| BY CHAD CALDER | Staff writer |
Mardi Gras mess: Beads stuck in trees, plastic cups in the street and bits of purple, green and gold detritus scattered about. A proposed state law would force parade organizers to clean it all up within 24 hours of an event, but Mardi Gras krewes around the state say it could have unintended consequences. Speaking of Carnival, we took a look at the issue of parade route squatters tarping off huge sections of public space and calling them their own. Was it worse this year? The price of improvements: Jefferson Parish residents will see their sewerage and water bills rise this year. The proceeds will go towards the cost of improving the system, and Blake Paterson has the details. Dog days: Mardi Gras is behind us, and that means doggos! (At least it does on the north shore). Check out these galleries from the Krewe du Pooch parade in Mandeville and Mardi Paws in Covington this weekend. Thanks for starting your day with Morning Headlines. Catch up with the latest news all day on NOLA.com. Chad | 