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It'll be weeks before crashed riverboat is removed from Mississippi River

About 16,000 gallons of fuel are still onboard.

News

Eight people remain hospitalized after the Atlantic Asphalt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tanker crashed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/13/new-orleans-cruise-ship-tanker-strike" data-vars-content-id="abd5eebf-b036-4ada-b08a-96d35776e385" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;ll be weeks before crashed riverboat is removed from Mississippi River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/13/new-orleans-cruise-ship-tanker-strike" target="_self">tanker crashed</a> into the American Heritage riverboat on the Mississippi River 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="abd5eebf-b036-4ada-b08a-96d35776e385" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;ll be weeks before crashed riverboat is removed from Mississippi River" 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>, Mayor Helena Moreno said Saturday afternoon.The big picture: Authorities said it will take weeks to fully remove the American Heritage from the river.

Abita marks 40 years with vodka cocktails and new ventures 

Business

Abita turns 40 this year, and Louisiana&#x27;s largest craft brewery is mixing things up.Why it matters: The company is finding new ways to stay relevant as drinking habits change.

New Orleans THC drink makers pump the brakes ahead of federal ban

New Orleans-area THC drink makers are hitting the brakes on production as legislation that would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outlaw their products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/12/government-shutdown-bill-thc-hemp-products" data-vars-content-id="c268c6bf-17aa-40f5-84c1-30e210f1bd52" data-vars-headline="New Orleans THC drink makers pump the brakes ahead of federal ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/12/government-shutdown-bill-thc-hemp-products" target="_self">outlaw their products</a> moves to take effect Dec. 11.Why it matters: Operating in that kind of limbo makes doing business nearly impossible, says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crescent Canna" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/01/18/thc-seltzer-crescent-9-million-cans-sold" data-vars-content-id="c268c6bf-17aa-40f5-84c1-30e210f1bd52" data-vars-headline="New Orleans THC drink makers pump the brakes ahead of federal ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/01/18/thc-seltzer-crescent-9-million-cans-sold" target="_self">Crescent Canna</a> chief marketing officer David Reich.<ul><li>&quot;We&#x27;re trying to run a business that employs dozens of people, operates in 20-plus states, and we have really no idea what this looks like in like 30 days,&quot; he says.</li></ul>

Luna Fête returns to downtown New Orleans

Culture

<figure><img alt="A lighted, giant rainbow unicorn head sculpture shimmers on a dark night as people walk around the sculpture." height="450" id="184f8b10-6b7f-4212-ab5b-709ce46a448e" src="https://images.axios.com/eUrgSoesG9fjT90qfXMvVaJq9W0=/2026/11/10/1794325896281.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A Luna Fête rainbow slide near Gallier Hall. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells </figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luna Fête" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/12/07/luna-fete-10-gretna-lindsay-glatz" data-vars-content-id="37a6e787-767f-4522-ab74-364cc9280cf6" data-vars-headline="Luna Fête returns to downtown 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/2023/12/07/luna-fete-10-gretna-lindsay-glatz" target="_self">Luna Fête</a>, New Orleans&#x27; tech-forward lighted arts festival, returns this weekend after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a break in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/09/18/luna-fete-canceled-due-to-federal-funding-shifts" data-vars-content-id="37a6e787-767f-4522-ab74-364cc9280cf6" data-vars-headline="Luna Fête returns to downtown 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/2025/09/18/luna-fete-canceled-due-to-federal-funding-shifts" target="_self">a break in 2025</a>.Why it matters: The unique, family-friendly event is an easy way to connect with some pretty cool art.

HNOC looks to raise final $5M for massive renovation project

The Historic New Orleans Collections looks to raise $5M to finish the project.

The Historic New Orleans Collection is restoring and revitalizing its French Quarter property.Why it matters: The project will &quot;change the heart of the French Quarter,&quot; deputy director Erin Greenwald says, by doubling the museum&#x27;s space.

How to recycle your Halloween costumes

It doesn&#x27;t take being a mummy or a vampire to give a second life to your kid&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween costume" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/29/last-minute-halloween-costume-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="4875b978-84dd-4630-aa0f-c1a91e3b4348" data-vars-headline="How to recycle your Halloween costumes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/29/last-minute-halloween-costume-new-orleans" target="_self">Halloween costume</a>. Instead, you can donate it to the Free Little Costume Shoppe.Why it matters: Around 80% of Halloween costumes end up in landfills, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/halloween-costumes-sustainability-clothes-swap-ffdbbb167bac4248cf990ee1748bb38a" data-vars-content-id="4875b978-84dd-4630-aa0f-c1a91e3b4348" data-vars-headline="How to recycle your Halloween costumes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/halloween-costumes-sustainability-clothes-swap-ffdbbb167bac4248cf990ee1748bb38a" target="_blank">the AP reports</a>, but donating means families can use them for free again and again.

Krewe de Mayahuel's Dia de Muertos procession is Monday

The event honors the dead and celebrates life.

