New Orleans

New Orleans Alerts

Alert

A picture of New Orleans with the letters MSY

blue

Axios New Orleans Partners

Axios New Orleans Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in New Orleans with Carlie Kollath Wells and Chelsea Brasted.

Axios New Orleans

Standard

New Orleans Members

Membership

National

March hiring surge indicates a job market firming up

Employers hired 5.55 million people in March, a stunning rise of 655,000 from February.

Economy

The job market&#x27;s headline numbers have looked pretty good so far in 2026. Some of the more subtle indicators of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="labor market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/labor-market" data-vars-content-id="fe78181e-1e04-44c8-8227-5040d5bbc52e" data-vars-headline="March hiring surge indicates a job market firming up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/labor-market" target="_self">labor market</a> health have been more worrying. Which should we believe?The big picture: The latest data — which shows a surge in business hiring in March — points toward a relatively sunny scenario.

ICE activity hurts some U.S.-born workers, study finds

And there's no evidence that employers increased wages to attract U.S.-born workers.

Politics & Policy

President Trump&#x27;s immigration crackdown has not expanded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="job" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/economy/labor-market" data-vars-content-id="2c7e2ed0-fe17-41c0-9da1-a55cf9d3699b" data-vars-headline="ICE activity hurts some U.S.-born workers, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/economy/labor-market" target="_self">job</a> opportunities for American workers, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w35129/w35129.pdf" data-vars-content-id="2c7e2ed0-fe17-41c0-9da1-a55cf9d3699b" data-vars-headline="ICE activity hurts some U.S.-born workers, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w35129/w35129.pdf" target="_blank">study</a> found — in fact, it&#x27;s associated with an employment drain for some U.S.-born men.Why it matters: The narrative of undocumented <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigrants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" data-vars-content-id="2c7e2ed0-fe17-41c0-9da1-a55cf9d3699b" data-vars-headline="ICE activity hurts some U.S.-born workers, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/immigration" target="_self">immigrants</a> &quot;taking&quot; Americans&#x27; jobs has long been a propelling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="force" data-vars-click-url="https://www.c-span.org/clip/campaign-2024/trump-on-illegal-immigrants-theyre-taking-your-jobs/5133406" data-vars-content-id="2c7e2ed0-fe17-41c0-9da1-a55cf9d3699b" data-vars-headline="ICE activity hurts some U.S.-born workers, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.c-span.org/clip/campaign-2024/trump-on-illegal-immigrants-theyre-taking-your-jobs/5133406" target="_blank">force</a> behind the president&#x27;s ICE enforcement push. But research suggests his mass deportations aren&#x27;t clearing the way for U.S.-born workers in the job market.

SEC proposes rule to allow public companies to report twice a year

The move is intended to entice more companies to go, and stay, public, per the SEC.

Business

The Securities and Exchange Commission released <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a proposal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sec.gov/files/rules/proposed/2026/33-11414.pdf" data-vars-content-id="f5179a98-1bde-4e13-9642-ebba7fc0b684" data-vars-headline="SEC proposes rule to allow public companies to report twice a year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sec.gov/files/rules/proposed/2026/33-11414.pdf" target="_blank">a proposal</a> Tuesday that would allow public companies to report earnings just twice a year.Why it matters: It would be a fundamental change from the quarterly reporting cadence that has shaped U.S. business for over 50 years.

White House gave Iran private message before new Hormuz operation

Despite the warning, the Iranians launched a string of attacks.

World

A high-level Trump administration official informed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="e1288b5b-98da-41fc-a520-01a351e236f7" data-vars-headline="White House gave Iran private message before new Hormuz operation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran</a> on Sunday of the impending U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="operation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/03/trump-us-navy-iran-ships-strait-hormuz" data-vars-content-id="e1288b5b-98da-41fc-a520-01a351e236f7" data-vars-headline="White House gave Iran private message before new Hormuz operation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/03/trump-us-navy-iran-ships-strait-hormuz" target="_self">operation</a> to &quot;guide&quot; ships through the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Strait of Hormuz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/04/strait-hormuz-us-merchant-ships-cross" data-vars-content-id="e1288b5b-98da-41fc-a520-01a351e236f7" data-vars-headline="White House gave Iran private message before new Hormuz operation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/04/strait-hormuz-us-merchant-ships-cross" target="_self">Strait of Hormuz</a> and warned Tehran not to interfere, according to a U.S. official and a source with knowledge.Why it matters: The private message suggests the White House wanted to mitigate the risk of potential escalation. But despite the warning, the Iranians launched a string of attacks on U.S. Navy ships, commercial vessels and the United Arab Emirates.

