Photos: Krewe D’Etat calls the doctor

On Friday, Krewe D’Etat rolled with the theme “Paging Dr. Etat,” taking their usual satirical stabs at national and local cultural and political topics. These included the expansion of Louis Armstrong Airport and the growing field of Democratic candidates for president in the 2020 election.

Sponsored: 25th annual Jazz Service on Sunday with clarinetist Dr. Michael White

St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church presents its 25th Annual Jazz Service, an Uptown Mardi Gras tradition led by Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band.

All are invited to this one-of-a-kind worship service at 9 a.m. and the following king cake reception this Sunday, March 3, at the church, 7100 St. Charles Ave. at Broadway. This is a free community event.

Dr. White, renowned New Orleans clarinetist, and the Original Liberty Jazz Band have led the Jazz Service since it began in 1994. The Jazz Service always packs the church on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday as it presents a festival of hymns and spirituals in the New Orleans jazz style.

Rolling today: Iris, Tucks

With a 20 percent chance of rain, there’s a chance the Krewe of Iris’ special relationship with the goddess of the skies will keep riders and revelers dry along the parade route today. The National Weather Service on Friday also predicted a high near 75 and a calm wind, meaning the throws will fly freely toward their intended targets.

Photos: Babylon still magical after 80 years

After a two-hour delay because of a steady downpour that canceled the Krewe of Chaos parade, Babylon took to the streets for its 80th anniversary parade. It started in the rain, but the strength of the parade caused the skies to clear.

Rolling tonight: Mystic Krewe of Hermes, Le Krewe d’Etat, Krewe of Morpheus

There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight, about 30 percent before 11 p.m., the National Weather Service predicts, with a low around 64 degrees. It’s looking a little better than other parade nights this week, so Hermes, d’Etat and Morpheus are expected to roll on time.

For updates, see the city’s parade tracker. You can also text MARDIGRAS to 888777 to get updates on your phone. Descriptions and route maps for tonight’s parades are below. Plus you can find need-to-know parade day information here and parking and transportation information here.

Purse snatching reported on Claiborne and First

A 61-year-old woman was robbed of her purse Thursday morning as she was leaving a store on South Claiborne Avenue.

The victim was approached by a man asking for a dollar at about 6:40 on Feb. 28, the New Orleans Police Department reported. When she opened her purse to give him money, the man knocked it the ground.