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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.

Tet Fest, crawfish boils and more things to do this weekend

Things to Do

<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="93dfc559-1df7-462f-8ab1-0100e94c571d" data-vars-headline="Tet Fest, crawfish boils and more things to do this weekend" 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> is over, but the fun doesn&#x27;t stop 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="93dfc559-1df7-462f-8ab1-0100e94c571d" data-vars-headline="Tet Fest, crawfish boils and more things to do this weekend" 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>.<ul><li>Here are some things to do this weekend.</li></ul>

Boat parade and more holiday events in New Orleans this weekend

The holidays dominate this weekend's events.

<figure><img alt="Image shows women in santa suits dancing on a boat." height="449" id="abf43e79-f66a-4bd9-a994-c9342b720e20" src="https://images.axios.com/lNTpYq9dtjnpHGKuTPQixeH7MMw=/2025/12/10/1765395215157.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The West End Boat Parade is extra. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>We&#x27;re deep into the holiday season 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="e63f2726-c0be-42e2-a391-8295022bc07f" data-vars-headline="Boat parade and more holiday events in New Orleans this weekend" 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 it rolls along this weekend with the return of the annual West End Christmas Boat Parade.<ul><li>We&#x27;ve got details on that and more things to do this weekend.</li></ul>

10 ways to celebrate the holidays in New Orleans

From family fun to cocktails, we have you covered.

Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and so, too, are the festive traditions that make it so glittering and fun.Zoom in: Here are 10 of our favorite ways to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrate the holidays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" data-vars-content-id="1ae8317d-1979-4212-9991-40bc5f8d4465" data-vars-headline="10 ways to celebrate the holidays 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/holidays" target="_self">celebrate the holidays</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="1ae8317d-1979-4212-9991-40bc5f8d4465" data-vars-headline="10 ways to celebrate the holidays 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> this year.

Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving

Business

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8c2fbccb-38e0-438e-b443-3c88b4b9382c" data-vars-headline="Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving" 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> Fair Grounds season is off and running with crews wrapping up a renovation to the Mid-City gaming facility.Why it matters: Grab your hats. It&#x27;s nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" data-vars-content-id="8c2fbccb-38e0-438e-b443-3c88b4b9382c" data-vars-headline="Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" target="_self">Thanksgiving</a>.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups remain on top in U.S.

Louisiana's favorite is ... Now and Later?

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nerds Gummy Clusters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/31/nerds-gummy-clusters-sales" data-vars-content-id="3c757675-6c65-4ba5-8444-ec48db757f3f" data-vars-headline="Reese&#x27;s Peanut Butter Cups remain on top in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/31/nerds-gummy-clusters-sales" target="_self">Nerds Gummy Clusters</a> might be the pinnacle of candy cool, but this Halloween, everyone is still reaching for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reese&#x27;s Peanut Butter Cups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/31/sweet-favorites" data-vars-content-id="3c757675-6c65-4ba5-8444-ec48db757f3f" data-vars-headline="Reese&#x27;s Peanut Butter Cups remain on top in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/31/sweet-favorites" target="_self">Reese&#x27;s Peanut Butter Cups</a>. Why it matters: If you&#x27;re going to fill your bowl for trick or treating, fill it with what the people want.

This south Louisiana neighborhood is the place to be for Halloween

<figure><img alt="Image shows people in costume trick or treating in Imperial Woods." height="450" id="4897234b-26b6-4792-906d-26cce8a00993" src="https://images.axios.com/WTRbEKxfEBvZ2UBsi3DxOXnwYwk=/2025/10/28/1761678535342.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Halloween 2024 in Imperial Woods. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Imperial Woods in Harahan has built a reputation as the go-to spot for Halloween 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="395989fc-e40b-4bcc-a1fe-92b4e63ec317" data-vars-headline="This south Louisiana neighborhood is the place to be for Halloween" 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> metro.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of the few neighborhoods keeping old-school, door-to-door trick-or-treating alive.

