Riley Announces Shortened Mardi Gras

Today New Orleans Police Chief Warren Riley announced a 10-day Mardi Gras parade schedule for 2007, citing safety for a shortened carnival parade season.

A shortened schedule reflects earlier starting times and shortened routes, Riley said.

"We have fewer officers this year. If we had the numbers, we would do a normal Mardi Gras," Riley said.

"We have lost almost 300 officers this year--not since Katrina," Riley said.

http://www.nola.com/weblogs/mardigrasfaq/

Sucks, but they're putting safety first.