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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.

What's next for New Orleans' riverfront overhaul

The River District and Audubon's Riverfront for All are in flux.

Business

Two major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="riverfront projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" data-vars-content-id="bb460c99-72f4-4f8b-9c2b-ef9a47e003c5" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; riverfront overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" target="_self">riverfront projects</a> in New Orleans are in flux, according to The Times-Picayune.Why it matters: The city has spent the past decade trying to revitalize the downtown riverfront — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with mixed results" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/07/28/new-orleans-riverfront-park" data-vars-content-id="bb460c99-72f4-4f8b-9c2b-ef9a47e003c5" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; riverfront overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/07/28/new-orleans-riverfront-park" target="_self">with mixed results</a>.

New Orleans delays public beach reopening until 2027

Lincoln Beach has been closed for decades.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a beach photo that transitions to another one with a wide beach being enjoyed by people." height="450" id="8a4e3c29-8c61-45c1-ab18-9d1cdadfdce9" src="https://images.axios.com/AOxJlAqmlKeDoWfaSvwsxtf7ykk=/2025/10/24/1761337526822.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>This is what Lincoln Beach looks like now and what planners hope it will look like eventually. Images: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios; Rendering: Sasaki</figcaption></figure>New Orleans officials say they won&#x27;t be able to break ground this year on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s first public beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/11/photos-lincoln-beach-timeline-construction-rngd" data-vars-content-id="a44fc14a-732a-4c77-8282-e03a27d18ab3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans delays public beach reopening until 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/11/photos-lincoln-beach-timeline-construction-rngd" target="_self">city&#x27;s first public beach</a> in decades.Why it matters: The timeline to reopen the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic Black beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/08/renderings-lincoln-beach-opening-timeline" data-vars-content-id="a44fc14a-732a-4c77-8282-e03a27d18ab3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans delays public beach reopening until 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/08/renderings-lincoln-beach-opening-timeline" target="_self">historic Black beach</a> continues to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushed back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/01/lincoln-beach-wont-open-for-summer-2025" data-vars-content-id="a44fc14a-732a-4c77-8282-e03a27d18ab3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans delays public beach reopening until 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/01/lincoln-beach-wont-open-for-summer-2025" target="_self">pushed back</a>.

Trader Joe's to open first New Orleans store this week

Trader Joe&#x27;s will open its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first store in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/22/fully-dressed-emeril-s-new-restaurant-opens" data-vars-content-id="27df4f92-fa62-4ee3-b6ec-287325ceb483" data-vars-headline="Trader Joe&#x27;s to open first New Orleans store this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/22/fully-dressed-emeril-s-new-restaurant-opens" target="_self">first store in New Orleans</a> on Thursday, with another to follow later.Why it matters: The grocer&#x27;s expansion raises the stakes in southeast Louisiana&#x27;s crowded grocery scene.

$1.3M playground opens in Lafreniere Park

Officials cut the ribbon on the new playground Tuesday.

Development

<figure><img alt="Children play on a round climbing structure in a sunny playground with green trees. Adults supervise nearby, and kids wear blue shirts and shorts. Playground has green and blue equipment." height="450" id="2ca993ed-d4f2-4d1a-8351-79cecc480f1c" src="https://images.axios.com/1c5nr2UmEIssOBru2v50jcf_POM=/2025/07/22/1753214553568.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Tripp&#x27;s Treehouse is a multilevel playground in Lafreniere Park. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.3 million playground" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/12/09/rendering-lafreniere-park-new-playground-inclusive" data-vars-content-id="0e1054ce-1417-4ab7-9633-499435de49cb" data-vars-headline="$1.3M playground opens in Lafreniere Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/12/09/rendering-lafreniere-park-new-playground-inclusive" target="_self">$1.3 million playground</a> built for kids of all abilities is now open in Lafreniere Park in Jefferson Parish.Why it matters: Tripp&#x27;s Treehouse is the largest inclusive playground in Louisiana, leaders say.

