All Access

New Orleans

New Orleans Alerts

Alert

A picture of New Orleans with the letters MSY

blue

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

Axios New Orleans

Standard

Axios New Orleans Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

New Orleans Members

Membership

New Orleans' worst blighted properties, according to the city

Plaza Tower, Lindy Boggs and Canal Street Hotel topped the list.

News

Where to eat for Hanukkah in New Orleans

Holidays

Your guide to Christmas and holiday events in New Orleans

We go big with special meals, picture-perfect hotel lobbies, giant menorahs and bonfires.

10+ New Orleans Christmas parades and light shows

Celebration in the Oaks, a boat parade, creepy Krampus  and more.

State AG's office to prosecute some New Orleans criminal cases

Gov.-elect Jeff Landry also announced top public safety appointments.

Politics

Some New Orleans criminal cases will soon be prosecuted by lawyers from the Louisiana Attorney General&#x27;s office.What&#x27;s happening: A new partnership between New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams and incoming Attorney General Liz Murrill&#x27;s office will lend &quot;experienced prosecutors&quot; to help with the local caseload, Williams says.

New Orleans District Attorney Jason Williams speaks at a podium during a press conference. Behind him stands law enforcement officers and Gov.-elect Jeff Landry, Attorney General-elect Liz Murrill and Landry's wife, Sharon Landry.

Republicans set for historic statewide control in Louisiana

"We can't undo everything [Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards] did, but we are going to try."

When Jeff Landry takes the oath to become Louisiana governor in a little more than a month, it&#x27;ll be the start of a historic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hard-right turn in state politics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/19/louisiana-general-election-results-live" data-vars-content-id="7030bb1d-5171-4cae-8435-b2995a1781be" data-vars-headline="Republicans set for historic statewide control in Louisiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/19/louisiana-general-election-results-live" target="_self">hard-right turn in state politics</a>.The big picture: For the first time since the Reconstruction Era, Louisiana will have both a Republican governor and GOP supermajorities in the state Legislature. Plus, a Republican will lead every statewide elected office.

Illustration of a giant elephant about to step on a tiny donkey.

Republicans win big in Louisiana's general election

Voter turnout statewide was only 22% statewide.

Republicans swept <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana&#x27;s three runoff elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/16/louisiana-voter-guide-candidates-ballot" data-vars-content-id="87df5bcc-8167-4cf4-91af-6fec920901f8" data-vars-headline="Republicans win big in Louisiana&#x27;s general election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/16/louisiana-voter-guide-candidates-ballot" target="_self">Louisiana&#x27;s three runoff elections</a> over the weekend, securing the state&#x27;s top <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="87df5bcc-8167-4cf4-91af-6fec920901f8" data-vars-headline="Republicans win big in Louisiana&#x27;s general election" 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">political</a> offices in landslide victories.Why it matters: No Democrat will hold statewide office in Louisiana after term-limited Gov. John Bel Edwards leaves in January.What&#x27;s happening: Voters on Saturday elected Nancy Landry as secretary of state with 67% of vote, Liz Baker Murrill as attorney general with 66% of vote and John Fleming as treasurer with 65% of vote.

Illustration of a small blue donkey hiding behind a large red elephant foot.

A voter's guide to Louisiana's general election

Saturday marks Louisianans' final chance to vote this year.

Saturday marks Louisianans&#x27; final chance to vote this year.Why it matters: Voters will make selections in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="runoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/10/16/louisiana-statewide-races-head-for-runoffs" data-vars-content-id="0f685a87-1c31-4466-bc5e-e9fa43f38212" data-vars-headline="A voter&#x27;s guide to Louisiana&#x27;s general election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/10/16/louisiana-statewide-races-head-for-runoffs" target="_self">runoffs</a> for secretary of state, treasurer and attorney general, as well as decide several constitutional amendment questions.

Illustration of a man placing a vote sticker on his shirt.

How the Saints do — and don't — impact New Orleans elections

Football context matters when a politician thinks about messaging.

If a politician wants to win an election, they need to be able to zero in on a city&#x27;s mood. And in New Orleans, that mood is often impacted by what the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/05/12/nfl-new-orleans-saints-football-schedule-2023" data-vars-content-id="2b047229-7f33-49d4-b990-970939dc79ae" data-vars-headline="How the Saints do — and don&#x27;t — impact New Orleans elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/05/12/nfl-new-orleans-saints-football-schedule-2023" target="_self">Saints</a> are up to.Why it matters: As some experts tell Axios, being clued in on local sports can mean the difference between being seen as part of the team — or a hapless outsider.

Illustration of a fleur de lis on a voter's button.

Cantrell outlines New Orleans strengths, challenges to Landry transition committee

About 30 people are reported to be on the New Orleans-focused committee.

