Because of the magnitude of special events surrounding Super Bowl and a full slate of parades associated with New Orleans' carnival season, state transportation officials say they are suspending lane closures on all bridges, freeways, expressways and arterial roadways near those activities.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development says the suspension will be in place form 8 a.m. Friday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13.
An executive with a liquor distributor that brands its products with a name often associated with Mardi Gras says its trademark was registered without any intention of infringing on the trademarks of a famous New Orleans Carnival organization.
Last week, The Rex Organization filed a federal lawsuit claiming that Rex Spirits Inc. is unlawfully combining the Rex name with Mardi Gras images to market products under the name "King REX Spirits."
The "baby dolls," an on-again, off-again Mardi Gras tradition of New Orleans' African-American community, are on again.
The troupes of women strutting and prancing in bonnets, garters and skimpy or short, ruffled dresses on Fat Tuesday also are spotlighted in a new book and museum exhibit that trace their history and rebirth.
When the Zulu krewe hits the streets on Mardi Gras — Feb. 12 — its marchers will include the Baby Doll Ladies, a troupe formed after Hurricane Katrina.
