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Louisiana will start redrawing congressional map this week

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

Politics & Policy

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.

Tourism leaders see bright spots across New Orleans

State and local officials are using National Travel and Tourism Week to spotlight an industry that remains one of Louisiana's biggest economic drivers.

Business

Tourism powers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="3bafcfdb-922c-4505-b57b-a624fe53ae4e" data-vars-headline="Tourism leaders see bright spots across 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>&#x27; economy.Why it matters: State and local officials are using National Travel and Tourism Week to spotlight an industry that remains one of Louisiana&#x27;s biggest economic drivers, especially in New Orleans.

Louisiana lawmakers weigh cuts to Black House districts

The proposals eliminate one or both of the state's majority-Black districts.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/05/louisiana-redraw-congressional-map-troy-carter-cleo-fields" data-vars-content-id="b392d3fe-6459-48db-9d4b-b72a12e32c86" data-vars-headline="Louisiana lawmakers weigh cuts to Black House districts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/05/louisiana-redraw-congressional-map-troy-carter-cleo-fields" target="_self">Louisiana lawmakers</a> on Friday will consider congressional maps that could reshape Black political representation in the state.Why it matters: The four proposals eliminate one or both of the state&#x27;s majority-Black congressional districts.

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>

Where to take your visitors in New Orleans

From the first-time visitors to the ones with kids, we have answers.

Things to Do

So, you have people coming to visit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="c2db2499-0cfc-4e8c-bbf1-4349b59e69ab" data-vars-headline="Where to take your visitors 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> for the weekend? We&#x27;re here to help.The big picture: Here&#x27;s where we take newbies, folks looking for the hot new restaurants, and visitors with children.<ul><li>Mix and match to be the perfect host.</li></ul>

Where to find New Orleans' best pizza

Food and Drink

There&#x27;s never been a better time to order pizza 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="daa3253c-91d2-4e71-bd68-d51076a80213" data-vars-headline="Where to find New Orleans&#x27; best pizza" 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>.Why it matters: We&#x27;ve got your dinner plans covered.

Time to turn off your lights and hide from the termites

Formosan termites are an invasive species.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flying termites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/05/08/flying-termite-swarm-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="d45ab920-a4cb-4e74-8776-ecb0309c5237" data-vars-headline="Time to turn off your lights and hide from the termites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/05/08/flying-termite-swarm-new-orleans" target="_self">Flying termites</a> have returned to New Orleans, adding to our critter woes of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stinging caterpillars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/04/19/stinging-caterpillar-buckmoth-pussmoth-io-saddleback-identify" data-vars-content-id="d45ab920-a4cb-4e74-8776-ecb0309c5237" data-vars-headline="Time to turn off your lights and hide from the termites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/04/19/stinging-caterpillar-buckmoth-pussmoth-io-saddleback-identify" target="_self">stinging caterpillars</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sneaky cockroaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/08/23/cockroaches-new-orleans-drought" data-vars-content-id="d45ab920-a4cb-4e74-8776-ecb0309c5237" data-vars-headline="Time to turn off your lights and hide from the termites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/08/23/cockroaches-new-orleans-drought" target="_self">sneaky cockroaches</a>.Why it matters: We share this city with our bug friends, but we can still be grossed out by them.

Anthony Mackie fan says star refused to speak to her

The fan shared her reaction on social media, which has the internet split.

Newcomers Guide

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="555aec08-fec4-44af-9ce0-dd783d9070f3" data-vars-headline="Anthony Mackie fan says star refused to speak to her" 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> woman says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anthony Mackie refused to speak" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/SomaKazima/status/1772592230303166933" data-vars-content-id="555aec08-fec4-44af-9ce0-dd783d9070f3" data-vars-headline="Anthony Mackie fan says star refused to speak to her" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/SomaKazima/status/1772592230303166933" target="_blank">Anthony Mackie refused to speak</a> to her when they both happened to be at a gas station this week.Why it matters: It&#x27;s got people wondering if Captain America is, as the woman claims, &quot;the rudest human being alive.&quot;

Big Bass Rodeo turns 75 this year

The rodeo is in New Orleans City Park on Saturday.

Hundreds of people will head to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8f016527-3b26-4925-a1ea-410246d890e2" data-vars-headline="Big Bass Rodeo turns 75 this 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> City Park early Saturday morning for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Bass Rodeo" data-vars-click-url="https://neworleanscitypark.org/visit-city-park/big-bass-fishing-rodeo/" data-vars-content-id="8f016527-3b26-4925-a1ea-410246d890e2" data-vars-headline="Big Bass Rodeo turns 75 this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://neworleanscitypark.org/visit-city-park/big-bass-fishing-rodeo/" target="_blank">Big Bass Rodeo</a>, jockeying for trophies and bragging rights.Why it matters: The annual event turns 75 this year, making it the oldest freshwater rodeo in the country, according to City Park.

New Orleans metro sees nation's largest population drop

Census estimates say, nationally, the U.S. grew by 1%.

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="c85a200c-5e8b-4989-8ee2-b2e592fa3ceb" data-vars-headline="New Orleans metro sees nation&#x27;s largest population drop" 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 area is estimated to have seen the biggest population loss among those with at least 500,000 residents nationwide, the Census Bureau says.Why it matters: The metro&#x27;s 4.3% population loss in the past three years came as the nation&#x27;s population increased by 1%, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html" data-vars-content-id="c85a200c-5e8b-4989-8ee2-b2e592fa3ceb" data-vars-headline="New Orleans metro sees nation&#x27;s largest population drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html" target="_blank">population estimates</a> from the Census Bureau.

After doubling attendance, New Orleans Book Festival returns Thursday

The free event will take over Tulane's largest venues in 2024.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Book Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://bookfest.tulane.edu/" data-vars-content-id="950c9564-8d15-4253-9c83-e89df4186e28" data-vars-headline="After doubling attendance, New Orleans Book Festival returns Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bookfest.tulane.edu/" target="_blank">New Orleans Book Festival</a> returns to Tulane University today, bringing with it a mix of big-name writers and regionally focused conversations.Why it matters: In just three years, the festival amassed a devoted following while carving out a unique reputation amongst literary events nationally for casual but candid conversations.

Jefferson Parish planning to drop out of New Orleans RTA

The breakup is happening quickly with unknown impacts to services.

Jefferson Parish is on the verge of dropping out of 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="f6e2b027-5c9a-48db-a593-e92696063dbb" data-vars-headline="Jefferson Parish planning to drop out of New Orleans RTA" 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> RTA amid a brewing contract scandal.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.norta.com/" data-vars-content-id="f6e2b027-5c9a-48db-a593-e92696063dbb" data-vars-headline="Jefferson Parish planning to drop out of New Orleans RTA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.norta.com/" target="_blank">RTA</a> hasn&#x27;t ever been a truly regional transit authority, and now hopes of improving matters are hitting a major snag.

New Orleans' Mardi Gras parade schedule for 2024

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is Feb. 13, but parades start Jan. 6.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is back, and we&#x27;ve got the parade schedule you need.Driving the news: A handful of parades have rescheduled or canceled parades this year as financial difficulties and weather force changes.<ul><li>We&#x27;ll keep this schedule updated as it shifts.</li></ul>Why it matters: We can help you stay organized on the route.<ul><li>Staying hydrated is up to you.</li></ul>