GOP spots an opening with Black voters

Even modest GOP gains — combined with weakening party loyalty — could make a big difference.

A generational and structural shift is decoupling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black identity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/13/why-democrats-black-hispanic-vote-republican" data-vars-content-id="c77bba45-95e6-40ad-9f11-3e02549995b9" data-vars-headline="GOP spots an opening with Black voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/13/why-democrats-black-hispanic-vote-republican" target="_self">Black identity</a> from Democratic Party loyalty, transforming a once-reliable voting bloc into a cohort of &quot;political free agents&quot; that the GOP is uniquely positioned to exploit.Why it matters: Even modest GOP gains — combined with weakening party loyalty — could make a big difference in close elections in a post-<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Voting Rights Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/30/voting-rights-act-supreme-court-race" data-vars-content-id="c77bba45-95e6-40ad-9f11-3e02549995b9" data-vars-headline="GOP spots an opening with Black voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/30/voting-rights-act-supreme-court-race" target="_self">Voting Rights Act</a> world.

Louisiana halts House elections after Supreme Court map ruling

Louisiana halts House elections after high court map ruling

The delay gives the Legislature time to draw a new map, Gov. Landry says.

Louisiana is suspending its House elections just days before voting was set to begin, Gov. Jeff Landry said Thursday, after the U.S. Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struck down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/29/louisiana-callais-congressional-map-elections" data-vars-content-id="a594bbb9-9f66-4093-8e49-ce9348e3dac7" data-vars-headline="Louisiana halts House elections after Supreme Court map ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/29/louisiana-callais-congressional-map-elections" target="_self">struck down</a> the state&#x27;s congressional map.Why it matters: Landry says an &quot;electoral emergency exists,&quot; which gives him authority to suspend or delay elections.

Louisiana elections in limbo after Supreme Court map ruling

The Supreme Court struck down the state's congressional map.

Politics

Louisiana&#x27;s attorney general is raising the possibility of delaying election dates to give lawmakers time to redraw the state&#x27;s congressional map after the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Supreme Court struck down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/29/supreme-court-redistricting-race-gerrymander" data-vars-content-id="4103078b-9821-43a0-a54c-4153692c4396" data-vars-headline="Louisiana elections in limbo after Supreme Court map ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/29/supreme-court-redistricting-race-gerrymander" target="_self">U.S. Supreme Court struck down</a> the current one Wednesday.Why it matters: The ruling throws Louisiana&#x27;s election timeline into uncertainty and could reshape how districts are drawn across the South.

Halted elections and a sheriff indicted: Louisiana's high-stakes week

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b696547e-491e-4aa1-b7de-f7b35ff5b8cd" data-vars-headline="Halted elections and a sheriff indicted: Louisiana&#x27;s high-stakes week" 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> is closing out a week of major fast-moving headlines.Why it matters: Several high-stakes decisions — from congressional maps to a sheriff&#x27;s indictment — are creating uncertainty around how key public systems function.

19 new restaurants to try across metro New Orleans

Food and Drink

At least 11 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurants and bars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="6eaf7bb4-a5d4-469b-9da9-93007d7ebe38" data-vars-headline="19 new restaurants to try across metro 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/food-and-drink" target="_self">restaurants and bars</a> have opened recently in metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6eaf7bb4-a5d4-469b-9da9-93007d7ebe38" data-vars-headline="19 new restaurants to try across metro 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>. Plus, Emeril Lagasse and Dakar NOLA have new ones in the works.<ul><li>The latest...</li></ul>

Susan Hutson says farewell and other politics news

Plus, Mitch Landrieu says he's considering a presidential run.

