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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.

Where to find private karaoke rooms in New Orleans

Things to Do

A new karaoke spot is quietly taking center stage in the Lower Garden District.Zoom in: Rockabye Karaoke opened about two months ago and offers private rooms for your own epic sing-along session.

DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says

The cost-effective solution is repeatable, Mayor Moreno says.

Music

<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="b317e485-1113-400b-af3a-b97a200e79e9" data-vars-headline="DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says" 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> parade viewing at Gallier Hall may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trimmed down in 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/04/mardi-gras-budget-cuts-gallier-hall" data-vars-content-id="b317e485-1113-400b-af3a-b97a200e79e9" data-vars-headline="DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/04/mardi-gras-budget-cuts-gallier-hall" target="_self">trimmed down in 2026</a>, but it&#x27;ll still sound great, thanks to more than $40,000 raised in donations to cover the cost of hiring DJs for this year&#x27;s festivities.Why it matters: Mayor Helena Moreno said Monday that she sees the solution — private donations supporting a public event — as a repeatable option for future projects.

Hear Spotify's top 5 songs in New Orleans for 2025

The city partially aligned with national trends.

Kendrick Lamar&#x27;s &quot;luther (with sza) was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most-streamed song" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" data-vars-content-id="01934af3-47ff-409d-99e0-030876790240" data-vars-headline="Hear Spotify&#x27;s top 5 songs in New Orleans for 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" target="_self">most-streamed song</a> on Spotify this year 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="01934af3-47ff-409d-99e0-030876790240" data-vars-headline="Hear Spotify&#x27;s top 5 songs in New Orleans for 2025" 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>.Why it matters: The track, which was also the most-streamed in the nation, is also a throwback to when Lamar and SZA performed it during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl LIX halftime show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/08/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-performer-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="01934af3-47ff-409d-99e0-030876790240" data-vars-headline="Hear Spotify&#x27;s top 5 songs in New Orleans for 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/08/kendrick-lamar-super-bowl-halftime-performer-new-orleans" target="_self">Super Bowl LIX halftime show</a> at the Caesars Superdome.

Mannie Fresh joins the LPO this weekend in New Orleans

It&#x27;ll be a warm fall weekend 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="3563cd0a-073d-44ce-9fc2-76b9f979d306" data-vars-headline="Mannie Fresh joins the LPO this 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" target="_self">New Orleans</a>, and there&#x27;s plenty to do to enjoy it.<ul><li>Here are some of our top picks for <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="3563cd0a-073d-44ce-9fc2-76b9f979d306" data-vars-headline="Mannie Fresh joins the LPO this 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> in New Orleans this weekend.</li></ul>

Where to celebrate Taylor Swift's new album in New Orleans

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taylor Swift&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/30/taylor-swift-buys-music-catalogue" data-vars-content-id="f65cfdf2-1c9d-4fa6-b798-beaa518c8d7d" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Taylor Swift&#x27;s new album in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/30/taylor-swift-buys-music-catalogue" target="_self">Taylor Swift&#x27;s</a> new album drops Friday, and with it come a handful of parties for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Swifties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/22/where-taylor-swift-has-eaten-new-orleans-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="f65cfdf2-1c9d-4fa6-b798-beaa518c8d7d" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Taylor Swift&#x27;s new album 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/2024/10/22/where-taylor-swift-has-eaten-new-orleans-restaurants" target="_self">New Orleans Swifties</a> to celebrate.Why it matters: The new album, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Life of a Showgirl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/08/12/taylor-swift-new-heights-life-of-a-showgirl-new-heights-podcast" data-vars-content-id="f65cfdf2-1c9d-4fa6-b798-beaa518c8d7d" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Taylor Swift&#x27;s new album 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/cleveland/2025/08/12/taylor-swift-new-heights-life-of-a-showgirl-new-heights-podcast" target="_self">The Life of a Showgirl</a>,&quot; is all glitz, and these events look like a great reason to shine a little bit.

