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Doing your taxes can be a pain, but it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, wouldn’t it be great if you could file for free?
Well, yes, there are several ways to file your taxes for free in 2025, depending on your income, location, and tax situation. Here are the main options available as of March 20, 2025:
- IRS Direct File: This is a free, web-based service offered by the IRS for filing your federal tax return directly with them. It’s available in 25 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. You’re eligible if you lived and worked in one of these states for all of 2024 and have simple income types like W-2 wages, Social Security, unemployment, or limited interest (under $1,500). It supports common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit but doesn’t cover gig work, business income, or itemized deductions. It’s accessible via mobile or desktop at directfile.irs.gov and guides you to state filing tools afterward (state filing isn’t included).
- IRS Free File: This program partners with eight tax software companies (e.g., TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct) to offer free federal tax filing if your 2024 adjusted gross income (AGI) was $84,000 or less. It’s available nationwide through IRS.gov, starting January 10, 2025, with returns processed from January 27. Some partners offer free state filing too (e.g., FreeTaxUSA charges $15 for state), but eligibility varies—check each provider’s rules. There’s also Free File Fillable Forms, open to all income levels, which provides electronic IRS forms with no guidance, ideal if you’re comfortable doing taxes yourself.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): These IRS-sponsored programs offer free in-person tax prep by certified volunteers. VITA is for people with incomes of $67,000 or less, disabilities, or limited English, while TCE targets those 60 and older. Find a site via the IRS VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887. Some locations, like GetYourRefund.org, offer online assistance too.
- MilTax: A Department of Defense program for military members, veterans (within 365 days of discharge), and eligible families, MilTax provides free federal and up to three state returns with no income limit. Access it through the MilTax website, where you’ll verify eligibility via the Defense Enrollment system.
- Commercial Free Tiers: Some tax software companies offer free filing for simple returns. Cash App Taxes is free for federal and one state return if you have basic income (W-2s, unemployment) and standard deductions. TurboTax and H&R Block have free editions for simple Form 1040 returns (e.g., W-2s, basic credits), but they’re limited—TurboTax excludes unemployment income in 2025, and state filing often costs extra ($30-$40).
For the April 15, 2025, deadline, start with IRS.gov to see if Direct File or Free File fits your needs. If your taxes are straightforward (e.g., just a W-2 and standard deduction), these options can save you the $50-$250 a paid service might charge. Double-check eligibility, as complex situations like self-employment or itemizing typically require paid upgrades or a professional. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, and other documents now to file early and get any refund faster via direct deposit.
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Southwest Airlines announced some major news that affects its passengers in a huge way: It will end its 2-bags free policy.
When Will Southwest Begin Charging For Bags?
Southwest Airlines will begin charging most passengers for checked bags starting May 28, 2025, marking the end of its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy. However, frequent flyers, Southwest credit card holders, and Business Select fare purchasers will still receive free checked baggage.
The decision has sparked widespread debate, with some mourning the loss of a key competitive advantage, while others point to financial pressures from activist investors like Elliott Management as a possible factor.
This shift represents a major departure from Southwest’s traditionally customer-friendly approach, raising questions about its impact on customer loyalty and market position.
The changes come about a month after Southwest announced mass layoffs across its operations.
Southwest Airlines has long been known for its “Bags Fly Free” policy, which allowed passengers to check two bags for free—a rare perk in the airline industry. This two-bag policy applied to all passengers, regardless of ticket type, and covered standard-sized checked luggage (each bag up to 50 lbs and 62 inches in total dimensions).
Key Features of the 2-Bag Policy (Before the Change)
- Free for all passengers (no need for elite status or special credit cards).
- Applies to domestic and international flights.
- Overweight/oversized fees applied if bags exceeded the 50-lb or 62-inch limit.
This policy was a major differentiator for Southwest, setting it apart from competitors that charge for even the first checked bag. However, with Southwest announcing that it will begin charging most passengers for checked bags starting May 28, 2025, this signature benefit is coming to an end, except for frequent flyers, Southwest credit card holders, and Business Select fare purchasers who will still receive free checked bags.