Susan Hutson has less than a week left as the Orleans Parish sheriff before turning over the keys to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelle Woodfork" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/14/new-orleans-city-council-election-results" data-vars-content-id="52f61e6f-b7c2-4a4c-adf5-d731efa498ae" data-vars-headline="Susan Hutson says farewell and other politics news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/14/new-orleans-city-council-election-results" target="_self">Michelle Woodfork</a>.<ul><li>Watch <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hutson&#x27;s farewell address" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wdsu.com/article/orleans-parish-sheriff-susan-hutson-farewell-address/71151701" data-vars-content-id="52f61e6f-b7c2-4a4c-adf5-d731efa498ae" data-vars-headline="Susan Hutson says farewell and other politics news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wdsu.com/article/orleans-parish-sheriff-susan-hutson-farewell-address/71151701" target="_blank">Hutson&#x27;s farewell address</a> Tuesday.</li></ul>

Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV risks Catholic voters

The New Orleans archdiocese is the country's second oldest.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="a23c6835-5e3c-45bd-865a-26cb31823157" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s feud with Pope Leo XIV risks Catholic voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a>&#x27;s intensifying clash with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo XIV" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/pope-leo-trump-iran-war-messages-catholic-church" data-vars-content-id="a23c6835-5e3c-45bd-865a-26cb31823157" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s feud with Pope Leo XIV risks Catholic voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/pope-leo-trump-iran-war-messages-catholic-church" target="_self">Pope Leo XIV</a> is setting up a politically risky fight with Catholic voters as the 2026 cycle begins.Why it matters: Catholics are the most electorally <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="powerful swing religious bloc" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/trump-pope-leo-catholic-swing-voters" data-vars-content-id="a23c6835-5e3c-45bd-865a-26cb31823157" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s feud with Pope Leo XIV risks Catholic voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/trump-pope-leo-catholic-swing-voters" target="_self">powerful swing religious bloc</a> in America.<ul><li>New Orleans is the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second-oldest archdiocese" data-vars-click-url="https://nolacatholic.org/history" data-vars-content-id="a23c6835-5e3c-45bd-865a-26cb31823157" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s feud with Pope Leo XIV risks Catholic voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nolacatholic.org/history" target="_blank">second-oldest archdiocese</a> in the country, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pope Leo has roots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/09/pope-leo-creole-roots-great-migration" data-vars-content-id="a23c6835-5e3c-45bd-865a-26cb31823157" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s feud with Pope Leo XIV risks Catholic voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/09/pope-leo-creole-roots-great-migration" target="_self">Pope Leo has roots</a> here.</li></ul>

My go-to eats at Jazz Fest

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Jazz Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/23/jazz-fest-2026-pro-tips-whats-new-discounted-tickets" data-vars-content-id="9bbf8082-2c13-40da-9c63-d545b5d91ab2" data-vars-headline="My go-to eats at Jazz Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/23/jazz-fest-2026-pro-tips-whats-new-discounted-tickets" target="_self">New Orleans Jazz Fest</a> is as much about the food as the music.Why it matters: Go hungry to the Fair Grounds.

10 classic New Orleans cocktails

New Orleans may not have invented cocktails, but it did perfect them.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="5e5c65f8-6621-481a-a33c-def863ea3969" data-vars-headline="10 classic New Orleans cocktails" 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> may or may not have invented the cocktail, but we feel pretty confident that the city&#x27;s bars and bartenders perfected it.Why it matters: There&#x27;s no better place to get in touch with your favorites, whether they&#x27;re shaken or stirred.

Checking off your North Carolina bucket list

North Carolina is the best place to live in the country. If you can't live here, you can plan a visit based on some of our favorite spots.

Culture

We at Axios Raleigh and Axios Charlotte are obviously a bit biased, but we believe that North Carolina is the best place to live in the country. If you can&#x27;t live here, you can plan a visit based on some of our favorite spots.<ul><li>Drive a few hours west, and you&#x27;re surrounded by the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains. Head east, and you&#x27;ll find some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best beaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" data-vars-content-id="3ed9bd94-e719-46c3-b5cc-d824441c8f76" data-vars-headline="Checking off your North Carolina bucket list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" target="_self">best beaches</a> around. In between, you&#x27;ve got college towns, big cities, rural charm and rich history.</li></ul>

LIV Golf future in jeopardy after losing Saudi funding

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund on Thursday confirmed it's withdrawing support for the LIV Golf tour after the 2026 season.

