Economists say the federal job cuts could impact unemployment rates nationwide. “According to the Urban Institute, the impacts on the unemployment rate in the New Orleans metro area would be significant,” Button said. “Right now, we have about a 4.3% unemployment rate, but it could rise to about 4.9% to 5.5%. That’s a pretty big jump.”

Local authorities have established the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone Friday through Ash Wednesday in an attempt to increase public safety during Mardi Gras, authorities said.