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Stepping away from routine—work emails, chores, or that ever-growing to-do list—gives your brain a chance to unwind. A whole lot of cheap flights are accessible right now. The good news is that you don’t have to travel far to find a great domestic destination.
This article will list some of the best weekend getaways within driving distance of New Orleans, Louisiana.
6 Cheap Weekend Getaways Near You
This article is going to show you some cheap places to travel for spring and summer this year. Let’s get started:
Atlanta
Early April: Spirit Airlines: Airfare from $62
You can visit Atlanta, Georgia, and take in all the fried chicken and sweet tea your tummy can handle.
Top Atlanta events You Don’t Want To Miss:
- One Music Fest
- Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl
- Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
- Sweet Auburn Music Festival
Check out these weekend events out in Atlanta.
Charleston
Early May: Spirit Airlines: Airfare from $268
Photo credit: Dylan Mullins / Unsplash Charleston, South Carolina is only a four-hour drive from Atlanta and it’s worth the ride.
Top Charleston events this Year:
- Charleston Bluegrass Festival
- Low Country Cajun Festival
- Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
Savannah
Late May: American Airlines: Airfare from $398
Photo credit:
Jessica Furtney / UnsplashSavannah, Georgia is only a four-hour drive from Atlanta and it’s worth the ride.
Top Savannah events this Year:
- Savannah Hemp & Arts Festival
- Tybee Wine Festival
- Savannah Jazz Festival
Check out this Savannah Activity Guide.
Houston
Mid May: American Airlines: Airfare from $78
Houston and Nola are sister cities in a way. Both of them are right off Interstate 10 and both are filled with people from New Orleans (a joke)!
Things To Do & See In Houston:
- Houston Zoo
- Galveston Beach
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
- The Galleria
- Sam Houston Park
Check out cool things to do in Houston.
Augusta
Mid March: Frontier Airlines: Airfare from $220
Photo credit: Todd Trapani / Unsplash One of the most popular tourist spots in the South, Augusta has a rich music heritage (James Brown) and is known for cultural sports events (the Masters).
Here are some things to do and see in August:
- Augusta Craft Beer Festival
- Elijah Beach
- Hickory Know State Park
- Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Que Music Festival
- Westobou Festival
Jacksonville
Early February: Southwest Airlines: Airfare from $343
Photo credit: David Masemore / Unsplash Jacksonville, Florida is a eight-hour drive from Atlanta. If you start at 1 p.m, you’ll be in city limits by 6 p.m., just in time for dinner.
Here are some things to do and see in Jacksonville:
- Jacksonville Jazz Festival
- Neptune Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Summer Volksfest
- Jacksonville Caribbean Festival
Final Word
It’s not too late to get a really nice weekend getaway within driving distance or a short flight away. There are some affordable cities you can visit in the Southeast.
Just because the year is speeding along doesn’t mean you can’t find a nice weekend to travel. You might not know it but cheap flights are abundant right now with a little research, which we’ve done for you.
Once you pack your luggage, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from New Orleans that are on sale. And don’t forget to check Southwest.
New Orleans is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Louis Armstrong International Airport is so accessible.
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If you’re the partying type, Mardi Gras is a feast of the senses. New Orleans’ largest party happens every year and culminates on Fat Tuesday. The best part is knowing the parade routes so you can watch the festivities.
Here are the parade routes for Mardi Gras this year.
New Orleans Mardi Gras 2025 Parade Schedule (Remaining as of February 22, 2025)
Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Krewe of Pontchartrain
- Time: 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Uptown New Orleans
- Route: Starts at Napoleon Ave. and Tchoupitoulas St., proceeds up Napoleon, turns right onto St. Charles Ave., then right onto Canal St., ending near Tchoupitoulas St.
- Legion of Mars
- Time: Follows Pontchartrain (approx. 10:00 a.m.)
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as Pontchartrain.
- Choctaw
- Time: Follows Legion of Mars
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as above.