The Saudi sovereign wealth fund on Thursday confirmed it&#x27;s withdrawing support for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LIV Golf" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/29/liv-golf-pif-funding" data-vars-content-id="f818dc15-8453-47d7-83bc-032123a3aeab" data-vars-headline="LIV Golf future in jeopardy after losing Saudi funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/29/liv-golf-pif-funding" target="_self">LIV Golf</a> after the 2026 season. Why it matters: The move places the tour&#x27;s future in jeopardy four years after it was launched as a splashy, well-capitalized competitor to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PGA Tour" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/15/liv-golf-pga-tour-british-open" data-vars-content-id="f818dc15-8453-47d7-83bc-032123a3aeab" data-vars-headline="LIV Golf future in jeopardy after losing Saudi funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/15/liv-golf-pga-tour-british-open" target="_self">PGA Tour</a>.

New Orleans banks on casino deal as fiscal crisis persists

The lump sum will shore up emergency funds before hurricane season.

<figure><img alt="Image shows Helena Moreno and other New Orleans officials talking behind a podium." height="450" id="6934dc1a-7b29-41cd-84dd-830741a36c44" src="https://images.axios.com/S9l7byt9njiChonur5UyoarkJ-g=/2026/04/28/1777407172256.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Mayor Helena Moreno, City Council members and other leaders on Tuesday. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="138b18ca-d84b-406e-b709-9b103b95fa45" data-vars-headline="New Orleans banks on casino deal as fiscal crisis persists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" target="_self">New Orleans leaders</a> are moving to shore up the city&#x27;s finances ahead of hurricane season with a $103 million casino deal.Why it matters: Mayor Helena Moreno inherited a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$160 million budget deficit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/12/loan-request-bond-status-helena-moreno" data-vars-content-id="138b18ca-d84b-406e-b709-9b103b95fa45" data-vars-headline="New Orleans banks on casino deal as fiscal crisis persists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/12/loan-request-bond-status-helena-moreno" target="_self">$160 million budget deficit</a> that drained the emergency fund, limiting how officials can respond if another devastating storm hits southeast Louisiana.

Louisiana diners aren't the biggest tippers

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisianans diners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/11/how-louisiana-tips-compared-to-national" data-vars-content-id="c9836b13-a9d3-4967-a08a-da539785867a" data-vars-headline="Louisiana diners aren&#x27;t the biggest tippers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/11/how-louisiana-tips-compared-to-national" target="_self">Louisianans diners</a> tip less than the national average, according to Toast data.Why it matters: Tipping expectations are rising, even as diners grow more confused — and sometimes frustrated — about when and how much to tip.

New Baldwin & Co. lounge aims to get you off your phone

Think reading lounge combined with a wine bar.

Baldwin &amp; Co. is opening 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="ecafba77-b07c-45de-91ca-0c6b46fc968b" data-vars-headline="New Baldwin &amp; Co. lounge aims to get you off your phone" 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> reading lounge designed for unplugging.Why it matters: It&#x27;s part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend of bars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/phone-free-restaurants-bars-bans-restrictions-offline" data-vars-content-id="ecafba77-b07c-45de-91ca-0c6b46fc968b" data-vars-headline="New Baldwin &amp; Co. lounge aims to get you off your phone" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/05/phone-free-restaurants-bars-bans-restrictions-offline" target="_self">national trend of bars</a> and restaurants that are discouraging or banning phones.

The New Orleans gumbo you can only get once a year

<figure><img alt="Image shows a table with green gumbo and fried chicken." height="450" id="2801b6d9-4ea6-4327-a9fe-a6908ff7e769" src="https://images.axios.com/xmj4yZ9hkfo10G6VnhssbS9tIKY=/2026/04/02/1775164677147.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Gumbo z&#x27;herbes at Dooky Chase&#x27;s Restaurant in New Orleans. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Dooky Chase&#x27;s is 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="31818d55-0652-4552-bb8b-3c16d2f2932a" data-vars-headline="The New Orleans gumbo you can only get once a year" 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> institution, especially on Holy Thursday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the only day of the year to get chef Leah Chase&#x27;s gumbo z&#x27;herbes, a dish steeped in faith and New Orleans tradition.

