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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 map is shrinking again

The boot of Louisiana's toe is getting much smaller.

Louisiana&#x27;s map is set to shrink again next year as federal officials recognize the ongoing effects of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sea level rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/04/14/dramatic-sea-level-rise-gulf-coast-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="bed30ba3-8bdb-4376-af51-ef07359b9a3b" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s map is shrinking again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/04/14/dramatic-sea-level-rise-gulf-coast-new-orleans" target="_self">sea level rise</a> on the state&#x27;s marshy outline.Why it matters: It&#x27;s yet another reminder that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/01/new-orleans-sinking-faster-sea-level-rise" data-vars-content-id="bed30ba3-8bdb-4376-af51-ef07359b9a3b" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s map is shrinking again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/01/new-orleans-sinking-faster-sea-level-rise" target="_self">climate change</a> is literally shifting the ground beneath our feet.

What to read, watch to better understand Hurricane Katrina

New documentaries are out in time for the 20th anniversary.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina 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="ce4e5c92-8afd-4317-bac7-ee8084581a98" data-vars-headline="What to read, watch to better understand Hurricane Katrina" 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>, dozens of media outlets, bloggers and content creators have debuted documentaries, podcasts and shows to explore stories from that historical moment and its recovery.Why it matters: For people who were directly impacted, a lot of it can just be painful — or even impossible — to relive.

Heat streaks are getting more common in Louisiana

New Orleans is among cities with extreme heat stretches.

Environment

Heat streaks are becoming more common in Louisiana cities and nationwide, a new analysis finds. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prolonged heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" data-vars-content-id="95d86eaa-7eaf-4975-b122-42ef256e74c4" data-vars-headline="Heat streaks are getting more common in Louisiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" target="_self">Prolonged heat</a> is particularly hazardous to human health.

Louisiana's electricity costs rise amid data center boom

The state's only data center is not yet online.

It&#x27;s getting more expensive to power Louisiana, and electricity costs are rising faster here than in most parts of the county, according to new data.Why it matters: Many residents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already struggle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/28/louisiana-struggle-belt-everyday-expenses" data-vars-content-id="876a09e0-6646-4d90-8cb6-28bdda42dfb3" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s electricity costs rise amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/28/louisiana-struggle-belt-everyday-expenses" target="_self">already struggle</a> with the cost of everyday living, but electricity costs could get even higher for some as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/04/ai-energy-data-center-growth" data-vars-content-id="876a09e0-6646-4d90-8cb6-28bdda42dfb3" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s electricity costs rise amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/04/ai-energy-data-center-growth" target="_self">data centers</a> move in.

New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat

Some schools already struggle to keep classes cool.

Education

As K-12 students head back to school in New Orleans this week, more will be sitting in classrooms in extreme <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban heat zones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" target="_self">urban heat zones</a> than the U.S. average, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: The heat island effect can make some neighborhoods notably warmer than others, especially during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/heat-wave" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/heat-wave" target="_self">heat waves</a>.Flashback: Some regional schools started last year with canceled classes because of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inadequate air conditioning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/04/louisiana-schools-air-conditioning-heat-waves" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/04/louisiana-schools-air-conditioning-heat-waves" target="_self">inadequate air conditioning</a>. Driving the news: About 76% of public K-12 students in the 65 most populous U.S. cities attend schools where the heat island effect increases temperatures by at least 8°F, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new analysis from Climate Central," data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/schools-and-urban-heat-2025" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/schools-and-urban-heat-2025" target="_blank">new analysis from Climate Central,</a> a climate research group.<ul><li>Researchers there examined more than 12,000 schools, with nearly 6.2 million students.</li><li>The group&#x27;s analysis is based on its previous work modeling urban heat zones, as well as National Center for Education Statistics data.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: New Orleans is among cities working to alleviate its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat island effect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/23/new-orleans-heat-island-effect-mapped" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/23/new-orleans-heat-island-effect-mapped" target="_self">heat island effect</a>, with city leaders last year announcing plans to create a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat mitigation plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/16/new-orleans-heat-mitigation-plan-extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/16/new-orleans-heat-mitigation-plan-extreme-weather" target="_self">heat mitigation plan</a>.

Some of New Orleans is sinking faster than sea level rise

A new study offers a clear picture of the city's elevation.

Parts of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6fec8a53-b8c6-478b-ada3-8dc085440c3f" data-vars-headline="Some of New Orleans is sinking faster than sea level rise" 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>, including some of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flood protections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/24/homeowners-minority-climate-risk-flooding" data-vars-content-id="6fec8a53-b8c6-478b-ada3-8dc085440c3f" data-vars-headline="Some of New Orleans is sinking faster than sea level rise" 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/homeowners-minority-climate-risk-flooding" target="_self">flood protections</a>, are sinking faster than the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sea level is rising" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/04/14/dramatic-sea-level-rise-gulf-coast-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6fec8a53-b8c6-478b-ada3-8dc085440c3f" data-vars-headline="Some of New Orleans is sinking faster than sea level rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/04/14/dramatic-sea-level-rise-gulf-coast-new-orleans" target="_self">sea level is rising</a> beyond it, according to a new study from Tulane University. Why it matters: The study offers &quot;a wake-up call,&quot; said study co-author Mead Allison in a press release, as the margin between what protects New Orleans and the water that threatens it narrows. <ul><li>&quot;We need ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure that our flood defenses don&#x27;t lose their level of protection beneath us,&quot;Allison said.</li></ul>

A dying Louisiana swamp will get a burst of new life

The Maurepas Swamp is between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Politics

A stretch of more than 45,000 acres of swampland between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8716289f-4d38-408e-a6e0-dddef656981e" data-vars-headline="A dying Louisiana swamp will get a burst of new life" 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> and Baton Rouge has been slowly dying, killing off native species for more than 80 years.Why it matters: That ends soon, thanks to a new project reconnecting the Maurepas Swamp with the Mississippi River.

New Orleans might create a virtual power plant. Here's what that means

City leaders OK'd the first steps in the process to create one.

Climate

New Orleans City Council OK&#x27;d a $32 million plan last week to create a virtual power plant.Why it matters: If and when it gets up and running, the city would be able to tap into a new networked back-up energy source when emergencies strain the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/18/new-orleans-climate-change-hurricane-evaucation" data-vars-content-id="2edb19cd-98b3-40fe-94ef-6c37a915e6f0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans might create a virtual power plant. Here&#x27;s what that means" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/18/new-orleans-climate-change-hurricane-evaucation" target="_self">traditional grid</a>.

How climate change is making hurricanes worse for our water system

Climate change and aging infrastructure are a "double whammy."

When Hurricanes Francine, Helene and Milton made landfall on the mainland U.S. in recent weeks, wherever they went, they threatened local water supplies.Why it matters: It&#x27;s just another symptom of how American infrastructure isn&#x27;t ready for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/15/climate-change-role-helene-milton-hurricanes" data-vars-content-id="749c486b-a85d-4c20-add7-38dce0422dd4" data-vars-headline="How climate change is making hurricanes worse for our water system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/15/climate-change-role-helene-milton-hurricanes" target="_self">climate change</a>.