- Freret
- Time: Follows Choctaw
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as above.
- Krewe of Nemesis
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Chalmette
- Route: Begins at Judge Perez Dr. and proceeds through St. Bernard Parish.
- Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters
- Time: 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Metairie (Jefferson Parish)
- Route: Starts near Clearview City Center, heads east on Veterans Memorial Blvd., with jogs on Severn Ave. and Bonnabel Blvd., ending at Martin Behrman Ave.
- Knights of Sparta/Spartan Society
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route (Napoleon to St. Charles to Canal).
- Pygmalion
- Time: Follows Sparta (approx. 6:00 p.m.)
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as Sparta.
- Krewe of Olympia
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Covington
- Route: Starts in downtown Covington, looping through the Northshore area.
- Krewe of Aquarius
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Houma
- Route: Begins on Bayou Black Dr., winds through Houma streets.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
- Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale
- Time: 11:00 a.m. (Rescheduled from Sunday to Tuesday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m. due to weather)
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe of Carrollton
- Time: Follows Femme Fatale (Now Tuesday, March 4)
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as above.
- Krewe of King Arthur
- Time: Follows Carrollton (Now Tuesday, March 4)
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as above.
- Krewe of Dionysus
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Slidell
- Route: Starts at Berkley St., loops through Slidell.
- Krewe of Barkus
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: French Quarter
- Route: Starts at Armstrong Park, winds through Marigny and French Quarter streets.
- Krewe of Atlas
- Time: 4:00 p.m. (Rescheduled to Thursday, February 27)
- Location: Metairie
- Route: Veterans Memorial Blvd. eastbound route.
- Hyacinthians
- Time: 12:30 p.m.
- Location: Houma
- Route: Houma traditional route.
- Titans-Houma
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Houma
- Route: Follows Hyacinthians.
Monday, February 24, 2025
- Mystic Krewe of Music
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Jefferson Parish West Bank
- Route: Starts in Marrero, follows the Krewe of Nandi path along Lapalco Blvd.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
- Krewe of Druids
- Time: 6:15 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route, starting at Jefferson Ave. and Magazine St.
- Krewe of Alla
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Follows Druids, same route.
- Krewe of Nandi
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Jefferson Parish West Bank
- Route: Marrero route along Lapalco Blvd.
Thursday, February 27, 2025
- Krewe of Babylon
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe of Chaos
- Time: Follows Babylon (approx. 6:00 p.m.)
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as Babylon.
- Krewe of Muses
- Time: Follows Chaos (approx. 6:30 p.m.)
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as above.
- Krewe of Symphony
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Metairie
- Route: Veterans Memorial Blvd. eastbound.
- Krewe of Atlas
- Time: Follows Symphony (Rescheduled from Sunday)
- Location: Metairie
- Route: Same as Symphony.
Friday, February 28, 2025
- Krewe of Hermes
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe d’Etat
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Follows Hermes.
- Krewe of Morpheus
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Follows d’Etat.
- Krewe of Selene
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Slidell
- Route: Slidell traditional route.
- Krewe of Aphrodite
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Houma
- Route: Houma streets.
Saturday, March 1, 2025
- NOMTOC
- Time: 10:45 a.m.
- Location: West Bank
- Route: Starts at Holiday Dr., winds through Algiers.
- Krewe of Iris
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe of Tucks
- Time: 12:00 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Follows Iris.
- Krewe of Endymion
- Time: 4:15 p.m.
- Location: Mid-City
- Route: Starts at City Park Ave., moves through Mid-City to Canal St., ends downtown.
- Krewe of Isis
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Kenner
- Route: Starts at Williams Blvd., loops through Kenner.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
- Krewe of Okeanos
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe of Mid-City
- Time: 11:45 a.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Follows Okeanos.
- Krewe of Thoth
- Time: 12:00 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Extended Uptown route, passing hospitals.
- Krewe of Bacchus
- Time: 5:15 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe of Athena
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Metairie
- Route: Veterans Memorial Blvd. eastbound.
