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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.

New Orleans hotel adds country's first concierge service for dogs

Pups can drink "Chompagne" and get personalized toys.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="22991628-4653-4d37-896e-cfebe1406fff" data-vars-headline="New Orleans hotel adds country&#x27;s first concierge service for dogs" 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> hotel launches the country&#x27;s first dog concierge program this weekend in time for the Krewe of Barkus.Why it matters: We love our pups.

TSA's rules for flying with king cake, poboys and daiquiris

Want to bring a taste of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="907b5b0a-f924-4e8c-a260-ae6e0c84918f" data-vars-headline="TSA&#x27;s rules for flying with king cake, poboys and daiquiris" 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 you on the plane? Here are TSA&#x27;s rules for flying with king cake, daiquiris and other food items.Why it matters: Because it&#x27;s Mardi Gras and we want to be New Orleanians wherever we are.

AAA expecting a record-setting year for holiday travel

It should be another record-setting year.

Travel

It should be another record-setting year for holiday travel in 2025, AAA predicts, with 122.4 million Americans going at least 50 miles from home.Why it matters: The holidays are already stressful enough without adding extra miles to your plans.

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.

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.

<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.

Buc-ee's opens store an hour from New Orleans

Two more stores are under construction in Louisiana.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/06/21/buc-ees-louisiana-locations-when-open-mississippi" data-vars-content-id="59445fc7-0837-428c-bf1d-0b1711dce16e" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s opens store an hour from 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/2024/06/21/buc-ees-louisiana-locations-when-open-mississippi" target="_self">Buc-ee&#x27;s</a> opens its massive travel center Monday in Mississippi just off Interstate 10 in Pass Christian.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the popular chain&#x27;s closest location to New Orleans (it&#x27;s about one hour away) as it works on building its first two stores in Louisiana.

New Gulf Coast cruise sets sail March 1

The 8-day cruise travels between New Orleans and Pensacola.

American Cruise Lines is adding a new Gulf Coast cruise to its lineup for next year, the company announced. Why it matters: You can board a ship 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="31eeaafa-d32f-4216-999d-777b312867e2" data-vars-headline="New Gulf Coast cruise sets sail March 1" 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 hop along the coast all the way to Pensacola.

Louisiana's tourism leaders concerned about anxious Canadian travelers

Canada is New Orleans' biggest market for international visitors.

Canadians&#x27; desire to visit the U.S. is absolutely tanking, new data suggests, and that&#x27;s bad news for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b8309283-6860-4aec-a829-738a43a1f369" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s tourism leaders concerned about anxious Canadian travelers" 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">Louisiana</a>.Why it matters: President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/23/canada-carney-slams-trump-tariffs-snap-elections" data-vars-content-id="b8309283-6860-4aec-a829-738a43a1f369" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s tourism leaders concerned about anxious Canadian travelers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/23/canada-carney-slams-trump-tariffs-snap-elections" target="_self">tariffs</a> and insistence that Canada should become the 51st American state are fueling a remarkable rally-round-the-flag effect up north.

How to get a Real ID in Louisiana before May 7 deadline

You won't be able to use regular licenses to board a plane.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisianans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="9713d980-010b-435c-8206-d50df420c22d" data-vars-headline="How to get a Real ID in Louisiana before May 7 deadline" 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">Louisianans</a> have a month left to upgrade their driver&#x27;s licenses if they want to use them at the airport.Why it matters: Starting May 7, you&#x27;ll need a Real ID license or identification card — or another acceptable document — to board a plane in the U.S.

Travel

New Orleans hotel adds country's first concierge service for dogs

TSA's rules for flying with king cake, poboys and daiquiris

AAA expecting a record-setting year for holiday travel

Amtrak's Gulf Coast route doubles ridership expectations

FAA cuts flights as shutdown continues