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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 New Orleans learned from hosting the Super Bowl

City leaders want to make it more financially beneficial to local businesses.

Sports

It&#x27;s only been a year since New Orleans hosted the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/super-bowl" data-vars-content-id="4a682113-332d-4d98-b5f1-5b594377ac55" data-vars-headline="What New Orleans learned from hosting the Super Bowl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/super-bowl" target="_self">Super Bowl</a>, and city leaders are already going after their next one.Why it matters: Officials are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rethinking how New Orleans hosts big events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/06/national-championship-super-bowl-tax-return" data-vars-content-id="4a682113-332d-4d98-b5f1-5b594377ac55" data-vars-headline="What New Orleans learned from hosting the Super Bowl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/06/national-championship-super-bowl-tax-return" target="_self">rethinking how New Orleans hosts big events</a>, with an emphasis on making them more financially viable for the city.

When to see King Cake Baby at Pelicans' games this season

A horror show or a delight, depending on your perspective.

With the return of <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="586da214-797f-45c2-8283-31cbcfc42224" data-vars-headline="When to see King Cake Baby at Pelicans&#x27; games this season" 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>, New Orleans also recognizes the return of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King Cake Baby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/king-cake-baby-returns-for-the-season" data-vars-content-id="586da214-797f-45c2-8283-31cbcfc42224" data-vars-headline="When to see King Cake Baby at Pelicans&#x27; games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/king-cake-baby-returns-for-the-season" target="_self">King Cake Baby</a> at Pelicans games this season. Why it matters: That&#x27;s either good or horrifying — depending on who you ask.

City Park to renovate golf course ahead of LIV tournament

The tournament arrives in New Orleans in June.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6cc23301-6936-4b49-98ee-b37d1a655dec" data-vars-headline="City Park to renovate golf course ahead of LIV tournament" 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> City Park&#x27;s Bayou Oaks Golf course closes Monday as the property undergoes $2.2 million in renovations.Why it matters: The park is making the state-funded improvements in anticipation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosting a LIV Golf Tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/27/liv-golf-new-orleans-tickets" data-vars-content-id="6cc23301-6936-4b49-98ee-b37d1a655dec" data-vars-headline="City Park to renovate golf course ahead of LIV tournament" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/27/liv-golf-new-orleans-tickets" target="_self">hosting a LIV Golf Tournament</a> in June.

Inside Lane Kiffin's contract

Here's what's inside Kiffin's 7-year deal.

Officially an LSU Tiger, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lane Kiffin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/01/lane-kiffin-joins-lsu-tigers-as-head-coach" data-vars-content-id="be669327-87bf-4172-a879-2ae70376353b" data-vars-headline="Inside Lane Kiffin&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/01/lane-kiffin-joins-lsu-tigers-as-head-coach" target="_self">Lane Kiffin</a> will make about $13 million annually on a seven-year contract coaching the school&#x27;s football team, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Advocate&#x27;s Wilson Alexander" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/lane-kiffin-lsu-contract-details-released/article_5fc37abe-0f85-4fb1-98ef-02b99a4efed4.html" data-vars-content-id="be669327-87bf-4172-a879-2ae70376353b" data-vars-headline="Inside Lane Kiffin&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/lane-kiffin-lsu-contract-details-released/article_5fc37abe-0f85-4fb1-98ef-02b99a4efed4.html" target="_blank">The Advocate&#x27;s Wilson Alexander</a>.Why it matters: After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="so many complaints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/06/lsu-president-chancelor-athletic-director-coach" data-vars-content-id="be669327-87bf-4172-a879-2ae70376353b" data-vars-headline="Inside Lane Kiffin&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/06/lsu-president-chancelor-athletic-director-coach" target="_self">so many complaints</a> that LSU is still on the hook for former head coach Brian Kelly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$54 million buyout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/brian-kelly-is-set-to-receive-54-million-after-being-informed-that-lsu-terminated-him-without-cause/" data-vars-content-id="be669327-87bf-4172-a879-2ae70376353b" data-vars-headline="Inside Lane Kiffin&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/brian-kelly-is-set-to-receive-54-million-after-being-informed-that-lsu-terminated-him-without-cause/" target="_blank">$54 million buyout</a>, there was bound to be a close eye on the terms of Kiffin&#x27;s new deal.