New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common

Elmer's makes the popular seasonal chocolate treats.

<figure><img alt="Image shows an Easter basket with candy in it." height="450" id="71d3ed3a-d338-4070-90e3-e62570e0ace1" src="https://images.axios.com/-LJBu9nglH963CACqTpeFTZqgVM=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/04/16/1744828446326.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Elmer&#x27;s is known for its candy eggs for Easter. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/17/elmer-chocolate-easter-candy-company-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="96243d0d-f9e0-4845-8e86-e884c26e1a52" data-vars-headline="New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/17/elmer-chocolate-easter-candy-company-louisiana" target="_self">Easter in New Orleans</a> isn&#x27;t complete without an Elmer chocolate egg in your basket.Why it matters: The longtime Louisiana company still anchors Easter traditions across the Gulf Coast, even after last year&#x27;s sale.

What's new at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="Image shows a man dancing to the Treme Brass Band." height="450" id="4ce101ad-552c-4620-a733-9217c9c6b677" src="https://images.axios.com/NL-bWDhpFA1kuCR-dW0ujXbxCVM=/2026/03/24/1774379570638.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Treme Brass Band performed at Tuesday&#x27;s Jazz Fest press party. Benny Jones, the band&#x27;s founder, and his bandmate Uncle Lionel Batiste are featured on this year&#x27;s poster. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/11/new-orleans-jazz-fest-2026-full-lineup" data-vars-content-id="f842d1d7-756d-4127-b0e0-369a0b16d5a8" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at New Orleans Jazz Fest 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/2025/12/11/new-orleans-jazz-fest-2026-full-lineup" target="_self">New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival</a> is just weeks away.Why it matters: The music and cultural fest is one of the city&#x27;s signature events, drawing 500,000 visitors and generating an estimated $500 million economic impact.

New Orleans to host country's largest St. Joseph's Day celebration

Celebrate with food, parades and the world's largest pasta bowl.

<figure><img alt="Photo shows a fish in front of an altar" height="450" id="19b0493e-ef9b-4432-94ed-b241762e4383" src="https://images.axios.com/tGg9c8C2doxSdyh-VFhpLZ_gIqs=/2025/03/18/1742321028710.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The St. Joseph&#x27;s Day altar at St. Francis Xavier in Metairie. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Southeast Louisiana celebrates its Italian roots this month, starting Thursday with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Joseph&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/19/st-josephs-day-altars-new-orleans-lucky-bean-meaning" data-vars-content-id="12c5f67b-4ac3-4fa7-aaac-d42d9247b787" data-vars-headline="New Orleans to host country&#x27;s largest St. Joseph&#x27;s Day celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/19/st-josephs-day-altars-new-orleans-lucky-bean-meaning" target="_self">St. Joseph&#x27;s Day</a>.Why it matters: The traditions — from elaborate altars to massive pasta feasts — are a uniquely New Orleans blend of faith, food and immigrant history.

Louisiana will start redrawing congressional map this week

Reps. Troy Carter and Cleo Fields are at risk of losing their seats.

Louisiana lawmakers are set to begin work on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/30/louisiana-halts-house-elections-supreme-court-map-ruling" data-vars-content-id="3848c8b7-fe83-4060-9e0c-82c1b1f813e5" data-vars-headline="Louisiana will start redrawing congressional map this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/30/louisiana-halts-house-elections-supreme-court-map-ruling" target="_self">new congressional map</a> Friday, per the Louisiana Illuminator.Why it matters: The redrawn map will likely cut the number of majority-Black U.S. House districts in the state, putting either Troy Carter or Cleo Fields at risk of losing their seats.

Canceled House races still on ballot, confusing Louisiana voters

The governor canceled the election after the Supreme Court ruling.

