Mardi Gras

Rolling today: Pontchartrain, Choctaw, Freret, Knights of Sparta, Pygmalion

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Saturday’s parade were moved up, with their start times an hour earlier, because of a threat of storms today. On Friday, the National Weather Service was predicting a cloudy day with a 50 percent chance of rain, a high near 81 and potential wind gusts as high as 25 mph. The predicted rainfall amounts were reduced to less than a tenth of an inch, but could go higher if thunderstorms occur.

city government

City Council passes cooperative agreement for parks, greenspace and recreation

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The City Council on Thursday passed the cooperative endeavor agreement that unites the four major entities that manage greenspace and recreation facilities for the city, although it would take effect without the passage of a millage reallocation that goes on the ballot in May.

The agreement unifies the oversight for the city’s park and recreation assets under the cooperative plan. It includes City Park, the Audubon Commission, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, and Parks and Parkways.

events

Rolling tonight: Oshun, Cleopatra parades

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The Uptown parade season begins tonight with the krewes of Oshun and Cleopatra. The National Weather Service has predicted a slight (20 percent) chance of rain with lows around 69 degrees.
Oshun
The Krewe of Oshun, named for the Yoruba goddess for love and sensuality, was formed in 1996. Despite its namesake, the krewe prides itself on presenting a family-friendly parade. Its king, or Shango, rides on a peacock float, and peacocks images are also prominent in the krewe’s throws. Watch for Baby Doll groups in this parade.

crime

Two women robbed at gunpoint by carjacker on Josephine Street

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New Orleans police are investigating an armed carjacking reported Saturday at about 1 p.m. in the 1700 block of Josephine Street.

A 61-year-old woman and a 43-year-old woman were in a 2007 Silver Acura MDX on Josephine near Carondelet Street when a man pointed a gun at them. He then demanded their purses and ordered them out of the car.

crime

Purse snatching reported on First near Prytania

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A woman walking in the 1500 block of First Street on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at about 1:30 was approached by two men who tried to grab her purse, the New Orleans Police Department reported.

The victim and one the men began to fight over her purse when he punched her in the face.

city government

Where to find first aid and toilets and how not to be a jerk on parade days

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Well before the first marching band strikes up in the Oshun parade on Friday evening, city officials have been working to make this year’s Uptown parade season safe and enjoyable.

Trees have been trimmed, response plans tested, first-aid and lost-child stations have been set up, porta-potties are in place and information lines and apps established. The city is also asking parade-goers and neighborhood residents to do their part by showing consideration for all.