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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.

A defining moment for New Orleans' first Latina mayor

Helena Moreno says it's "imperative" she speaks up now.

Politics

Mayor Helena Moreno — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="e1c187ce-f13d-4095-95a9-b28eca36853c" data-vars-headline="A defining moment for New Orleans&#x27; first Latina mayor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; first Latina mayor — says it&#x27;s &quot;imperative&quot; that she speaks up during what she describes as a &quot;very challenging time&quot; for Latinos facing increased targeting.Why it matters: Moreno&#x27;s background wasn&#x27;t central to her campaign, but it&#x27;s now shaping how she governs — from speaking out against immigration enforcement tactics to pushing for city services that reach residents in their own language.

City slashes Mardi Gras spending amid budget crisis

Mayor Helena Moreno won't have a Mardi Gras ball.

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Helena Moreno" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="6763065f-d0d0-45ae-b485-e99b37778822" data-vars-headline="City slashes Mardi Gras spending amid budget crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" target="_self">Helena Moreno</a>&#x27;s administration made deep budget cuts for <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="6763065f-d0d0-45ae-b485-e99b37778822" data-vars-headline="City slashes Mardi Gras spending amid budget crisis" 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> festivities amid the city&#x27;s fiscal crisis.Why it matters: VIPs at Gallier Hall will have security, but the city won&#x27;t provide food, drinks or clear bags for throws.

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.

New Orleans finds money to fix I-10 lights

They will start with the High Rise Bridge.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="0e55057d-3fa6-42c2-bd0e-888bb0841dde" data-vars-headline="New Orleans finds money to fix I-10 lights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" target="_self">New Orleans City Council</a> members are expected to approve Wednesday a $2.8 million initiative to fix the streetlights on Interstate 10, starting with the High Rise Bridge.Why it matters: Councilmembers say broken streetlights are one of the most common complaints they hear from constituents.

New Orleans election Saturday: What to know

Three legislative seats are up for grabs.

Election

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="691dcd2d-9c96-46c0-954b-59ac51ea12f8" data-vars-headline="New Orleans election Saturday: What to know" 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> voters head to the polls Saturday for a special legislative primary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/election" data-vars-content-id="691dcd2d-9c96-46c0-954b-59ac51ea12f8" data-vars-headline="New Orleans election Saturday: What to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/election" target="_self">election</a>.Why it matters: Voters are charged with tapping replacements for a trio of lawmakers who recently bowed out of their posts.

Why Louisiana's voter rolls may get redder this year

The state has long had more Ds than Rs on its rolls, but that could change in 2026.

Louisiana is poised to have more registered Republicans than Democrats on its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voter rolls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/election" data-vars-content-id="86d2e817-82d4-4728-b583-2298351f7928" data-vars-headline="Why Louisiana&#x27;s voter rolls may get redder 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/election" target="_self">voter rolls</a> for the first time ever. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a statistical shift that would bring what the state looks like on paper more in line with how it&#x27;s functioned in real life for decades.

Trump and New Orleans mayor give conflicting accounts of their meeting

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Helena Moreno" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/12/mayor-helena-moreno-100-day-plan-priorities" data-vars-content-id="89b8aa83-d374-4a76-8423-44e0e502209a" data-vars-headline="Trump and New Orleans mayor give conflicting accounts of their meeting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/12/mayor-helena-moreno-100-day-plan-priorities" target="_self">Mayor Helena Moreno</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="89b8aa83-d374-4a76-8423-44e0e502209a" data-vars-headline="Trump and New Orleans mayor give conflicting accounts of their meeting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> have very different perspectives about their first meeting in Washington, D.C.Why it matters: Trump is using the conversation to justify deploying the National Guard to cities to help with law enforcement.

How Louisiana's closed party primaries will work

Election changes are coming this year for some races.

Some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/election" data-vars-content-id="2ca3e430-e8cd-4f40-a468-ff8444d6f2b2" data-vars-headline="How Louisiana&#x27;s closed party primaries will work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/election" target="_self">Louisiana elections</a> will look a lot different this year as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed party primaries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/12/louisiana-begins-voter-education-for-closed-party-primaries" data-vars-content-id="2ca3e430-e8cd-4f40-a468-ff8444d6f2b2" data-vars-headline="How Louisiana&#x27;s closed party primaries will work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/12/louisiana-begins-voter-education-for-closed-party-primaries" target="_self">closed party primaries</a> begin — reshaping contests like Rep. Julia Letlow&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump-backed challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/jbletlow/status/2013646066801955020" data-vars-content-id="2ca3e430-e8cd-4f40-a468-ff8444d6f2b2" data-vars-headline="How Louisiana&#x27;s closed party primaries will work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/jbletlow/status/2013646066801955020" target="_blank">Trump-backed challenge</a> to incumbent Bill Cassidy&#x27;s Senate seat.Why it matters: How and when Louisiana votes is changing for certain races, including the U.S. Senate, which is bound to cause some confusion as voters hit the polls in 2026.

Moreno faces backlash over climate office restructuring

A petition asks the new mayor to reverse course.

<figure><img alt="Image shows people talking behind a podium." height="450" id="b7bb12e2-e81b-4ba9-ae4f-47b288f3cea0" src="https://images.axios.com/7oOvdMdz6Eawpgon-SyI6LmlMsg=/2026/01/14/1768426398773.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Chris Lang, one of the laid-off city staffers, talked at a press conference Wednesday about his concerns for the future of climate projects in the city. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Helena Moreno" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/12/mayor-helena-moreno-100-day-plan-priorities" data-vars-content-id="dfb05375-294c-4a2b-90ee-18dc219fa7f8" data-vars-headline="Moreno faces backlash over climate office restructuring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/12/mayor-helena-moreno-100-day-plan-priorities" target="_self">Mayor Helena Moreno</a> is shaking up how New Orleans City Hall approaches climate change.Why it matters: Hundreds of residents are pushing back and asking Moreno to reverse course.

Politics 🇺🇸

Marc Morial: "We're on the brink of tyranny"

SNAP benefits no longer cover candy, soda

NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure

A defining moment for New Orleans' first Latina mayor

City slashes Mardi Gras spending amid budget crisis