Monday, March 3, 2025 (Lundi Gras)
- Krewe of Proteus
- Time: 5:15 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe of Orpheus
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Follows Proteus.
- Krewe of Centurions
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Metairie
- Route: Veterans Memorial Blvd. eastbound.
- Krewe of Kings
- Time: Follows Centurions
- Location: Metairie
- Route: Same as Centurions.
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (Mardi Gras Day)
- Krewe of Zulu
- Time: 8:00 a.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Starts at Jackson Ave., moves to St. Charles Ave., ends downtown.
- Krewe of Rex
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe of Elks Orleans
- Time: Follows Rex
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as Rex.
- Krewe of Crescent City
- Time: Follows Elks Orleans
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as above.
- Krewe of Argus
- Time: 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Metairie
- Route: Veterans Memorial Blvd. eastbound.
- Krewe of Elks Jeffersonians
- Time: Follows Argus
- Location: Metairie
- Route: Same as Argus.
- Krewe of Femme Fatale
- Time: 5:30 p.m. (Rescheduled from Sunday)
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Traditional Uptown route.
- Krewe of Carrollton
- Time: Follows Femme Fatale
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as above.
- Krewe of King Arthur
- Time: Follows Carrollton
- Location: Uptown
- Route: Same as above.
- Covington Lions Club
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: Covington
- Route: Downtown Covington.
- Carnival in Covington
- Time: Follows Lions Club
- Location: Covington
- Route: Same as above.
- Krewe of Folsom
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Folsom
- Route: Folsom streets.
Key Notes
- Weather Adjustments: Severe weather forecasts for Sunday, February 23 (100% chance of rain and thunderstorms from noon), prompted rescheduling. Femme Fatale, Carrollton, and King Arthur moved to Tuesday, March 4, and Atlas shifted to Thursday, February 27.
- Routes: Most Uptown parades follow the classic route from Napoleon Ave. to St. Charles Ave. to Canal St. Metairie parades use the eastbound Veterans Memorial Blvd. route. Check specific krewe websites or apps like WWL-TV’s Mardi Gras Parade Tracker for precise maps.
- Timing: “Follows” indicates parades roll immediately after the prior one, with slight delays possible.
This schedule covers the major parades in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, with some Northshore and West Bank highlights. For real-time tracking, download the WWL-TV Mardi Gras Parade Tracker app, which uses GPS-equipped teams to pinpoint parade locations across the region. Enjoy the festivities!
Why Is Mardi Gras So Fun?
- A feast for the eyes: Flamboyant costumes, glittering floats, and streets bursting with colors like purple, green, and gold – it’s like walking into a living kaleidoscope.
- Music to your ears: From brass bands pumping out infectious rhythms to soulful jazz and zydeco beats, it’s a non-stop musical celebration.
- A taste of indulgence: King cake dripping with cinnamon sugar, spicy gumbo warming your soul, and fresh beignets dusted with powdered sugar – your taste buds will be in paradise.
Unleashing Inner Child:
- Beads, beads, and more beads: Catching a shower of colorful beads from parade floats is a thrill guaranteed to bring out the playful side in everyone.
- Costumes for everyone: Whether you go all out with feathers and masks or just embrace the colors with a festive shirt, everyone gets to unleash their inner performer.
- Spontaneous fun: You never know what might happen around the next corner – a dance party with strangers, a friendly toast with new friends, or a hilarious costume showdown.
- Krewe of Pontchartrain
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Mardi Gras is the largest gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana, year in and year out. No doubt, there will be lots of fun and plenty of good food that the city is known for.
Dressing up in colorful costumes and masks is a big part of the Mardi Gras tradition. Many revelers wear elaborate costumes, masks, and accessories to join in the festive atmosphere
This article will tell you everything you need to know about Mardi Gras 2025 in New Orleans.
Mardi Gras: Everything You Need To Know
One of the highlights of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the elaborate parades organized by various krewes (social organizations). Read our guide on the parade routes.