Election

The ACLU is urging Louisianans to vote in U.S. House races as legal challenges to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="canceled elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/30/louisiana-halts-house-elections-supreme-court-map-ruling" data-vars-content-id="8d27753e-7e41-4313-9370-43730756b26b" data-vars-headline="Canceled House races still on ballot, confusing Louisiana voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/30/louisiana-halts-house-elections-supreme-court-map-ruling" target="_self">canceled elections</a> move through the courts.Why it matters: The House candidates remain on the ballot for early voting, even though Gov. Jeff Landry canceled congressional elections last week.

Abortion pill rulings cause whiplash and confusion

Nationwide access to abortion pills is again in legal limbo.

Health

Nationwide access to abortion pills is again in legal limbo, almost two years after the Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="threw out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/13/supreme-court-abortion-pill-case-decision" data-vars-content-id="a3cf0744-f350-46f2-b4e8-737c7db65c1f" data-vars-headline="Abortion pill rulings cause whiplash and confusion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/13/supreme-court-abortion-pill-case-decision" target="_self">threw out</a> a case challenging mail-order prescribing of the widely used drug mifepristone.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="circuit court ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/01/court-limits-abortion-pill-access" data-vars-content-id="a3cf0744-f350-46f2-b4e8-737c7db65c1f" data-vars-headline="Abortion pill rulings cause whiplash and confusion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/01/court-limits-abortion-pill-access" target="_self">circuit court ruling</a> on Friday that dramatically dialed back access to the drug has caused confusion for pharmacies, telehealth companies and other clinicians, even in states where abortion is legal.

Calvin Duncan takes office then steps back after court whiplash

It's one of several pivotal court cases this week involving Louisiana.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Calvin Duncan&#x27;s status" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/04/jazz-fest-sells-out-after-two-days-of-rain-closures" data-vars-content-id="61eb2a11-450a-45a3-9e6f-ca3b18c0f177" data-vars-headline="Calvin Duncan takes office then steps back after court whiplash" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/04/jazz-fest-sells-out-after-two-days-of-rain-closures" target="_self">Calvin Duncan&#x27;s status</a> as clerk of Orleans Parish Criminal Court is in flux after dueling court rulings.Why it matters: The legal back-and-forth comes amid a wave of major court cases that voting rights groups say could disenfranchise Black voters and elected officials.

How 504 became New Orleans' calling card

May 4 is known as 504 Day in New Orleans.

News

It&#x27;s 504 Day 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="e8da9d96-2e18-4fe3-b6c5-96b95b9fbfa4" data-vars-headline="How 504 became New Orleans&#x27; calling card" 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>, an unofficial celebration of the area code that&#x27;s come to define the city.Why it matters: Few cities have turned a phone number into a point of pride quite like New Orleans.

Celebrating 3 years of Axios New Orleans

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="0b39f270-c93c-43d6-90b1-5647b05b1079" data-vars-headline="Celebrating 3 years of Axios 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">Axios New Orleans</a> turns 3 this month, and we&#x27;re celebrating you.Why it matters: This local journalism exists because you read it, share it and tip us off.

Renderings: New memorial for Bourbon Street attack victims

The proposed sculpture has a $3.9 million price tag.

A permanent memorial is in the works at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/06/goldring-woldenberg-riverfront-park-hours-playground" data-vars-content-id="e713e666-dbab-4a96-b048-699d77444212" data-vars-headline="Renderings: New memorial for Bourbon Street attack victims" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/06/goldring-woldenberg-riverfront-park-hours-playground" target="_self">Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park</a> to honor the victims of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bourbon Street terrorist attack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/02/new-orleans-terrorist-attack-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="e713e666-dbab-4a96-b048-699d77444212" data-vars-headline="Renderings: New memorial for Bourbon Street attack victims" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/02/new-orleans-terrorist-attack-what-we-know" target="_self">Bourbon Street terrorist attack</a>.Why it matters: Survivors and victims&#x27; families are helping shape the public tribute.

Millions of birds are flying over Louisiana this week

Turn off your exterior lights to help them migrate safely.

Millions of birds are migrating through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="75c7c537-46ba-4cf9-9c73-2972d65b5474" data-vars-headline="Millions of birds are flying over Louisiana this week" 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> this week as they head north, according to the BirdCast forecast.Why it matters: Turn off exterior lights to help them get to their destinations safely.

