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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.

Amtrak's Gulf Coast route doubles ridership expectations

The Mardi Gras service trains started in August.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a man waving in the cafe of a train." height="450" id="be873b20-c657-48f5-b068-fc1dc80dd119" src="https://images.axios.com/B_uj71FLKfAmUnIn-auzhdq9xnk=/2025/12/05/1764953637999.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Amtrak serves muffulettas, pralines, Zapp&#x27;s chips and Abita beer on its Gulf Coast trains. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amtrak&#x27;s new Gulf Coast service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/17/amtrak-begins-new-service-between-new-orleans-mobile" data-vars-content-id="0b88f8bc-09f0-4e04-b671-af5d1c7f5599" data-vars-headline="Amtrak&#x27;s Gulf Coast route doubles ridership expectations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/17/amtrak-begins-new-service-between-new-orleans-mobile" target="_self">Amtrak&#x27;s new Gulf Coast service</a> is on track to double the company&#x27;s passenger estimates, officials say.Why it matters: It&#x27;s good news for the train route trying to make a comeback after 20 years.

Uber adds women-only ride feature in New Orleans

It mirrors a Lyft option that's already live here.

Business

A new Uber feature that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gives women more control " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/uber-women-preferences-pilot-riders-drivers" data-vars-content-id="d392a0f4-96cd-4828-995c-300376ea53a5" data-vars-headline="Uber adds women-only ride feature in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/uber-women-preferences-pilot-riders-drivers" target="_self">gives women more control </a>over how they ride and drive on the platform has rolled out in New Orleans.Why it matters: Safety and comfort have long been top concerns for women who use ride-hailing services, both as riders and drivers.

New Orleans plans safer streets after 36 traffic deaths

Most of the deaths have been pedestrians.

City leaders are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans&#x27; streets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/05/bike-lane-safety-new-orleans-mardi-gras-endymion-esplanade-crash" data-vars-content-id="675d0518-aa4f-4614-ab0a-fd1b7513f51e" data-vars-headline="New Orleans plans safer streets after 36 traffic deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/05/bike-lane-safety-new-orleans-mardi-gras-endymion-esplanade-crash" target="_self">New Orleans&#x27; streets</a> safer for everyone.Why it matters: At least 36 people, mostly pedestrians, have died in crashes so far this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NOPD says" data-vars-click-url="https://nopdnews.com/post/september-2025/nopd-traffic-division-reports-enforcement-results/" data-vars-content-id="675d0518-aa4f-4614-ab0a-fd1b7513f51e" data-vars-headline="New Orleans plans safer streets after 36 traffic deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nopdnews.com/post/september-2025/nopd-traffic-division-reports-enforcement-results/" target="_blank">NOPD says</a>.

Amtrak begins new service between New Orleans, Mobile

Saints game days already appear popular for the newly relaunched line.

Transit

<figure><img alt="A smiling woman takes a selfie on a red carpet at a train station while a brass band in white shirts and black pants plays behind her next to a silver train." height="450" id="e6ce719a-cc43-479c-b8ad-ebed8619397b" src="https://images.axios.com/M00eLKAsHzHVS31Wzje7EMTS-bQ=/2025/08/16/1755355313739.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A brass band and a red carpet welcome passengers to the Amtrak Mardi Gras route for its inaugural return to the Gulf Coast rail line. VIdeo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>For the first time since Hurricane Katrina, an Amtrak conductor 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="94de2d69-d5fe-4e53-8a84-29c2ffd6ea02" data-vars-headline="Amtrak begins new service between New Orleans, Mobile" 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> shouted &quot;all aboard!&quot; as passengers loaded up a Mobile-bound train on Saturday. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/10/photos-amtrak-mardi-gras-train-tickets-cafe" data-vars-content-id="94de2d69-d5fe-4e53-8a84-29c2ffd6ea02" data-vars-headline="Amtrak begins new service between New Orleans, Mobile" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/10/photos-amtrak-mardi-gras-train-tickets-cafe" target="_self">Mardi Gras line</a> links New Orleans with four other Gulf Coast towns between it and Alabama, a move that city and state officials will boost tourism and business opportunities along that stretch while, they hope, proving regional rail can thrive in the Deep South.

New Orleans airport to need new terminal, parking garage

Air travel growth is fueling changes at MSY.

Travel

<figure><img alt="Exterior view of a modern airport terminal with a curved elevated roadway, parked white vehicles, and clear blue sky with light clouds." height="450" id="442939fa-74b4-4a01-bc96-f217599ca04e" src="https://images.axios.com/2gY4VGldgVHkoQBeMFXEwIpilCs=/2025/08/01/1754065528732.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport moved to its swanky new terminal in 2019. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>With more travelers expected to pass through over the next six years, the Louis Armstrong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/21/cheap-flights-out-of-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="efb77837-53af-44e7-be60-1dc629c4e43b" data-vars-headline="New Orleans airport to need new terminal, parking garage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/21/cheap-flights-out-of-new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans International Airport</a> will need to get bigger — a lot bigger. Why it matters: To meet growth expectations, an airport spokeswoman says, officials need to start planning for it now.

How to use GeauxPass in Louisiana

The system means no stopping to pay in cash.

