New Orleans

A picture of New Orleans with the letters MSY

blue

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

Axios New Orleans

Standard

New Orleans Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting New Orleans.

Axios New Orleans Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

New Orleans Members

Membership

Axios New Orleans Partners

Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength 

Watches are in effect from Louisiana to Florida.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Isaias" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/06/invest92l-gulf-forecast-hurricane-louisiana-isaias" data-vars-content-id="57637ff6-3850-4f01-ab57-fdd365813cdc" data-vars-headline="Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/06/invest92l-gulf-forecast-hurricane-louisiana-isaias" target="_self">Tropical Storm Isaias</a> is rapidly strengthening in the Gulf and is expected to be nearly a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall this weekend near the Alabama-Florida state line.Why it matters: Hurricane and tropical storm watches are in effect from Louisiana to Florida.

Louisiana "committed" to continuing executions, Landry says

Landry made the comment after Tennessee's failed execution attempt.

Politics

Gov. Jeff Landry remains &quot;committed&quot; to Louisiana&#x27;s death penalty despite Tennessee&#x27;s recent failed execution attempt, he told <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="132eb997-c905-4cbe-b93b-084ee30e8e0c" data-vars-headline="Louisiana &quot;committed&quot; to continuing executions, Landry 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">Axios New Orleans</a> in an exclusive interview.Why it matters: Tennessee death row <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inmate Christa Pike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/06/tennessee-christa-pike-awake-failed-execution" data-vars-content-id="132eb997-c905-4cbe-b93b-084ee30e8e0c" data-vars-headline="Louisiana &quot;committed&quot; to continuing executions, Landry says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/06/tennessee-christa-pike-awake-failed-execution" target="_self">inmate Christa Pike</a> is awake and talking despite being administered two doses of lethal injection drugs. Louisiana also conducts executions using lethal injection.

Gulf system expected to become season's first hurricane

Residents from Louisiana to Florida should be on alert.

A tropical depression in the Gulf is expected to become the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first hurricane" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/15/hurricane-season-atlantic-historic-no-storms" data-vars-content-id="72644985-cee6-4036-8698-0bb41da9e928" data-vars-headline="Gulf system expected to become season&#x27;s first hurricane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/15/hurricane-season-atlantic-historic-no-storms" target="_self">first hurricane</a> of the Atlantic season.Why it matters: It could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and coastal flooding to the Gulf Coast, but it&#x27;s too early to tell how much <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="72644985-cee6-4036-8698-0bb41da9e928" data-vars-headline="Gulf system expected to become season&#x27;s first hurricane" 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> could see.

Hurricane Isaias forms, expected to rapidly intensify in Gulf

Landfall is forecast overnight Friday near the Alabama-Florida state line.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane Isaias" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/07/tropical-storm-isaias-hurricane-strength-track-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="8b6ee3ff-e530-494d-a2b2-faf5b9616f5d" data-vars-headline="Hurricane Isaias forms, expected to rapidly intensify in Gulf" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/07/tropical-storm-isaias-hurricane-strength-track-louisiana" target="_self">Hurricane Isaias</a> is expected to rapidly intensify in the Gulf and become nearly a Category 3 storm before making landfall late Friday near the Alabama-Florida state line.Why it matters: New Orleans is now outside the storm&#x27;s cone, but NHC says residents from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle should monitor Isaias closely.

Spirit Halloween brings vacant storefronts back from the dead

The store has three locations in metro New Orleans this year.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spirit Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/spirit-halloween-store-previous-tenant" data-vars-content-id="711d3afa-b378-4b70-84a2-05f8bd905ee8" data-vars-headline="Spirit Halloween brings vacant storefronts back from the dead" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/spirit-halloween-store-previous-tenant" target="_self">Spirit Halloween</a> has three locations in metro New Orleans this year.Why it matters: Spirit&#x27;s seasonal takeover gives vacant retail space a brief second life.

The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans 

We've got parades, vampire balls, witches brunches and more.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="89d21089-41db-4184-988c-a3a4baa8bec7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do for Halloween 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> doesn&#x27;t need much encouragement to get spooky, but the city really embraces its supernatural side in October.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" data-vars-content-id="89d21089-41db-4184-988c-a3a4baa8bec7" data-vars-headline="The best things to do for Halloween 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/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" target="_self">Halloween</a> isn&#x27;t just one night here. We get a whole month of vampire balls, witches brunches, parades, haunted houses and over-the-top decorations.

Boat parade and more holiday events in New Orleans this weekend

The holidays dominate this weekend's events.