Photos: Lincoln Beach redevelopment inches forward

<figure><img alt="Sandy beach with gentle waves, green trees lining the shore, and a bright blue sky with a few white clouds on a sunny day." height="450" id="ac6d048e-d116-4fa5-afe9-11c88c74af53" src="https://images.axios.com/q5zLzvomNOBJheDbXLPZCDQ_o2g=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/07/10/1752182164196.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>This is what Lincoln Beach looks like now and what planners hope it will look like eventually. Images: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios; Rendering: Sasaki</figcaption></figure>New Orleans officials have selected a construction manager to lead the long-awaited redevelopment of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lincoln Beach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/08/renderings-lincoln-beach-opening-timeline" data-vars-content-id="db1df500-15c1-4544-bfe6-ea33981bd0cb" data-vars-headline="Photos: Lincoln Beach redevelopment inches forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/08/renderings-lincoln-beach-opening-timeline" target="_self">Lincoln Beach</a>, marking a key milestone in the project.Why it matters: The timeline to reopen the city&#x27;s historic Black beach is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="behind schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/01/lincoln-beach-wont-open-for-summer-2025" data-vars-content-id="db1df500-15c1-4544-bfe6-ea33981bd0cb" data-vars-headline="Photos: Lincoln Beach redevelopment inches forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/01/lincoln-beach-wont-open-for-summer-2025" target="_self">behind schedule</a> but still moving forward, with an estimated grand opening in early 2027.

Renderings: New Orleans City Park's $400 million plan

The master plan still needs final approval.

New Orleans City Park unveiled a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="master plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/25/new-orleans-city-park-master-plan-reflecting-pool" data-vars-content-id="966d2321-a52d-4434-a08a-62bb1475cbb9" data-vars-headline="Renderings: New Orleans City Park&#x27;s $400 million 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/2025/06/25/new-orleans-city-park-master-plan-reflecting-pool" target="_self">master plan</a> Wednesday that will take the city&#x27;s largest public space into the next two decades.Why it matters: It could take up to $400 million to implement, says City Park Conservancy president and CEO Rebecca Dietz.

New Orleans City Park wants to add nature play area, "grand" water feature

The master plan will be unveiled Wednesday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans City Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/12/10/new-orleans-city-park-master-planning" data-vars-content-id="6e8ea808-0231-4336-9d00-5b56860eeed5" data-vars-headline="New Orleans City Park wants to add nature play area, &quot;grand&quot; water feature" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/12/10/new-orleans-city-park-master-planning" target="_self">New Orleans City Park</a> leaders will unveil the park&#x27;s new master plan on Wednesday.The big picture: Plans include a children&#x27;s play area and a shallow reflecting pool, City Park Conservancy President and CEO Rebecca Dietz tells Axios New Orleans.

Buc-ee's opens store an hour from New Orleans

Two more stores are under construction in Louisiana.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/06/21/buc-ees-louisiana-locations-when-open-mississippi" data-vars-content-id="59445fc7-0837-428c-bf1d-0b1711dce16e" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s opens store an hour from 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/2024/06/21/buc-ees-louisiana-locations-when-open-mississippi" target="_self">Buc-ee&#x27;s</a> opens its massive travel center Monday in Mississippi just off Interstate 10 in Pass Christian.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the popular chain&#x27;s closest location to New Orleans (it&#x27;s about one hour away) as it works on building its first two stores in Louisiana.

New putt-putt golf course opens on West Bank

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="Image shows golf course" height="450" id="e8358f85-2653-4bbd-a49e-222e7b154293" src="https://images.axios.com/6l8aA-drxS-D193NSBQoDsPDnaA=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/05/30/1748632266516.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The mini golf course at Throttle &amp; Swing is outdoors. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>A new family <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="entertainment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="012212f5-ae87-4992-b439-df14765015fd" data-vars-headline="New putt-putt golf course opens on West Bank" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">entertainment</a> option is now open in Westwego with putt-putt golf, go-kart racing and a playground.The big picture: Throttle &amp; Swing is a rebranded and expanded version of the go-kart track at NOLA Motorsports.

New Orleans apartments are getting smaller

Move to Baton Rouge if you want more space.

The average size of newly built <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="apartments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/23/apartment-building-construction-rent-prices" data-vars-content-id="e2330723-5429-420a-8e12-c112cdae3de3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans apartments are getting smaller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/23/apartment-building-construction-rent-prices" target="_self">apartments</a> 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="e2330723-5429-420a-8e12-c112cdae3de3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans apartments are getting smaller" 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> has shrunk 9% over time, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" data-vars-content-id="e2330723-5429-420a-8e12-c112cdae3de3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans apartments are getting smaller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" target="_blank">report</a> by RentCafe, an apartment search website.Why it matters: New apartments have gotten smaller in most of the 100 U.S. cities researchers analyzed, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="squeezing many renters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/09/18/atlanta-rent-income-ratio" data-vars-content-id="e2330723-5429-420a-8e12-c112cdae3de3" data-vars-headline="New Orleans apartments are getting smaller" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/09/18/atlanta-rent-income-ratio" target="_self">squeezing many renters</a> who already pay steep prices.

Development 🏗️

What's next for New Orleans' riverfront overhaul

New Orleans delays public beach reopening until 2027

Trader Joe's to open first New Orleans store this week

$1.3M playground opens in Lafreniere Park

Photos: Lincoln Beach redevelopment inches forward