New Orleans strengthens counterterrorism efforts for Mardi Gras and Super Bowl LIX

The big picture: Carnival and the Super Bowl have the federal government's highest security threat rating this year, opening the city to extensive federal support.

• That'll result in some changes to how New Orleans hosts tens of thousands of NFL fans, and how it experiences its biggest annual celebration.

Here's the latest about how New Orleans is moving forward.

Six injured victims remain hospitalized at UMC as of Friday afternoon, with one in the ICU, a spokesperson tells Axios.

• Canal Place is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday from 10am to 3pm as the wounded continue to need transfusions. All types are urgently needed, a Blood Center representative says, but especially Type O.
• Nine of the 14 people who were killed have been laid to rest, Fox 8 says.
• Fundraising continues for medical expenses and burial arrangements.

Counterterrorism security experts began their work in New Orleans.

• Bill Bratton, former NYC police commissioner, is a consultant for NOPD and arrived last week. He's reviewing the city's plans and looking for vulnerabilities.
• Experts from the Federal Protective Service are also in town at Mayor LaToya Cantrell's request.

Mardi Gras: It's important to develop security provisions that "don't change Mardi Gras, don't change the flavor of it, the excitement of it, the nature of it," Bratton said.

• He said drones, enhanced cameras and better lighting are "minimally intrusive" options he's exploring.
• The company that previously sold its archer vehicle barricades to the city delivered more last week and is training people here how to use them.
• Officials are also planning training sessions on how to spot unusual items and activity, though details on when and who would be eligible to enroll weren't yet available.

Super Bowl: The NFL says it stands by New Orleans, and its security expert has been in touch with Bratton.

• The Louisiana State Police watched a demonstration last week of the NFL's vehicle and pedestrian barriers.
• The city is working with the NFL to keep the security infrastructure through the end of Carnival. The city will then look at buying similar gear, Cantrell said Friday.
• Construction crews continue plugging away at a lengthy to-do list of infrastructure projects. More road closures start Monday.

Three separate investigations are underway:

• The FBI is leading the criminal one.
• Attorney General Liz Murrill is reviewing New Orleans' event plans.
• City Council is looking into infrastructure contracts and decisions.

Lawsuits: Morris Bart filed a lawsuit on behalf of seven victims, alleging the city and its contractors failed to secure Bourbon Street.

• Representatives with law firm Maples and Connick told WDSU its lawyers are working on another suit.

Yes, but: The ongoing investigations and new civil litigation are putting a damper on public information as officials cite them when declining some media questions.

Bodycam footage: NOPD released on Friday some of the body camera footage worn by one of its officers during the shootout with the New Year's Day attack suspect.

• The video is only 12 seconds long but takes place during the crucial period between when the suspect crashed his vehicle and when he was killed. Go deeper.

Homeland Security: Collin Arnold, the city's director of homeland security, has been in town and busy coordinating response efforts, his office said Thursday in response to questions about his absence at a City Council meeting last week.

• He was at a Super Bowl security update Friday at Gallier Hall with the mayor, NOPD chief Anne Kirkpatrick and top officials.
• Emma Skillbred, the spokeswoman for the office, tells Axios that Arnold and other staffers have been working at the Emergency Operations Center and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies.

Fundraising: The Greater New Orleans Foundation's fund has raised more than $1.5 million. A spokesperson tells Axios they will release the grant application process this week.

• The United Way fund had about $600,000. It dispersed $360,000 last week to support victims and their loved ones.
• See other ways to help.

Mental health: NOPD officers who responded to the attack will begin counseling this week, Kirkpatrick said.

• The city also is offering crisis counseling to other first responders and staffers, Cantrell said.
• Free mental health services are available to victims, families, witnesses, Bourbon Street employees and others through the FBI's Family Assistance Center.
• Anyone can call the 24-hour crisis line at 504-826-2675.