Latest news with #MardiGras2025
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Center for Prevention of Abuse awarded $20,000 grant
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Rotary Club of North Peoria awarded the Center for Prevention of Abuse $20,000 during its club meeting at the Barrack's Carter Inn on Thursday. These funds were raised during the Rotary Club's 'Mardi Gras 2025: Taking Action to End Human Trafficking' event in February. The event shared information about human trafficking locally and around the world. Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, said the grant will supply critical support for the Center. 'Human trafficking is when freedom is stolen. From illicit massage facilities to factories and brothels to farms and panhandlers caught up in a begging ring to cleaning crews and domestic servitude, human trafficking is the second-largest criminal enterprise in the world, and it is a serious issue right here at home,' Merna said. 'Our work to serve survivors, and CFPA's efforts to educate and train on awareness and prevention, are our core responsibilities, but we cannot do it alone. We are deeply grateful for the Rotary Club of Peoria North for their partnership and their commitment to the many thousands of people affected by this heinous human rights issue.' Rotary Club of Peoria North to presents $20,000 to combat human trafficking The Center provides services for victims of violence. It is the only agency in Illinois that provides services for Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Human Trafficking, Adult Protective Services, and Prevention Education under one roof. During the meeting, a $9,000 grant was also awarded to the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery. Anyone who wants to report a human trafficking incident can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
Rotary Club of Peoria North to presents $20,000 to combat human trafficking
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — The Rotary Club of North Peoria announced it will be awarding the Center for Prevention of Abuse $20,000 on Thursday. That grant plus a $9,000 grant to the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery will be presented during the club's weekly meeting at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday at the Barrack's Carter Inn. These funds were raised during the Rotary Club's 'Mardi Gras 2025: Taking Action to End Human Trafficking' event in February. The event shared information about human trafficking locally and around the world. Mardi Gras celebration raising money to end human trafficking Carol Merna, CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, said the grant will supply critical support for the Center. 'Human trafficking is when freedom is stolen. From illicit massage facilities to factories and brothels to farms and panhandlers caught up in a begging ring to cleaning crews and domestic servitude, human trafficking is the second-largest criminal enterprise in the world, and it is a serious issue right here at home,' Merna said. 'Our work to serve survivors, and CFPA's efforts to educate and train on awareness and prevention, are our core responsibilities, but we cannot do it alone. We are deeply grateful for the Rotary Club of Peoria North for their partnership and their commitment to the many thousands of people affected by this heinous human rights issue.' The Center provides services for victims of violence. It is the only agency in Illinois that provides services for Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse/Assault, Human Trafficking, Adult Protective Services, and Prevention Education under one roof. The Rotary Action Group Against Slavery uses funding to support Community Awareness & Prevention Education projects around the world. Rotary Club of North Peoria President Ashley Schreck said she wants everyone involved in ending human trafficking. 'By boosting awareness and supporting human trafficking services, Rotary Peoria North wants to encourage more people everywhere to get involved in ending human slavery,' Schreck said. Anyone who wants to report a human trafficking incident can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
New report pushes for permanent pedestrian-only Bourbon Street to boost Mardi Gras safety after terror attack
New Orleans' most famous street could soon see sweeping changes if city leaders follow through on bold new safety recommendations after a New Year's Day attack that killed 14 and injured dozens. On Monday, the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) released a statement about a major safety review conducted by Teneo Risk, a global security firm led by former NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton. The report is blunt. Bourbon Street is dangerously vulnerable, and unless big changes are made, the city remains exposed to future attacks. At the top of the list? Turning Bourbon Street into a permanent pedestrian zone. According to the report, vehicles pose a serious threat to the crowds that gather daily in the French Quarter. Saints Legend Drew Brees Among Many Praising Increased Safety Measures At Super Bowl Lix The current layout of Bourbon Street makes it easy for a vehicle-ramming attack to happen again. The report recommends a hard perimeter setup that would only allow emergency vehicles, deliveries and hotel drop-offs at certain times. According to the report, "Bourbon Street is extremely vulnerable to a vehicle ramming attack any time of year," citing narrow sidewalks, frequent pedestrian spillover into the street and a lack of permanent protective barriers. The firm also said the Department of Homeland Security's "SEAR 1" rating, given to Mardi Gras 2025 for the first time, should be made permanent. That rating brought more federal resources to New Orleans this year, including extra security equipment and personnel. The report claims those resources were essential to protecting the public and should be in place every a city of around 400,000 residents, Mardi Gras weekend can easily welcome over 1 million visitors from around the General Pam Bondi To Travel To New Orleans To Survey Super Bowl Lix Security Read On The Fox News App In addition to the Bourbon Street changes, the report highlights weaknesses in emergency response access, officer staffing, coordination between agencies and the city's intelligence capabilities. Teneo found intelligence gathering by the New Orleans Police Department remains mostly reactive and lacks advanced tools and formal coordination protocols. The report was based on extensive research, including site visits, document reviews and interviews with city officials, law enforcement and community members. Teneo observed security operations firsthand during the 2025 Super Bowl and Mardi Gras 2025 and used those events to evaluate real-time article source: New report pushes for permanent pedestrian-only Bourbon Street to boost Mardi Gras safety after terror attack