Jeff Landry may want to wait to speak with New Orleans officials, but Mayor LaToya Cantrell is still seeking to influence the behind-closed-doors conversations on the governor-elect&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unprecedented New Orleans Council." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/06/jeff-landry-transition-committees-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="1bbdc616-c5e6-4ce5-88ed-cd16a5491b40" data-vars-headline="Cantrell outlines New Orleans strengths, challenges to Landry transition committee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/06/jeff-landry-transition-committees-new-orleans" target="_self">unprecedented New Orleans Council.</a>Driving the news: Cantrell released a 15-page document Thursday outlining her administration&#x27;s views on the city&#x27;s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, which was sent to each committee member.

Photo illustration of Louisiana Governor-elect Jeff Landry with lines radiating from him.

Mayor Cantrell charged with ethics violations for first-class flight upgrades

The charges came to light while Cantrell is on a weeklong trip to Kenya.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor LaToya Cantrell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/02/mayor-latoya-cantrell-paris-france-cost-expenses" data-vars-content-id="5d65c225-c6f8-4f18-b738-31742454f2df" data-vars-headline="Mayor Cantrell charged with ethics violations for first-class flight upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/02/mayor-latoya-cantrell-paris-france-cost-expenses" target="_self">Mayor LaToya Cantrell</a> is facing state ethics charges after the Louisiana Board of Ethics says she improperly billed the city for 15 first-class flight upgrades.Why it matters: The charges are a sharp rebuke to the mayor, who has previously said the flight upgrades were essential for her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety as a Black woman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/16/us/new-orleans-mayor-travel-controversy-reaj/index.html" data-vars-content-id="5d65c225-c6f8-4f18-b738-31742454f2df" data-vars-headline="Mayor Cantrell charged with ethics violations for first-class flight upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/16/us/new-orleans-mayor-travel-controversy-reaj/index.html" target="_blank">safety as a Black woman</a> and because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Between the lines: Cantrell currently is on a weeklong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trip to Kenya" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/carlie_kollath/status/1722375467292880916" data-vars-content-id="5d65c225-c6f8-4f18-b738-31742454f2df" data-vars-headline="Mayor Cantrell charged with ethics violations for first-class flight upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/carlie_kollath/status/1722375467292880916" target="_blank">trip to Kenya</a> to represent New Orleans at a United Nations meeting about plastic pollution.

Photo illustration of LaToya Cantrell with lines radiating from her.

Jeff Landry singles out New Orleans in transition committees

The governor-elect identified the city as the subject of a transition team committee.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov.-elect Jeff Landry&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/10/15/jeff-landry-elected-governor-louisiana-primary" data-vars-content-id="925ce8ab-d350-43c5-97a3-3004cb949a9f" data-vars-headline="Jeff Landry singles out New Orleans in transition committees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/10/15/jeff-landry-elected-governor-louisiana-primary" target="_self">Gov.-elect Jeff Landry&#x27;s</a> list of exploratory committee topics for possible policy changes and priorities includes one outlier: the city of New Orleans.Why it matters: The Republican state attorney general often champions social issues at odds with the liberal city. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Orleans Parish voted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/10/16/low-voter-turnout-fueled-landrys-primary-win" data-vars-content-id="925ce8ab-d350-43c5-97a3-3004cb949a9f" data-vars-headline="Jeff Landry singles out New Orleans in transition committees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/10/16/low-voter-turnout-fueled-landrys-primary-win" target="_self">Orleans Parish voted</a> overwhelmingly for Landry&#x27;s sole Democratic opponent, Shawn Wilson, so with little clarity on Landry&#x27;s plans for his New Orleans Council, the singling out raised a few eyebrows among locals.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell's trip to France cost $35K, but most of it was gifted

Cantrell's international travel in the past has sparked criticism due to her luxury upgrades.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell spent more than $35,000 to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="go to France this fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/09/19/new-orleans-mayor-cantrell-paris-france" data-vars-content-id="c7b5b726-c0f0-4d08-9507-1a11ce22182b" data-vars-headline="Mayor LaToya Cantrell&#x27;s trip to France cost $35K, but most of it was gifted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/09/19/new-orleans-mayor-cantrell-paris-france" target="_self">go to France this fall</a> with three staffers, but the bulk of the expenses were gifted to the city, records show.Why it matters: Cantrell&#x27;s past international travel sparked criticism that eventually led to her repaying the city nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$29,000 for travel upgrades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox8live.com/2022/10/28/mayor-cantrell-repays-city-nearly-29000-travel-upgrade-expenses/" data-vars-content-id="c7b5b726-c0f0-4d08-9507-1a11ce22182b" data-vars-headline="Mayor LaToya Cantrell&#x27;s trip to France cost $35K, but most of it was gifted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox8live.com/2022/10/28/mayor-cantrell-repays-city-nearly-29000-travel-upgrade-expenses/" target="_blank">$29,000 for travel upgrades</a> like first-class airfare to Europe.<ul><li>The France trip was at least her fourth international work trip in the past year or so. In May, she went to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate conference in South Korea" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/05/23/new-orleans-mayor-latoya-cantrell-south-korea" data-vars-content-id="c7b5b726-c0f0-4d08-9507-1a11ce22182b" data-vars-headline="Mayor LaToya Cantrell&#x27;s trip to France cost $35K, but most of it was gifted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/05/23/new-orleans-mayor-latoya-cantrell-south-korea" target="_self">climate conference in South Korea</a>. Last year, she went to France and Switzerland.</li></ul>

Louisiana's Mike Johnson elected House speaker

With Rep. Steve Scalise as majority leader, Louisianans fill Republicans' top two House roles.

