New Orleans Proposes Major Safety Changes to Mardi Gras Parade Rules

New Orleans city officials are proposing significant rule changes to Mardi Gras parades in a bid to cut police overtime costs. Proposed measures include mandatory safety harnesses for float riders, a ban on tobacco use on floats, and a cap on throw weights at 3.5 pounds (approx. 1.6 kg). The changes would affect one of the largest annual festivals in the United States.