How find 90 free shows in New Orleans this week

A pandemic-era event series that started as a way to help New Orleans entertainers make ends meet is still going strong — and growing.Why it matters: &quot;We still need to support venues and musicians now as we did then,&quot; NOLAxNOLA founder Sig Greenebaum tells Axios New Orleans.

66-year-old proves it's never too late and joins LSU's Tiger Band

Kent Broussard plays as a non-matriculating student.

Sports

A 66-year-old retiree made history this year as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LSU" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="a9791a91-914a-4a89-9d42-dfa81cea4e96" data-vars-headline="66-year-old proves it&#x27;s never too late and joins LSU&#x27;s Tiger Band" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" target="_self">LSU</a> Tiger Band&#x27;s oldest member, and his story has captured nationwide attention.Why it matters: Kent Broussard proves it&#x27;s never too late to try something new.

After a historic building crumbled to the ground, it was built back brick by brick

The space is part of New Orleans' jazz history.

Business

When Hurricane Ida made landfall in 2021, one of its casualties was the Karnofsky Shop on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="400 block of Rampart Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.explorelouisiana.com/music/400-block-south-rampart-street" data-vars-content-id="577668e2-e0d8-4d33-b43d-4e8ccebc5cf1" data-vars-headline="After a historic building crumbled to the ground, it was built back brick by brick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.explorelouisiana.com/music/400-block-south-rampart-street" target="_blank">400 block of Rampart Street</a>.Why it matters: The building <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crumbled to the ground" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/31/1032738381/historic-karnofsky-shop-in-new-orleans-collapses-during-hurricane-ida" data-vars-content-id="577668e2-e0d8-4d33-b43d-4e8ccebc5cf1" data-vars-headline="After a historic building crumbled to the ground, it was built back brick by brick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/31/1032738381/historic-karnofsky-shop-in-new-orleans-collapses-during-hurricane-ida" target="_blank">crumbled to the ground</a> — but a local architecture firm managed to put it back together, brick by brick.

Spotify's songs of summer in New Orleans

According to Spotify data, summer 2025 was the least danceable and lowest-energy summer for music.

Alex Warren&#x27;s &quot;Ordinary&quot; was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top song this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/spotify-unveils-its-songs-of-the-summer" data-vars-content-id="da6254fa-54bd-4fa8-ab75-f43f12af396d" data-vars-headline="Spotify&#x27;s songs of summer in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/27/spotify-unveils-its-songs-of-the-summer" target="_self">top song this summer</a> for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/spotify-user-numbers-investor-relations" data-vars-content-id="da6254fa-54bd-4fa8-ab75-f43f12af396d" data-vars-headline="Spotify&#x27;s songs of summer in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/spotify-user-numbers-investor-relations" target="_self">Spotify</a> users 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="da6254fa-54bd-4fa8-ab75-f43f12af396d" data-vars-headline="Spotify&#x27;s songs of summer 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>. The big picture: The platform says listeners &quot;swapped carefree anthems for songs that felt personal, vulnerable, and emotionally charged — both lyrically and sonically.&quot;

America's Got Talent puts Bourbon Street busker at center stage

The young singer has already been recording an album.

A young <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b249fc9b-54a9-48f5-bc63-5f6f05fbc95f" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s Got Talent puts Bourbon Street busker at center stage" 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> singer returns to &quot;America&#x27;s Got Talent&quot; this week in hopes of winning a $1 million grand prize — and the attention of the music industry.Why it matters: Jourdan Blue is getting one of those chance-in-a-lifetime moments, and he&#x27;s already making the most of it.

Music

Where to find private karaoke rooms in New Orleans

Trombone Shorty celebrates 40 with star-studded Treme Threauxdown

DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says

Jazz Museum to get $1.1M revamp

Irvin Mayfield makes for Bourbon Street comeback