Retired priest Lawrence Hecker, 93, pleaded guilty to charges of child rape and kidnapping in New Orleans, leading to a mandatory life sentence. The case, which highlighted a long-standing cover-up by church superiors, involved a victim who was raped by Hecker in 1975. Despite Hecker's 1999 admission of molesting multiple children, the New Orleans archdiocese allowed him to continue working until his retirement. The case has raised questions about a potential child sex-trafficking ring within the archdiocese, which is under investigation by state police.
The Rex, King of Carnival, was unable to toast the Queen during the Mardi Gras parade as the parades rolled late, causing him to miss the traditional event. The delay also affected other krewes, with the truck parades following Rex continuing deep into the night. Despite the setback, Rex hopes to maintain its traditions and find positive ways to coexist on the parade route.
Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are contributing to a significant environmental concern due to the massive amounts of plastic beads and trinkets thrown during parades. These nonbiodegradable items end up as litter, clog drainage systems, and pose a threat to wildlife in the area. Efforts to address this issue include recycling programs, collection points for beads, and a push for parade riders to use sustainable, nonplastic items. Organizations are advocating for the adoption of biodegradable alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of this beloved tradition.
Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are contributing to a plastic pollution problem as tons of nonbiodegradable beads end up in the city's drainage system and waterways. Efforts to address this issue include recycling and promoting the use of sustainable alternatives such as paper beads, acai seed beads, and locally-made consumable items. Organizations are collecting and repackaging beads for resale, while a nonprofit is marketing nonplastic, sustainable items for parade riders to throw. Advocates hope these initiatives will help mitigate the environmental impact of the beloved tradition.
Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans are contributing to a plastic pollution problem due to the massive amounts of nonbiodegradable beads and trinkets thrown during parades, which end up in the city's drainage system and waterways. Efforts to address this issue include recycling programs and a growing movement to introduce sustainable alternatives such as paper beads, recycled glass, and consumable items. Advocates hope that these initiatives will help reduce the environmental impact of the festivities.
Dong Phuong Bakery in New Orleans has started taking online preorders for their popular king cakes, a staple of the city's Carnival season. Customers can order up to five cakes at once and no more than 25 throughout the season, with prices ranging from $25 to $30. Despite the high demand and potential for sellouts, the bakery also provides a list of official resellers for those who miss out on the direct preorders.
Herlin Riley, a highly sought-after jazz drummer in New Orleans, captivates crowds with his dynamic rhythms and passionate performances, making him a must-see act for any music enthusiast's 2024 bucket list.