Audubon Zoo's carousel to reopen in August

Audubon Zoo plans to reopen its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="carousel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/03/19/scoop-audubon-zoo-is-selling-its-exotic-animal-carousel" data-vars-content-id="b5ba2f15-11a3-418d-afbe-991e3091ca84" data-vars-headline="Audubon Zoo&#x27;s carousel to reopen in August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/03/19/scoop-audubon-zoo-is-selling-its-exotic-animal-carousel" target="_self">carousel</a> in August, officials tell Axios.Why it matters: The carousel was removed due to damage from Hurricane Ida.

Robin Barnes drops debut album in time for Jazz Fest

The "Songbird of New Orleans" is reintroducing herself.

Music

Robin Barnes is one of the most visible working singers 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="ac53abaf-f5f2-4c13-ace4-583baf925a3e" data-vars-headline="Robin Barnes drops debut album in time for Jazz Fest" 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> today, but somehow she&#x27;s gained that reputation without ever putting out her own full-length album.Why it matters: That changes now.

Jazz Fest 2026: What to know before you go

It's one of the biggest annual events in New Orleans.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/24/whats-new-jazz-fest-poster-music-bayouwear" data-vars-content-id="4e012df9-d2d9-47df-a4e5-ee242d7b6d7b" data-vars-headline="Jazz Fest 2026: What to know before you go" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/24/whats-new-jazz-fest-poster-music-bayouwear" target="_self">New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival</a> kicks off Thursday with two weekends of music, food and culture at the Fair Grounds.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of New Orleans&#x27; biggest events of the year, drawing massive crowds and big-name talent.

Nashville

How to spend your summer vacation in Nashville

Celebrity chefs have set up shop, new attractions are taking shape and the famed corridor of honky-tonks on Lower Broadway keeps getting brighter.

If you&#x27;re looking to sing your way through summer vacation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nashville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="daba2283-cb2f-413e-bb89-21fe8d210193" data-vars-headline="How to spend your summer vacation in Nashville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/things-to-do" target="_self">Nashville</a> is the perfect destination.Why it matters: Music City has been the end of the yellow brick road for generations of aspiring musicians. As such, it is loaded with must-see landmarks for any music lover.

What's new at French Quarter Fest 2026

The city's largest free festival starts Thursday.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="French Quarter Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/10/things-to-do-weekend-festivals-free" data-vars-content-id="921f2586-8c16-457b-9474-2709f6e6744d" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at French Quarter Fest 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/2025/04/10/things-to-do-weekend-festivals-free" target="_self">French Quarter Fest</a> kicks off Thursday with four days of food, music and dancing throughout <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="921f2586-8c16-457b-9474-2709f6e6744d" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at French Quarter Fest 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; oldest neighborhood.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the city&#x27;s largest free festival.

New bayou-themed musical opens in New Orleans

A new musical opens Thursday in the French Quarter, promising an immersive experience with gumbo and drinks.The big picture: &quot;Last Night at the Rue Bayou&quot; is a love story &quot;spiced up with a little ghost story and the soul 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="0772aa76-9bd8-4af0-b4b4-ac462b7eed38" data-vars-headline="New bayou-themed musical opens 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>,&quot; a press release says.

How mahjong became the hottest game in town

Events dedicated to the strategy game are becoming wildly popular.

Kelly Walker was eager to connect with new friends when she started hosting mahjong nights at her home a little more than a year ago.Why it matters: The game nights have since became so popular that venues across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="eaf9d044-eacb-4799-a2de-88241a410aa9" data-vars-headline="How mahjong became the hottest game in town" 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> are asking her to set up shop.

Subscribe to Axios New Orleans

Louisiana will start redrawing congressional map this week

Canceled House races still on ballot, confusing Louisiana voters

Abortion pill rulings cause whiplash and confusion

Calvin Duncan takes office then steps back after court whiplash

New Orleans reporter picks

News 🗞

Things to Do 🗓

Politics 🇺🇸

Food and Drink 🍽

Business 🏦

Culture

Axios' 5 big things