cantrell has taken heat lately for lavish travel upgrades at public expense, being allegedly ‘soft on crime” and for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a police officer. Dubos feels the mayor’s digital display during the Tucks parade does nothing to help bolster her sinking approval with taxpayers, and was beneath her position…:
Cut 11 (06) “…to the office.”
The Mayor’s office released a statement saying the incident was “all in good fun”, but Dubos says her taste and timing are bad as petitioners to recall Cantrell announce they have the 49-thousand signatures needed to get an election. They’ll hand those in tomorrow. Dubos says Cantrell’s behavior is exactly what not to do when a recall is afoot…:
Cut 12 (13) “…sign the petition.”
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Today will be another warm and partly cloudy Mardi Gras. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the weather should be terrific for enjoying parades but wear a sweater if you’re heading out early…:
Cut 13 (11) “…or low 80’s.”
Keim says warm air coming in off the Gulf of Mexico will make for ideal weather for Fat Tuesday – with temperatures ranging up into the low-to-mid 80s today, but you may find it a bit humid…:
Cut 14 (11) “…in New Orleans.”
Keim says the warm front coming in for Mardi Gras will remain with us for a few days…:
Cut 15 (08) “…or mid-80’s.”
Keim says warmer, spring-like weather may stay with us well into next week.
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Top-ranked LSU baseball takes on Southern University this afternoon and second baseman Gavin Dugas is off to a great start. In two games in the sweep over Western Michigan, Dugas was six for eight at the plate and hit two home runs. Dugas says swinging at a bad pitch in the fall led to an eye doctor determining he was nearly blind in his left eye which led to surgery…
Cut 16 (19) “…fits properly.”
Dugas could be a big-time cog in an offense that’s expected to be potent. He’s expecting big things from LSU’s offense…
Cut 17 (18) “…gonna do.”
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