Mardi Gras

Celebrate the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dia de Muertos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/10/30/day-of-the-dead-ofrenda-altar-sf-holidays" data-vars-content-id="b57a4223-145a-43a3-9196-e7c93182e077" data-vars-headline="Krewe de Mayahuel&#x27;s Dia de Muertos procession is Monday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/10/30/day-of-the-dead-ofrenda-altar-sf-holidays" target="_self">Dia de Muertos</a> with the Krewe de Mayahuel on Monday night, which hosts a Marigny and Bywater procession at 7pm.Why it matters: The cross-continental cultural holiday celebrates life and honors deceased loved ones.

7 last minute New Orleans Halloween costumes

Holidays

If you&#x27;re anything like me, then your focus is already on 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="8f558a17-62e5-4bd6-8fa1-fa46a126eb01" data-vars-headline="7 last minute New Orleans Halloween costumes" 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> costume, leaving your Halloween effort to whatever you pull out of the costume box first. Yes, but: We can do a little better than that, right?

3 Halloween cocktail bar pop-ups in New Orleans

These spots have immersive decor and themed menus.

Food and Drink

The season of the witch is upon us, and if you&#x27;re looking to stir up a good time, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="d2cd7987-15d1-4838-9029-3683be2e948a" data-vars-headline="3 Halloween cocktail bar pop-ups 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> has a few Halloween pop-up bars to fly into.

Alon Shaya's new cookbook preserves WWII memories, meals

The recipes include replicas and new dishes inspired by WWII experiences.

A new cookbook from chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alon Shaya" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/03/28/chef-alon-shaya-plans-casual-new-lakeview-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="1feccf66-bb96-48c9-a59e-db3064e35138" data-vars-headline="Alon Shaya&#x27;s new cookbook preserves WWII memories, meals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/03/28/chef-alon-shaya-plans-casual-new-lakeview-restaurant" target="_self">Alon Shaya</a> preserves the memories — and meals — of World War II.Why it matters: &quot;This book is about humanity and not government decisions,&quot; Shaya said during a book launch event Wednesday.<ul><li>&quot;Food is our greatest common denominator. Food is the one thing that all of us have history with, that all of us relate to, no matter what your political views are.&quot;</li></ul>

Dakar NOLA expands with new walk-in, à la carte menu

It's a new dimension for the tasting menu restaurant.

<figure><img alt="Three hands holding cocktails reach toward each other in a toast. " height="450" id="8adb1a39-0674-4264-b7a0-77063b83463c" src="https://images.axios.com/fpghCjuzhohuX0nlr5OTdBInKRY=/2026/10/13/1791904889108.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Dakar Terrace offers a full bar menu, including cocktails like the Dakar, which is made with Cheramie rum, coconut, hibiscus, lime and a mint leaf garnish. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>There&#x27;s a new way to enjoy one of the U.S.&#x27;s top tasting restaurants.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dakar NOLA&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/01/04/dakar-nola-best-new-restaurant-serigne-mbaye" data-vars-content-id="a567b046-5624-4b0a-af7d-2baa83ce3062" data-vars-headline="Dakar NOLA expands with new walk-in, à la carte menu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/01/04/dakar-nola-best-new-restaurant-serigne-mbaye" target="_self">Dakar NOLA&#x27;s</a> new patio seating lowers the restaurant&#x27;s barrier to entry, both practically and financially.

WWE, Fried Chicken Fest: Things to do this weekend in New Orleans

Our picks for this weekend include an improv show performed in total darkness.

Things to Do

WWE is in town, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Fried Chicken Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/08/national-fried-chicken-festival-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="a312cd06-c301-4004-9e48-1a30789f3c3f" data-vars-headline="WWE, Fried Chicken Fest: Things to do this weekend 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/2026/10/08/national-fried-chicken-festival-new-orleans" target="_self">National Fried Chicken Fest</a> gets a redo 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="a312cd06-c301-4004-9e48-1a30789f3c3f" data-vars-headline="WWE, Fried Chicken Fest: Things to do this weekend 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>.Zoom in: Here are our picks for things to do in the city this weekend.

National Fried Chicken Festival turns up to turn 10

The fest is celebrating with national touring acts on the lineup.

When the first Fried Chicken Festival opened its gates, founder Cleveland Spears found himself &quot;hoping and praying 10,000 people would show up.&quot;Why it matters: The event blew his goal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="out of the park" data-vars-click-url="https://bizneworleans.com/40000-attend-inaugural-fried-chicken-festival-at-lafayette-square/" data-vars-content-id="4a979b74-11b6-4117-8ef8-b73e06f102be" data-vars-headline="National Fried Chicken Festival turns up to turn 10" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bizneworleans.com/40000-attend-inaugural-fried-chicken-festival-at-lafayette-square/" target="_blank">out of the park</a> and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="4a979b74-11b6-4117-8ef8-b73e06f102be" data-vars-headline="National Fried Chicken Festival turns up to turn 10" 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">fest</a> celebrates its 10th birthday with its biggest music lineup yet, even after a stretch of bad weather pushed its start back by a week.