Shreveport native and LSU grad Mike Johnson was elected House speaker yesterday, ending the dayslong merry-go-round of Republican selects for the role.Why it matters: Johnson&#x27;s election means Louisiana politicians fill Republicans&#x27; top two House roles, with Rep. Steve Scalise as majority leader. Zoom in: Johnson persuaded members to rally around him as the GOP&#x27;s consensus candidate, but he&#x27;ll face multiple pressing challenges, including just weeks to pass legislation to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="keep the government open" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/25/mike-johnson-elected-house-speaker" data-vars-content-id="10ff4342-83b6-476f-8c56-a7b126c60a0b" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s Mike Johnson elected House speaker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/25/mike-johnson-elected-house-speaker" target="_self">keep the government open</a>, writes Axios&#x27; Juliegrace Brufke.

George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress

The House is slated to vote to expel Santos on Friday.

Politics & Policy

Ahead of a vote that could make him the first House lawmaker to be expelled in more than 20 years, Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/george-santos-expulsion-vote-republicans-majority" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) is introducing an expulsion resolution on Thursday targeting a House lawmaker from his own state. Why it matters: Santos — who faces an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="uphill battle in a vote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/28/republicans-george-santos-resign-expulsion" target="_self">uphill battle in a vote</a> to remove him from office following a scathing House Ethics report — is seeking an expulsion vote on Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamaal Bowman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" data-vars-content-id="c7450d99-da7b-4552-a983-4be840a7ed9c" data-vars-headline="George Santos introduces expulsion resolution in potential final act in Congress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/22/house-ethics-jamaal-bowman-fire-alarm" target="_self">Jamaal Bowman</a> (D-N.Y.), who pulled a fire alarm in one of the House office buildings.

George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers

Rep. Robert Garcia encouraged fellow Democrats to support Republicans' expulsion measure.

House Democrats and Republicans finally have something they agree on: booting Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" data-vars-content-id="4eec0a24-5338-46c4-8b6e-5526cda73c0f" data-vars-headline="George Santos expulsion spurs rare bipartisanship among House lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/george-santos-jamaal-bowman-expulsion-resolution" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) from Congress.Driving the news: In an email sent to Democratic congressional offices on Thursday, Rep. Robert Garcia&#x27;s (D-Calif.) office advocated for Republicans&#x27; resolution to expel the embattled Long Islander.

GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early

Multiple GOP lawmakers expect former House Speaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kevin McCarthy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" data-vars-content-id="dbdacc28-b2ed-40c2-a4cb-3bf4792a4d9b" data-vars-headline="GOP speculation mounts that McCarthy will exit Congress early" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/12/mccarthy-gop-elections-2024" target="_self">Kevin McCarthy</a> (R-Calif.) to step down from his seat before the end of the year, Axios has learned.Why it matters: The potential exit of McCarthy — who privately told donors he is looking to &quot;get the hell out,&quot; according to a source familiar with the conversation — could leave the House GOP with an even narrower majority.

Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social

Trump warned that his indictments have opened up a "very big and dangerous Pandora's Box."

Former President Trump has spent the last 24 hours on Truth Social unleashing a torrent of grievances, vengeful promises and links to online conspiracy theories about his political rivals.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s online rhetoric has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frequently dipped into violent extremism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" data-vars-content-id="4ce9173c-4439-425e-8986-ec54c92037e6" data-vars-headline="Trump unleashes grievances, warnings in wild 24 hours on Truth Social" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/04/trumps-words-turn-violent-pressure-builds" target="_self">frequently dipped into violent extremism</a> since he left office, escalating as his legal troubles have mounted. Public fatigue and the pro-Trump echo chamber created by Truth Social have at times softened the shock value of the GOP front-runner&#x27;s daily musings.

Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote

Santos is the first Republican to be expelled from the House.

The House on Friday voted to expel Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Santos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/12/19/george-santos-republican-congress-biography" target="_self">George Santos</a> (R-N.Y.) over his many fabrications on the 2022 campaign trail and his two federal indictments.Why it matters: The vote makes Santos just the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sixth lawmaker" data-vars-click-url="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" data-vars-content-id="235bb126-9767-4b36-a5c3-4560ae03474e" data-vars-headline="Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress in historic vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Discipline/Expulsion-Censure-Reprimand/" target="_blank">sixth lawmaker</a> – and first Republican – to be expelled from the House in U.S. history.

Politics 🇺🇸