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NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure

News

The New Orleans Police Department updated its decade-old immigration policy during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="1ce02cfd-996a-4650-9ad8-481291d336bb" data-vars-headline="NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a>.Why it matters: Immigration enforcement has become a political flashpoint in Louisiana, with Attorney General Liz Murrill pressuring New Orleans leaders over so-called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary city" data-vars-click-url="https://lailluminator.com/2025/02/14/new-orleans-sanctuary/" data-vars-content-id="1ce02cfd-996a-4650-9ad8-481291d336bb" data-vars-headline="NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lailluminator.com/2025/02/14/new-orleans-sanctuary/" target="_blank">sanctuary city</a>&quot; policies and Mayor Helena Moreno issuing an order blocking formal ICE partnerships.

The No. 1 fish cleaning tip from a guy who butchers 500 pounds a day

Food and Drink

If you want to get better at something, it&#x27;s a good idea to ask an expert. So if you&#x27;re looking to improve your fish game, the guy you want to talk to is GW Fins&#x27; Michael Perkins.Why it matters: Perkins has been personally responsible for butchering 300 to 500 or more pounds of fresh-caught fish every day for more than 20 years.

Norman Francis, Xavier's longtime president, dies at 94

"He changed this country, this city, and me for the better."

Norman Francis, the longtime president of Xavier University and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, died Wednesday, his family said. He was 94. The big picture: Francis led <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Xavier for 47 years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.xula.edu/news//2026/02/remembering-president-emeritus-dr-norman-c-francis-52.html" data-vars-content-id="c6349139-9350-4528-9791-9643babf3aa5" data-vars-headline="Norman Francis, Xavier&#x27;s longtime president, dies at 94" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.xula.edu/news//2026/02/remembering-president-emeritus-dr-norman-c-francis-52.html" target="_blank">Xavier for 47 years</a> and was instrumental in shaping New Orleans&#x27; recovery after Hurricane Katrina.

Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans

Several drop-off sites are open all year.

Mardi Gras

<figure><img alt="Image shows beads, footballs and other Mardi Gras parade throws on the grass." height="450" id="68baf701-5460-42fa-b2b3-9d43def9bb7a" src="https://images.axios.com/2j69gb74-8n9K21a7v71d54_m2M=/2026/02/17/1771360086576.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Mardi Gras throws include beads, doubloons, cups, footballs and plush items. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="1d319c76-b376-405e-9f75-c2bbf8ef7537" data-vars-headline="Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> organizations can help keep your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="1d319c76-b376-405e-9f75-c2bbf8ef7537" data-vars-headline="Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a> beads, stuffed animals and other throws out of landfills.Why it matters: Mardi Gras leaves behind mountains of trash. Recycling cuts waste and supports local nonprofits.

Louisiana's car insurance rates are falling

Business

Car insurance prices dipped last year after a post-pandemic stretch of skyrocketing costs, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Insurify report" data-vars-click-url="https://insurify.com/car-insurance/report/" data-vars-content-id="fefecea5-6cb1-43e1-aa0c-621f6c35ab84" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s car insurance rates are falling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://insurify.com/car-insurance/report/" target="_blank">Insurify report</a> finds.Zoom in: Louisiana&#x27;s annual full-coverage premiums fell 15% between 2024 and 2025, Insurify says, outpacing a national average 6% drop.

What it takes to be a Carnival crafter for hire

Signature throws have created a new cottage industry.

When the pandemic hit, Kat Schweitzer says she needed a way to avoid &quot;sitting in a depression hole.&quot;<ul><li>Enter glitter.</li></ul>Why it matters: That period took Schweitzer from a casual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="a3a2d356-0730-4388-ae0d-98f7fecd7852" data-vars-headline="What it takes to be a Carnival crafter for hire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a> crafter to a crafter-for-hire, joining the ranks of New Orleans-area artists who use their skills to elevate float riders&#x27; throws — for a price.

Redevelopment begins at blighted Bywater naval property

An incubator space, NewLab, is slated to open this year.

Work is officially underway on the redevelopment of one of New Orleans&#x27; largest and most notorious blighted properties.Why it matters: Once complete, the former Naval Support Activity East Bank in the Bywater will offer a mix of 294 affordable housing units, retail space and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new startup incubator" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/12/newlab-business-expansion-louisiana-startup" data-vars-content-id="44280f9a-4724-43a6-a003-89029acb68e2" data-vars-headline="Redevelopment begins at blighted Bywater naval property" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/12/newlab-business-expansion-louisiana-startup" target="_self">new startup incubator</a>.

These are New Orleans' 2026 James Beard semifinalists

Nine area restaurants made the cut so far.

Nine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b5b6de66-6844-4d20-9f17-38da48928a9a" data-vars-headline="These are New Orleans&#x27; 2026 James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>-area businesses are among this year&#x27;s James Beard Foundation semifinalists.Why it matters: The so-called Oscars of the food world recognize the industry&#x27;s best and can catapult a business into stardom.

Delta Utilities complaints spike as natural gas price increases

An Arctic blast isn't likely to make things better this week.

Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="7594cdd0-d115-456b-b9bc-e7cb57ab003c" data-vars-headline="Delta Utilities complaints spike as natural gas price increases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a> households are seeing jumps in their gas bills this winter after Entergy carved out its natural gas business and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sold it to Delta Utilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/24/delta-utilities-entergy-new-orleans-natural-gas" data-vars-content-id="7594cdd0-d115-456b-b9bc-e7cb57ab003c" data-vars-headline="Delta Utilities complaints spike as natural gas price increases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/24/delta-utilities-entergy-new-orleans-natural-gas" target="_self">sold it to Delta Utilities</a> last year.Why it matters: It&#x27;s creating a mix of confusion and frustration amid an already increased cost of living.

New Orleans home to fewer-than-average chain restaurants

But chain restaurants are growing while independents struggle.

If it feels like you&#x27;re seeing more chain restaurant openings and fewer independents, you&#x27;re not wrong, according to Technomic food industry researcher Kevin Schimpf.Why it matters: The trend is especially notable in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="7ee1d281-f87e-49dd-af68-3a88063b0f16" data-vars-headline="New Orleans home to fewer-than-average chain restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>, a city known for its independent restaurant culture.

Renovation begins on long-blighted Touro Shakspeare Home

Once renovated, it'll offer 52 affordable housing units.

Construction is officially underway at the long-blighted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Touro Shakspeare Home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/18/blighted-algiers-nursing-home-shakspeare-touro" data-vars-content-id="b90d7417-9bc2-401c-b9a4-58ea35ca025b" data-vars-headline="Renovation begins on long-blighted Touro Shakspeare Home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/18/blighted-algiers-nursing-home-shakspeare-touro" target="_self">Touro Shakspeare Home</a> in Algiers as the city-owned property transforms once again into affordable housing for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b90d7417-9bc2-401c-b9a4-58ea35ca025b" data-vars-headline="Renovation begins on long-blighted Touro Shakspeare Home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; elderly. Why it matters: Empty and crumbling since Hurricane Katrina, the project signals reinvestment in the West Bank neighborhood where the home sits. &quot;The city of New Orleans hasn&#x27;t forgotten about you,&quot; Councilman Freddie King said.

Larry Morrow's next big project? A hospitality conference

The event is scheduled for Jan. 16 and 17.

A new hospitality conference kicks off this weekend with New Orleans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurateur Larry Morrow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/03/larry-morrow-new-orleans-restaurants-events" data-vars-content-id="97d38a85-e811-4067-834d-84c58bef6f9f" data-vars-headline="Larry Morrow&#x27;s next big project? A hospitality conference" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/03/larry-morrow-new-orleans-restaurants-events" target="_self">restaurateur Larry Morrow</a>.Why it matters: Free registration is available for Saturday&#x27;s daylong event.

New Orleans & Co. debuts 10-year plan

The plan calls for stronger communities, not just tourism.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="72a78882-0893-4b8a-94e8-5cc5f79c7262" data-vars-headline="New Orleans &amp; Co. debuts 10-year plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; leading tourism agency unveiled a 10-year plan that its leaders say represents a new, holistic commitment to community health.Why it matters: For years, tourism and hospitality leaders have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="faced criticism" data-vars-click-url="https://scalawagmagazine.org/2023/05/forever-new-orleans/" data-vars-content-id="72a78882-0893-4b8a-94e8-5cc5f79c7262" data-vars-headline="New Orleans &amp; Co. debuts 10-year plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://scalawagmagazine.org/2023/05/forever-new-orleans/" target="_blank">faced criticism</a> that their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="support falls short" data-vars-click-url="https://antigravitymagazine.com/column/maccno-suspension-of-cultural-grants-highlights-need-for-strategic-cultural-funding-plan" data-vars-content-id="72a78882-0893-4b8a-94e8-5cc5f79c7262" data-vars-headline="New Orleans &amp; Co. debuts 10-year plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://antigravitymagazine.com/column/maccno-suspension-of-cultural-grants-highlights-need-for-strategic-cultural-funding-plan" target="_blank">support falls short</a> of investing in the people and culture-bearers who make New Orleans a valuable place to visit. <ul><li>But the new plan, New Orleans &amp; Co. CEO Walt Leger says, is &quot;a very firm commitment ... that we want to have a stronger community, not just a stronger tourism industry.&quot;</li></ul>

The New Orleans businesses we lost — and gained — this year

Farewell to Langenstein's. Hello to Delacroix.

We&#x27;re taking a moment to pour one out for Langenstein&#x27;s, Palace Cafe and more than a dozen other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="businesses we lost" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/02/new-restaurants-bars-closed-summer" data-vars-content-id="98cf0861-39d8-4bcf-85b4-8d441b4a5600" data-vars-headline="The New Orleans businesses we lost — and gained — this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/02/new-restaurants-bars-closed-summer" target="_self">businesses we lost</a> in New Orleans this year.Why it matters: Closures are part of the regular cycle of business life, but we still don&#x27;t have to like it.

Business 🏦

Winn-Dixie to close Metairie store

Louisiana's car insurance rates are falling

What it takes to be a Carnival crafter for hire

Bourbon Street strip club rules reversed

Redevelopment begins at blighted Bywater naval property