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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.

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>

A five-holiday mashup hits New Orleans

Here are our suggestions for things to do.

All the holidays collide this 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="99db571b-662c-4b9e-93a8-c54d8784043f" data-vars-headline="A five-holiday mashup hits 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> — Friday the 13th, <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="99db571b-662c-4b9e-93a8-c54d8784043f" data-vars-headline="A five-holiday mashup hits 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>, Valentine&#x27;s Day, Presidents Day and Lunar New Year.Why it matters: It&#x27;s your own fault if you&#x27;re bored.

How to watch Greasing of the Poles 2026

The unique French Quarter tradition kicks off Friday Gras.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greasing of the Poles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/28/how-to-watch-greasing-of-the-poles-2025" data-vars-content-id="82ec69c3-975d-4587-9000-dc8995983cd1" data-vars-headline="How to watch Greasing of the Poles 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/28/how-to-watch-greasing-of-the-poles-2025" target="_self">Greasing of the Poles</a> is back at the Royal Sonesta on Friday at 10am.Why it matters: The fabulous French Quarter tradition offers a cheeky nod to the neighborhood&#x27;s past when residents and businesses would lube their balcony poles to keep overeager Mardi Gras revelers from climbing up.

Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026

Here's what we're looking for on the route.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="15ea9324-8543-4100-91ec-bb56948dd468" data-vars-headline="Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026" 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>&#x27; biggest parade weekend is here, and we&#x27;ve got our eyes on some pretty sweet throws that <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="15ea9324-8543-4100-91ec-bb56948dd468" data-vars-headline="Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026" 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> krewes are tossing this year.Why it matters: Sure, you can elbow somebody out of the way for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleopatra cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/03/carnival-glitter-mardi-gras-buy-shoes-cups" data-vars-content-id="15ea9324-8543-4100-91ec-bb56948dd468" data-vars-headline="Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/03/carnival-glitter-mardi-gras-buy-shoes-cups" target="_self">Cleopatra cup</a>, but it&#x27;s a lot easier to aim for the things float riders will stock in bulk.

Bacchus adds a new baby to its parade lineup

Baby Whoppa is about the size of a school bus.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a man talking in front of a Mardi Gras float that looks like a baby whale." height="450" id="c877af5c-67a5-4150-a95e-34b85337e400" src="https://images.axios.com/4FuL4i05tjKDIp4nejmjAndBMFk=/2026/02/09/1770666508567.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Clark Brennan, the captain of Bacchus, introduces the new baby. The original Bacchawhoppa is behind it. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Krewe of Bacchus" data-vars-click-url="https://kreweofbacchus.org/" data-vars-content-id="68a71be3-623a-4971-923f-776191de31fa" data-vars-headline="Bacchus adds a new baby to its parade lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kreweofbacchus.org/" target="_blank">Krewe of Bacchus</a> debuts a new <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="68a71be3-623a-4971-923f-776191de31fa" data-vars-headline="Bacchus adds a new baby to its parade lineup" 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> float this weekend, adding to its crowd-favorite lineup.Why it matters: Baby Kong has competition.

Where to find private karaoke rooms in New Orleans

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.

Barkus, Cleopatra hit the route this weekend

Grab your king cakes and your Popeyes orders because <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="923b041f-8070-443e-8aca-cc7754ca8602" data-vars-headline="Barkus, Cleopatra hit the route 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>&#x27; parade routes are lighting up 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="923b041f-8070-443e-8aca-cc7754ca8602" data-vars-headline="Barkus, Cleopatra hit the route 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>.Zoom in: Here are our picks for what&#x27;s rolling, plus a few other options for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to do in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="923b041f-8070-443e-8aca-cc7754ca8602" data-vars-headline="Barkus, Cleopatra hit the route 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/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do in New Orleans</a> this weekend.

Krewe du Vieux, Bohéme among Mardi Gras parades this weekend

Several parades hit the route this weekend.

<figure><img alt="A title float is pulled down a French Quarter street. The float says &quot;Krewe du Vieux is revolting!&quot;" height="450" id="0fe55a7d-efe9-4c09-affe-f8231e1c7027" src="https://images.axios.com/PHtU8ynBDLNhTKk0QOKPkxNfdzo=/2026/01/28/1769618917283.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Krewe du Vieux&#x27;s 2026 theme will be &quot;Save the Wet Glands.&quot; Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>Krewe du Vieux returns in all its naughty glory to the French Quarter as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="1a80f642-ea7d-49ab-86f8-f15213858dc6" data-vars-headline="Krewe du Vieux, Bohéme among Mardi Gras parades 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> rambles toward <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="1a80f642-ea7d-49ab-86f8-f15213858dc6" data-vars-headline="Krewe du Vieux, Bohéme among Mardi Gras parades 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>.Zoom in: The parade is just one of several scheduled this weekend and tops our list of things to do in New Orleans.

Chewbacchus tops things to do in New Orleans this weekend

Our top picks for what's happening around town.

Nerds unite as Chewbacchus highlights our top picks 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="acaba97f-4cc3-4a7a-aab9-55cc7a3e7efe" data-vars-headline="Chewbacchus tops things to do 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/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do</a> in New Orleans this weekend.

Parades roll this weekend for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Mardi Gras

Holidays collide this 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="1c809bef-5df7-43e2-b640-0091108a7116" data-vars-headline="Parades roll this weekend for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Mardi Gras" 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>, with parades rolling for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and <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="1c809bef-5df7-43e2-b640-0091108a7116" data-vars-headline="Parades roll this weekend for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Mardi Gras" 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>.Some of our best bets ...

Things to Do 🗓

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

A five-holiday mashup hits New Orleans

How to watch Greasing of the Poles 2026

Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026

Bacchus adds a new baby to its parade lineup