After at least a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dozen delays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nola.com/news/business/belle-chasse-bridge-set-to-begin-tolling-after-many-delays/article_db4fc604-6fbd-4d8f-91f5-c2a3ce9859f7.html" data-vars-content-id="b4cf9774-a67e-4957-8f70-7fc345dcd6f1" data-vars-headline="How to use GeauxPass in Louisiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nola.com/news/business/belle-chasse-bridge-set-to-begin-tolling-after-many-delays/article_db4fc604-6fbd-4d8f-91f5-c2a3ce9859f7.html" target="_blank">dozen delays</a>, the new Belle Chasse Bridge is open.Why it matters: For the first time, many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drivers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/transit" data-vars-content-id="b4cf9774-a67e-4957-8f70-7fc345dcd6f1" data-vars-headline="How to use GeauxPass in Louisiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/transit" target="_self">drivers</a> are running into the state&#x27;s roadway toll system known as GeauxPass.

Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet

About 2,500 new bikes will hit the streets over 5 years.

New Orleans&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blue Bike program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/22/epa-climate-pollution-reduction-grant-initiative" data-vars-content-id="9bd1c6ca-613d-45b7-ae58-68281a39f500" data-vars-headline="Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/22/epa-climate-pollution-reduction-grant-initiative" target="_self">Blue Bike program</a> will get a much-needed shot-in-the-arm with about 2,500 new e-bikes and an expanded footprint over the next five years, according to a new agreement with the city.Why it matters: More than 10% of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans households" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="9bd1c6ca-613d-45b7-ae58-68281a39f500" data-vars-headline="Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet" 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 households</a> don&#x27;t have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="access to cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/09/18/new-orleans-vehicle-access" data-vars-content-id="9bd1c6ca-613d-45b7-ae58-68281a39f500" data-vars-headline="Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/09/18/new-orleans-vehicle-access" target="_self">access to cars</a>, according to data from 2020. Meanwhile, the city&#x27;s fleet of rentable bikes has been on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="steep decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wwno.org/local-regional-news/2024-09-30/why-new-orleans-blue-bikes-hubs-are-nearly-empty" data-vars-content-id="9bd1c6ca-613d-45b7-ae58-68281a39f500" data-vars-headline="Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wwno.org/local-regional-news/2024-09-30/why-new-orleans-blue-bikes-hubs-are-nearly-empty" target="_blank">steep decline</a>.

New Orleans wants to transform to an EV-friendly city

It's going to require infrastructure upgrades, leaders say.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="9e1e50b5-2d13-41ab-ba63-4321aca6dc6d" data-vars-headline="New Orleans wants to transform to an EV-friendly city" 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> leaders want at least 40% of passenger vehicles registered in Orleans Parish to be electric within 10 years, according to a draft report.Why it matters: It will require infrastructure upgrades and financial incentives to encourage people to make the switch.

Carrollton/I-10 interchange to partially reopen Monday

The crash damaged critical support beams for the road decks.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a garbage truck crash in New Orleans." height="450" id="29860cf4-3182-4c50-b3ad-2b4874a547bd" src="https://images.axios.com/ALt-g9BATVZ7a-6dEGOcRLF-oV4=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/06/05/1749153019886.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A garbage truck crashed at the Carrollton Avenue interchange last month. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Good news, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="13ded2ee-3161-42bc-a94e-63e255210afa" data-vars-headline="Carrollton/I-10 interchange to partially reopen Monday" 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> drivers: The Interstate 10 on-ramp at Carrollton Avenue is expected to reopen on Monday, much earlier than originally estimated after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="garbage truck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/02/stuck-garbage-truck-to-close-i-10-on-ramp-for-months" data-vars-content-id="13ded2ee-3161-42bc-a94e-63e255210afa" data-vars-headline="Carrollton/I-10 interchange to partially reopen Monday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/02/stuck-garbage-truck-to-close-i-10-on-ramp-for-months" target="_self">garbage truck</a> crashed and got stuck last month.Bad news: The Airline Highway exit will remain closed for up to four more months, authorities say.

Bourbon Street should be for pedestrians only, counterterrorism expert says

The Teneo report comes after the New Year's Day terrorism attack.

A majority of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bourbon Street" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/06/bag-checks-bourbon-street-security-french-quarter" data-vars-content-id="8849dc70-82aa-49a8-a447-abe1b07af052" data-vars-headline="Bourbon Street should be for pedestrians only, counterterrorism expert 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/2025/02/06/bag-checks-bourbon-street-security-french-quarter" target="_self">Bourbon Street</a> should be permanently closed to vehicles, according to a long-awaited report from counterterrorism experts about how to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8849dc70-82aa-49a8-a447-abe1b07af052" data-vars-headline="Bourbon Street should be for pedestrians only, counterterrorism expert 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" target="_self">New Orleans</a> safer.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/03/26/bourbon-street-vehicle-restriction-recommendations" data-vars-content-id="8849dc70-82aa-49a8-a447-abe1b07af052" data-vars-headline="Bourbon Street should be for pedestrians only, counterterrorism expert 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/2025/03/26/bourbon-street-vehicle-restriction-recommendations" target="_self">controversial move</a> that would change life for residents, businesses and visitors in the French Quarter.

Transit 🚗

Amtrak's Gulf Coast route doubles ridership expectations

Uber adds women-only ride feature in New Orleans

New Orleans plans safer streets after 36 traffic deaths

Amtrak begins new service between New Orleans, Mobile

New Orleans airport to need new terminal, parking garage