New Orleans' trendiest Halloween costumes

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" data-vars-content-id="a0136816-f94a-49b7-b414-f693e9937676" data-vars-headline="New Orleans&#x27; trendiest Halloween costumes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" target="_self">Halloween</a> weekend is nearly here, and many of the hottest costumes have already flown off the racks. Why it matters: Nobody does costuming better than New Orleans.

Porch pumpkins make fall decor easy, for a price

This fall, 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="2a79129f-4577-4c35-9235-daa61ec32f9d" data-vars-headline="Porch pumpkins make fall decor easy, for a price" 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> residents are hopping on the trend of hiring porch decorators.Why it matters: It takes a lot of work to host a gourd time.

15+ things to do for Easter weekend in New Orleans

Plus, we have 4/20 mashups for the informal marijuana holiday.

New Orleans has plenty of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to do" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="0470db65-5ffb-453f-8e3c-1a8661df2609" data-vars-headline="15+ things to do for Easter weekend 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/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do</a> for Easter weekend, from parades to crawfish boils to 4/20 mashups.<ul><li>Here are some of your best bets this weekend.</li></ul>

Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick eggs shine bright at Easter

Elmer's is the country's oldest family-owned chocolate company.

<figure><img alt="Image shows an Easter basket with candy in it." height="450" id="71d3ed3a-d338-4070-90e3-e62570e0ace1" src="https://images.axios.com/-LJBu9nglH963CACqTpeFTZqgVM=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/04/16/1744828446326.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Elmer&#x27;s is known for its candy eggs for Easter. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter baskets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/29/favorite-easter-candy-louisiana-elmer-heavenly-hash-reeses-peanut-butter" data-vars-content-id="e30f1639-9ade-4b96-b192-873584d7e4dd" data-vars-headline="Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick eggs shine bright at Easter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/29/favorite-easter-candy-louisiana-elmer-heavenly-hash-reeses-peanut-butter" target="_self">Easter baskets</a> in south Louisiana look a little different than those in the rest of the country, thanks to Elmer Chocolate.Why it matters: Elmer&#x27;s started 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="e30f1639-9ade-4b96-b192-873584d7e4dd" data-vars-headline="Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick eggs shine bright at Easter" 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 at 170 years old, it&#x27;s the country&#x27;s oldest family-owned chocolate company.

Where to find Jewish food in New Orleans

New Orleans has several options for matzo and your Seder meal.

The Jewish holiday of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Passover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/08/passover-constipation-matzo" data-vars-content-id="1a13267b-93b1-49d2-a660-79af5d5fd136" data-vars-headline="Where to find Jewish food in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/08/passover-constipation-matzo" target="_self">Passover</a> starts this weekend, and 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="1a13267b-93b1-49d2-a660-79af5d5fd136" data-vars-headline="Where to find Jewish food 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> restaurants have food for your gatherings.The big picture: During Passover, which is sundown Saturday to sundown April 20 this year, observers eat matzo and other unleavened breads as a way to remember that the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jews fled Egypt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/21/passover-dates-2024-seder-food-matzo" data-vars-content-id="1a13267b-93b1-49d2-a660-79af5d5fd136" data-vars-headline="Where to find Jewish food in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/21/passover-dates-2024-seder-food-matzo" target="_self">Jews fled Egypt</a> so fast that their dough didn&#x27;t have time to rise.

🥢 Lucky foods to eat 

What lucky foods to eat for the Year of the Fire Horse

🎄 Give your tree new life

When to recycle your Christmas tree in New Orleans

🥧 Popular Thanksgiving pies

Louisiana loves peanut butter pie, data shows

A U.S. map shows the most uniquely popular Thanksgiving pies by state in 2024. Cream is the most uniquely popular in nine states. Pumpkin is most popular in seven western states. French silk pie is popular in seven Midwestern states. Five states make sweet potato pie popular. Other pie flavors include strawberry rhubarb, peanut butter and coconut custard. 11 states are categorized with "other" pie types.