Each parade features colorful floats, marching bands, and costumed riders throwing beads, toys, and other trinkets to the crowd. Some of the most popular parades include those organized by the Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Bacchus, and Krewe of Zulu.
How Long Is Mardi Gras 2025?
Mardi Gras in New Orleans lasts for several weeks, with the culmination on Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday. The entire period leading up to Fat Tuesday is filled with parades, parties, and celebrations, often referred to as the Mardi Gras season or Carnival season. The exact duration can vary slightly from year to year, but it usually spans from early January to the day before Ash Wednesday.
When Is Mardi Gras In New Orleans This Year?
Mardi Gras in New Orleans takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. That is Fat Tuesday and signals the end of the festive holiday season.
Mardi Gras this year, 2025, will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 4. It’s known as Fat Tuesday, marking the end of the Carnival season, which begins on January 6 (Twelfth Night) and culminates the day before Ash Wednesday.
The date shifts annually because it’s tied to Easter, which falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox—47 days later, you get Mardi Gras. In 2025, Easter is April 20, making March 4 the big day.
Festivities, especially in places like New Orleans, ramp up in the weeks leading up to it, with major parades often scheduled in late February and early March. Enjoy the beads, king cake, and chaos!
King cakes are a traditional Mardi Gras dessert in New Orleans. These oval-shaped cakes are decorated in the colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green, and gold) and often contain a hidden plastic baby figurine. According to tradition, whoever finds the baby in their slice of cake is responsible for hosting the next party or providing the next king cake.
When Should You Go To New Orleans For Mardi Gras?
Because of the high cost of hotels, it makes sense to book a hotel the weekend before Fat Tuesday. That’s when the majority of visitors come to the city and it’s also when some of the largest parades take place.
Book an affordable hotel in New Orleans.
How Long Does Mardi Gras Last In New Orleans?
Mardi Gras festivities typically last more than one day; they go on for several days. In southern Louisiana, celebrations typically kick off about two weeks before Fat Tuesday. After that is the start of Ash Wednesday (the start of Christiandom’s lent tradition).
What Happens At Mardi Gras In New Orleans?
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is more than just watching parades and throwing beads from a hotel balcony. The event is a celebration of the city’s culture.
You’ll see participants usually dressed in some combination of green, gold and purple along with an assortment of beads. There are also colorful floats that represent many of the city’s krewes, or social clubs.
Along with the parades and music, there will be second-line bands and plenty of parades.
: The French Quarter is the heart of the Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans. The streets are filled with music, dancing, and revelry, and many bars and restaurants host special events and parties during this time
Why Do They Throw Beads In New Orleans?
You might be intrigued to know why people throw beads in New Orleans. Lore has it that the practice can be traced to early religious festivals that ushered in the tradition of the lent season.
In modern times, the beads have come to symbolize a hospitable gesture that parade participants engage in to reward the crowds.
How To Attend A Mardi Gras Parade
There will be several parades throughout the city for Mardi Gras. The best place to see the parade routes is here.
Final Word
If you plan on visiting the city for New Orleans, you should know that the area you’re staying in is safe.
Mardi Gras can be a crowded and chaotic event, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety precautions. Be respectful of other revelers and local residents, and remember that public intoxication and nudity are not tolerated.
Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more.
Read about things to see and do in New Orleans.
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With the temperatures in Louisiana starting to get warm, it’s good to note that hurricane season is on its way. This is big news to those in the Gulf Coast and as far as Florida to the southeast tip of Texas. Does the new hurricane season pose a risk for states aligning the Atlantic Ocean?
This article will tell you everything you need to know about this year’s hurricane season as well as how you can protect yourself from storms.
When Is Hurricane Season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year. During that time, warm weather creates tropical or subtropical storms in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The months when hurricanes are most likely to form — what weather experts call “peak season” — is between late August through September. That’s when you get sea surface temperatures conducive to the formation of cyclones. The historic Hurricane Katrina crashed through New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005.
Will The 2023 Hurricane Season Be An Active One?