<figure><img alt="Image shows women in santa suits dancing on a boat." height="449" id="abf43e79-f66a-4bd9-a994-c9342b720e20" src="https://images.axios.com/lNTpYq9dtjnpHGKuTPQixeH7MMw=/2025/12/10/1765395215157.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The West End Boat Parade is extra. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>We&#x27;re deep into the holiday season 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="e63f2726-c0be-42e2-a391-8295022bc07f" data-vars-headline="Boat parade and more holiday events in New Orleans this weekend" 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 it rolls along this weekend with the return of the annual West End Christmas Boat Parade.<ul><li>We&#x27;ve got details on that and more things to do this weekend.</li></ul>

10 ways to celebrate the holidays in New Orleans

From family fun to cocktails, we have you covered.

Holidays

The holiday season is upon us and so, too, are the festive traditions that make it so glittering and fun.Zoom in: Here are 10 of our favorite ways to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="celebrate the holidays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" data-vars-content-id="1ae8317d-1979-4212-9991-40bc5f8d4465" data-vars-headline="10 ways to celebrate the holidays 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/holidays" target="_self">celebrate the holidays</a> 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="1ae8317d-1979-4212-9991-40bc5f8d4465" data-vars-headline="10 ways to celebrate the holidays 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> this year.

Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8c2fbccb-38e0-438e-b443-3c88b4b9382c" data-vars-headline="Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving" 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> Fair Grounds season is off and running with crews wrapping up a renovation to the Mid-City gaming facility.Why it matters: Grab your hats. It&#x27;s nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" data-vars-content-id="8c2fbccb-38e0-438e-b443-3c88b4b9382c" data-vars-headline="Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" target="_self">Thanksgiving</a>.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups remain on top in U.S.

Louisiana's favorite is ... Now and Later?

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nerds Gummy Clusters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/31/nerds-gummy-clusters-sales" data-vars-content-id="3c757675-6c65-4ba5-8444-ec48db757f3f" data-vars-headline="Reese&#x27;s Peanut Butter Cups remain on top in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/31/nerds-gummy-clusters-sales" target="_self">Nerds Gummy Clusters</a> might be the pinnacle of candy cool, but this Halloween, everyone is still reaching for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reese&#x27;s Peanut Butter Cups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/31/sweet-favorites" data-vars-content-id="3c757675-6c65-4ba5-8444-ec48db757f3f" data-vars-headline="Reese&#x27;s Peanut Butter Cups remain on top in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/31/sweet-favorites" target="_self">Reese&#x27;s Peanut Butter Cups</a>. Why it matters: If you&#x27;re going to fill your bowl for trick or treating, fill it with what the people want.

This south Louisiana neighborhood is the place to be for Halloween

<figure><img alt="Image shows people in costume trick or treating in Imperial Woods." height="450" id="4897234b-26b6-4792-906d-26cce8a00993" src="https://images.axios.com/WTRbEKxfEBvZ2UBsi3DxOXnwYwk=/2025/10/28/1761678535342.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Halloween 2024 in Imperial Woods. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Imperial Woods in Harahan has built a reputation as the go-to spot for Halloween 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="395989fc-e40b-4bcc-a1fe-92b4e63ec317" data-vars-headline="This south Louisiana neighborhood is the place to be for Halloween" 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> metro.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of the few neighborhoods keeping old-school, door-to-door trick-or-treating alive.

New Orleans' trendiest Halloween costumes

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Halloween" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" data-vars-content-id="a0136816-f94a-49b7-b414-f693e9937676" data-vars-headline="New Orleans&#x27; trendiest 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/2025/10/01/halloween-haunted-houses-vampires-ghost-stories" target="_self">Halloween</a> weekend is nearly here, and many of the hottest costumes have already flown off the racks. Why it matters: Nobody does costuming better than New Orleans.

Porch pumpkins make fall decor easy, for a price

This fall, some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="2a79129f-4577-4c35-9235-daa61ec32f9d" data-vars-headline="Porch pumpkins make fall decor easy, for a price" 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> residents are hopping on the trend of hiring porch decorators.Why it matters: It takes a lot of work to host a gourd time.

15+ things to do for Easter weekend in New Orleans

Plus, we have 4/20 mashups for the informal marijuana holiday.

New Orleans has plenty of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to do" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="0470db65-5ffb-453f-8e3c-1a8661df2609" data-vars-headline="15+ things to do for Easter 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/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do</a> for Easter weekend, from parades to crawfish boils to 4/20 mashups.<ul><li>Here are some of your best bets this weekend.</li></ul>

Holidays

Spirit Halloween brings vacant storefronts back from the dead

The best things to do for Halloween in New Orleans

Kraken House owners move, leaving New Orleans Halloween landmark in limbo

What lucky foods to eat for the Year of the Fire Horse

When to recycle your Christmas tree in New Orleans