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>.

Big events, big bills battle for funding in deficit-ridden New Orleans

The city hasn't realized the investment return it expected.

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6867f3c4-b25a-42ad-9dfe-f9d9c7f368c6" data-vars-headline="Big events, big bills battle for funding in deficit-ridden 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> to successfully pull off hosting duties for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college football national championship in 2028" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/02/new-orleans-to-host-2028-college-football-national-championship" data-vars-content-id="6867f3c4-b25a-42ad-9dfe-f9d9c7f368c6" data-vars-headline="Big events, big bills battle for funding in deficit-ridden 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/2025/10/02/new-orleans-to-host-2028-college-football-national-championship" target="_self">college football national championship in 2028</a>, organizers need to raise another several million dollars, Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says.Why it matters: With city leaders also grappling with what they&#x27;re calling less-than-expected returns from hosting other recent major events, the ask may not go down so easy.

New Orleans Saints sign Superdome lease through 2035

The deal includes baked-in extensions, too.

<figure><img alt="Three officials in suits sitting at a table with a blue State of Louisiana banner, signing documents, with a black curtain backdrop and a U.S. flag visible on the right." height="450" id="00c9be95-d888-4038-a28d-cff14b096b15" src="https://images.axios.com/WA0e249GVpKRXy9V6-sK6V30NnU=/2025/10/03/1759504057154.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>From left, Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District chairman Rob Vosbein, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson and Gov. Jeff Landry sign the NFL team&#x27;s lease extension for the Caesars Superdome on Thursday. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Saints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="921e142f-606e-45da-8d2a-fe5329ecc674" data-vars-headline="New Orleans Saints sign Superdome lease through 2035" 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">New Orleans Saints</a> signed a lease extension on the Caesars Superdome on Thursday, ensuring the NFL team stays on its home turf through at least 2035.Why it matters: With the deal done, team owner Gayle Benson can begin petitioning the NFL to bring in another Super Bowl.

SEC averages most penalties in college football

The SEC average 6.4 penalties per game over 5 years.

SEC schools clock the most penalties per college <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="football" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="184ca06d-052f-4c0a-8f53-4d1c8bed8df0" data-vars-headline="SEC averages most penalties in college football" 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">football</a> game, on average, according to Action Network <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaaf/the-dirtiest-college-football-teams-2025" data-vars-content-id="184ca06d-052f-4c0a-8f53-4d1c8bed8df0" data-vars-headline="SEC averages most penalties in college football" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaaf/the-dirtiest-college-football-teams-2025" target="_blank">data</a>.Why it matters: The wrong penalty at the wrong time could cost you a win.

South Louisiana firings amid Charlie Kirk assassination fallout

As the nation continues reacting to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlie Kirk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-dead-31" data-vars-content-id="5866cff2-5b28-493e-8399-9b9af16bd195" data-vars-headline="South Louisiana firings amid Charlie Kirk assassination fallout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-dead-31" target="_self">Charlie Kirk</a>&#x27;s assassination last week, some South Louisianans are losing their jobs over online comments about the controversial figure&#x27;s death. Why it matters: Ramped-up online rhetoric is resulting in real-world consequences.

Luxury tailgating levels up game day

Tailgating as a tradition began during the Civil War.

When Mississippi State professor Brad Vickers missed his own alma mater&#x27;s game during a Bulldogs loss to Auburn in 2008, he realized more tailgates should have TVs to pass the time during college football Saturdays.Why it matters: That lightbulb moment became Southern Traditions tailgating, which offers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="e260bb62-aad9-466a-b788-8c121aab8380" data-vars-headline="Luxury tailgating levels up game day" 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">sports</a> fans the luxury of just showing up to celebrate on game days without any of the messy work to set up or clean up.

Sports 🏅

Celebrity sightings and parade controversies: What happened over Mardi Gras weekend

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Drew Brees to be inducted in NFL Hall of Fame

What New Orleans learned from hosting the Super Bowl

Drew Brees, Jahri Evans up for NFL Hall of Fame