It’s too early to say with certainty whether the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be active, as reliable forecasts typically emerge closer to the season’s start on June 1. However, based on current data and early projections as of February 22, 2025, here’s what we can consider.
Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) released its first extended-range forecast on December 10, 2024, predicting a near-average season with 15 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). This aligns roughly with the 1991-2020 average of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes. TSR attributes this to expected near-neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions and warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Atlantic Main Development Region and Caribbean Sea. However, they caution that these long-range forecasts have low skill and high uncertainty this far out.
Other factors could influence activity. The Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO) remains in a warm phase, which historically correlates with more active seasons. SSTs in the tropical Atlantic, a key fuel for hurricanes, are currently cooler than last year’s record highs but still above average in some areas. Meanwhile, ENSO’s trajectory is pivotal: a shift to La Niña could reduce wind shear, favoring storm development, while a return to El Niño might suppress activity. Current models suggest a weak La Niña may persist into spring, transitioning to neutral or weak El Niño by summer, but this is speculative.
Joe Bastardi from WeatherBELL Analytics, in a February 11, 2025, post on CFACT, suggests a less impactful season than 2024, with 15-19 named storms, 7-9 hurricanes, and 2-3 major hurricanes, drawing parallels to 2018. He notes no clear landfall signals yet and expects an impact map in April. Conversely, some X posts hint at above-average activity if neutral ENSO conditions dominate, though these lack authoritative backing.
The 2024 season, with 18 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 5 majors, was above average, driven by record-warm SSTs and a La Niña shift—conditions that may not fully repeat. Historically, active seasons don’t always follow each other; variability is high. For now, TSR’s average prediction is the most concrete, but updates from NOAA, Colorado State University, and others in April or May will refine the outlook as ENSO and SST trends clarify.
So, will it be active? It could be, but there’s no strong signal yet for “hyperactive” (e.g., 20+ storms) or “quiet” (below 10). Expect a clearer picture by late spring. Stay tuned for those pre-season forecasts!
What Are The 2025 Named Storms So Far?
The list of names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, as set by the World Meteorological Organization, is ready to be used in alphabetical order once the season begins. Here’s the full list for reference:
- Andrea
- Barry
- Chantal
- Dexter
- Erin
- Fernand
- Gabrielle
- Humberto
- Imelda
- Jerry
- Karen
- Lorenzo
- Melissa
- Nestor
- Olga
- Pablo
- Rebekah
- Sebastien
- Tanya
- Van
- Wendy
“Dexter” replaced “Dorian,” which was retired after the devastating 2019 hurricane. Since we’re still over three months away from the season’s start, no storms have occurred yet. Check back after June 1 for updates on any named storms as they develop!
How To Stay Safe
- Stay inside your home and away from windows and glass doors.
- Close all interior doors and brace all external doors.
- Take shelter in a small interior room like a closet or hallway in the basement or lower level of your home.
- If flooding occurs, get out of the basement or lowest level of your home and take refuge on higher ground.
Stay Up To Date
New Orleans features a robust communications system that keeps residents abreast of the major storms. To stay in the know, all you have to do is sign up for the city’s emergency text messaging system.
To do so, text NOLAREADY to 77295. For Spanish notifications, text ESP to 77295.
For the latest, stay with Nolafi.com for New Orleans-area news.
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The spring travel season has “sprung” in effect, when you think about the great low fares being offered for travel in March and April. This is one fare sale you don’t want to miss.
Flying in or out of New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong Airport is a relatively easy process because it’s one of the most convenient locations in the Southeast, and you can save money if you’re astute.
We’re going to show you some of the best cheap fares from New Orleans.
Book These Best Cheap Fares From New Orleans, Louisiana
As always, the way to find the cheapest flights is travel during slower months. Know the best times to book cheap flights.
What we’re seeing now from Southwest is just a preview. Airfare prices are about to drop as more airlines battle for your vacation dollars.
