| BY BOB WARREN | Staff writer |
Because it’s Carnival time: The march to Mardi Gras really kicks off this weekend, with a handful of parades across the metro. Wondering about the weather? Kasey Bubnash has the latest, including an explanation of the Carnival page set up by the National Weather Service. Speaking of parades, Scrim, the city’s most celebrated stray dog, will be featured in several processions, including the bawdy Krewe du Vieux on Saturday night, Doug MacCash reports. Vaccination policy changes: Louisiana’s surgeon general has told state health workers to discontinue mass vaccination efforts and is banning staffers from promoting seasonal vaccines. Emily Woodruff has the details. The voucher promise: The state’s school voucher program was billed as a way for students in struggling public schools to attend private or parochial schools where they might get a better education. But after more than a decade and half a billion dollars spent, that promise hasn’t panned out, Patrick Wall reports. Pizza guy: Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy ate his way through some the area’s pizza joints while in town for the Super Bowl. Perhaps you'll agree with his rankings? Did you get this newsletter forwarded from someone else? Sign up here. And if you're interested in becoming a NOLA.com subscriber, here's a great offer. Be spectacular today, Bob | 