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This New Orleans dad flies into storms as a Hurricane Hunter
John "Jaxxx" Gharbi is a member of the Hurricane Hunters, a weather reconnaissance team based of out Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He lives in New Orleans. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios
John "Jaxxx" Gharbi is a New Orleans dad who flies into storms for a living as a member of the Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters.
Why it matters: The Hurricane Hunters investigate tropical systems and gather data that the National Hurricane Center uses to make more accurate forecasts and models.
Disney's new "Tiana's Bayou Adventure" ride is an ode to New Orleans
Mama Odie was a lovable character in the movie, "The Princess and the Frog," and will be back for the new ride, "Tiana's Bayou Adventure," Disney says. Rendering: Courtesy of Disney
Disney is converting Splash Mountain into "Tiana's Bayou Adventure," an attraction that will highlight the company's first Black princess and be a "love letter to New Orleans."
Why it matters: Splash Mountain has been a fan favorite for years. In 2020, Disney said it would change the concept to be more inclusive.
New Orleans chef Leah Chase was inspiration for Disney's Princess Tiana
American chef Leah Chase (1923 - 2019) in the kitchen of Dooky Chase's in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Jan. 19, 2015. Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty Images
Princess Tiana is largely inspired by New Orleans chef Leah Chase, and her family has been actively involved in the creative process with Disney as the company expands Tiana's presence in the parks.
Why it matters: Tiana was Disney's first Black princess in 2009's "The Princess and the Frog" and broke barriers, much like Leah Chase did with her restaurant, especially during the Civil Rights movement.
Disney hires New Orleans musician PJ Morton for new Tiana ride
PJ Morton performs onstage during MusiCares Persons of the Year on February 3, 2023. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Disney has hired New Orleans native and musician extraordinaire PJ Morton to compose an original theme song for the new Princess Tiana ride that is being billed as a "love letter to New Orleans."
Why it matters: Disney is retheming the popular "Splash Mountain" rides in Disney World and Disneyland and converting them to "Tiana's Bayou Adventure," which will feature the company's first Black princess from 2009's "The Princess and the Frog."
New Orleans preps levees, power grid for hurricane season
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
As another hurricane season begins, infrastructure remains the biggest concern in New Orleans — drains, levees and the power grid, especially.
Here's what the various agencies are saying:
What to expect this hurricane season in New Orleans
Satellite image from NOAA as Hurricane Isaac moved toward the Gulf Coast in 2012. Photo: NOAA via Getty Images
New Orleanians' most dreaded time of year — hurricane season — starts June 1.
What's happening: NOAA predicts a near-normal Atlantic season with 12-17 named storms in total with winds of 39 mph or higher.
What's in our hurricane emergency kits
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Hurricane season is back (again). We hate it. You hate it. Everyone hates it. But that’s no excuse not to make sure you’re ready, should A Big One head our way this year.
Why it matters: Seasonal storms are becoming stronger and more frequent, in part because of climate change. So even if southeast Louisiana stays out of the cone of uncertainty this year, your emergency prep kit may still come in handy for unnamed events.
New Orleans welcomes party tourism while other cities crack down
Mardi Gras participants on balconies overlook celebrants walking down Bourbon Street this past February. Photo: Jon Cherry/Getty Images
Some international cities are sending stern-if-subtle messages to tourists — the party is over. Or, at the very least, a little mellower.
- Yes, but: Our fair New Orleans, you might guess, is not following that trend.
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