Fox News
10-04-2025
- Fox News
New report pushes for permanent pedestrian-only Bourbon Street to boost Mardi Gras safety after terror attack
New Orleans' most famous street could soon see sweeping changes if city leaders follow through on bold new safety recommendations after a New Year's Day attack that killed 14 and injured dozens. On Monday, the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation (NOPJF) released a statement about a major safety review conducted by Teneo Risk, a global security firm led by former NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton. The report is blunt. Bourbon Street is dangerously vulnerable, and unless big changes are made, the city remains exposed to future attacks. At the top of the list? Turning Bourbon Street into a permanent pedestrian zone. According to the report, vehicles pose a serious threat to the crowds that gather daily in the French Quarter. SAINTS LEGEND DREW BREES AMONG MANY PRAISING INCREASED SAFETY MEASURES AT SUPER BOWL LIX The current layout of Bourbon Street makes it easy for a vehicle-ramming attack to happen again. The report recommends a hard perimeter setup that would only allow emergency vehicles, deliveries and hotel drop-offs at certain times. According to the report, "Bourbon Street is extremely vulnerable to a vehicle ramming attack any time of year," citing narrow sidewalks, frequent pedestrian spillover into the street and a lack of permanent protective barriers. The firm also said the Department of Homeland Security's "SEAR 1" rating, given to Mardi Gras 2025 for the first time, should be made permanent. That rating brought more federal resources to New Orleans this year, including extra security equipment and personnel. The report claims those resources were essential to protecting the public and should be in place every a city of around 400,000 residents, Mardi Gras weekend can easily welcome over 1 million visitors from around the GENERAL PAM BONDI TO TRAVEL TO NEW ORLEANS TO SURVEY SUPER BOWL LIX SECURITY In addition to the Bourbon Street changes, the report highlights weaknesses in emergency response access, officer staffing, coordination between agencies and the city's intelligence capabilities. Teneo found intelligence gathering by the New Orleans Police Department remains mostly reactive and lacks advanced tools and formal coordination protocols. The report was based on extensive research, including site visits, document reviews and interviews with city officials, law enforcement and community members. Teneo observed security operations firsthand during the 2025 Super Bowl and Mardi Gras 2025 and used those events to evaluate real-time vulnerabilities. While the proposal for a permanent pedestrian zone could raise concerns of residents and business owners, Teneo said the change is the best way to protect pedestrians and prevent another attack. The report explains that any other alternative would still leave parts of Bourbon Street HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe NOPJF said in its statement, "We Have Not Forgotten," and it seeks to honor the victims of the Bourbon Street attack in its findings.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Orleans officials announce Mardi Gras safety preparations
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Officials with the City of New Orleans have announced safety preparations ahead of Mardi Gras 2025. Because Mardi Gras 2025 is now federally listed as SEAR 1 status, special attention is being given to New Orleans by the government in the form of activation, coordination and prioritization of federal resources and personnel. This additional help will run from Feb. 21 to March 4. Krewe of Barkus' royalty assembled for annual luncheon ahead of parade roll An ordinance will enforce no placement of items on the public neutral ground along the parade route more than four hours from the start of the parade. In addition to that ordinance, the New Orleans Police Department will enforce bans on the following items: Ladders taller than six feet. Enclosures. Open flames. Gas or diesel generators. Upholstered furniture. Portable toilets. Scaffolding. Confetti guns. Mylar balloons. Unattended coolers. The NOPD will have 600 officers dedicated to Mardi Gras, and will be supported by the Louisiana State Police, who are providing 150 troopers, the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office and other state and federal safety partners. Over 100 officers will be in plainclothes. Road closures will occur in the French Quarter as well, employing various barriers to prevent potential threats. 11 different federal agencies will also be providing support with teams specializing in explosives, intelligence and field operations. Those who live and work in the area will be allowed in after verification. Mardi Gras First Aid Stations will be provided by the New Orleans Health Department, and will be staffed by several healthcare organizations and volunteers. Additionally, LCMC Health will provide private, individual nursing tents at First Aid Stations so that mothers to feed their babies away from the crowds. Bags with sensory items will also be available for those who could use them to remain calm in high-stimulus environments. Mardi Gras krewe rises from the ashes Uptown Saturday night There will be no trash or recycling collection outside of the French Quarter and Downtown Development District on Mardi Gras day, and collections will be delayed by one day through Saturday, March 8. On Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2, however, 'Recycle Dat!' will have 8 recycling stations along parade routes, where parade-goers can drop off beads, cans, plastic bottles and glass. If you drop off full bags of cans, bottles or throws, you could win prizes as part of a sweepstakes. Tentatively starting on Feb. 27, streetcar services will be suspended through Mardi Gras day, although other forms of public transit are planned to alter their schedules to accommodate the crowd, such as a second ferry being deployed on parade days, with extended operating DeRitter previews Saturday's Division I soccer state title bout between St. Paul's and Catholic New Orleans officials announce Mardi Gras safety preparations Woman suspected of stealing $800K in 'TrumpCoin' cryptocurrency Man rescued after 30-foot fall into hole Lawyer for Sean 'Diddy' Combs quits ahead of trial: 'Under no circumstances can I continue' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