The good thing about Southwest flights are that you get two major perks:
- No change fees
- 2 free checked bags
Flights From New Orleans To Atlanta, Houston, LA For Cheap
If you’re flying out of Hartsfield, here are some cheap flights you might not want to pass up. These are current as of June 2024.
Here are the cheapest flights out of New Orleans right now. Fares may change slightly based on normal variations in price.
New Orleans Flights: Nonstop: One-Way Fares Starting From: To Atlanta Yes $59 To Austin Yes $59 To Houston Yes $88 To Chicago Yes $103 To New York (LaGuardia) Yes $93 To Los Angeles Yes $93 To Washington, D.C.(Dulles) Yes $140 To Nashville Yes $88 To Detroit Yes $79 To San Diego Yes $172 See other dates on Southwest’s nationwide sale HERE.
To New Orleans is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Louis Armstrong International Airport is so accessible.
How To Find Cheapest Fares
The airline industry has a vested interest in keeping you from finding the lowest fares online. What many of them do is hide them in plain sight – but you can discover affordable flights with a strategy.
Frontier Airlines’ Year-Round Subscription
Frontier Airlines’ all-you-can-fly subscription plan allows you to pay one fee for unlimited flights within the year. The price of the Go Wild! Plan is now $799 for the first year and will auto-renew for $1,999 in the second year unless you cancel.
Needless to say, you can save a lot of money if you plan to fly a lot in the coming year. Book now though because Frontier just may raise the prices!
Fly At The Right Time
It’s a proven fact that flying at the right time saves you money. Here are the days you should travel:
- Travel On: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Don’t Travel On: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
When it comes to the time of day, always opt for the red-eye or first of the morning. That flight is typically the lowest-price fare.
Use A Web Browser In Incognito Mode
Instead of searching for fares on a browser that tracks your location and the sites you’ve searched, opt for the incognito window. By searching for fares in incognito mode, you can largely avoid the location-specific fares that the airlines try to steer you toward. Those are not necessarily the lowest prices.
Also, make sure if you use Google that you’re not logged in. Again, in incognito mode, don’t log into your Google account if using Google.
Use Budget Airlines
I know you may feel that it’s risky, but flying a low-cost or “budget” airline is the way to go to save major money on your flight.
The best low-cost airlines give you comfort as well as great pricing, but there will be a few fees for baggage, seating and other things.
To give you an example of how cheap some flights can be on budget airlines, here’s a comparison of a Delta flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles, and that same flight on Spirit Airlines. Delta’s fare is $508, while Sprit’s is $197.
Screengrab via skyscanner.com Because Spirit fares are bare-bones, we know that there will have some additional fees, but it will still beat the $508 that Delta charges.
Final Word
Cheap flights in and out of New Orleans, Louisiana used to be as rare as a unicorn, but that’s not been the case of late. The major airlines have advertised some affordable low fares over the past couple weeks.
Cheap flights may be kind of difficult to discover right now, but that’s not the case when it comes to fares in and out of New Orleans, Louisiana. The major airlines have published some great low fares of late.
Because travel is bouncing back in a big way, New Orleans is literally a hot ticket for people looking to take a vacation. To find flights that are affordable, it’s going to take some strategy.
Here’s how to search for low-cost airfare online.
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In a first for the carrier, Southwest Airlines says it is getting rid of 1,750 leadership positions in a historic move to reduce expenses.
The reductions, affecting 15% of corporate roles—including senior leadership and directors—will begin in late April and are expected to be largely completed by the end of June, the airline announced Sunday.
“This is a very difficult and monumental shift,” CEO Bob Jordan wrote in a letter to employees. “With the best intentions, the growth of our leadership and noncontract functions have outpaced our operation’s growth for many years.”
The job cuts are part of Southwest’s broader strategy to streamline operations and cut costs, aiming to become a “leaner, faster, and more agile organization,” Jordan said.
The announcement comes just a day before Southwest launches redeye flights, a key component of its Southwest. Even Better. initiative. The new overnight flights are designed to provide customers with more travel options, improve aircraft utilization, and strengthen the airline’s financial standing.
By optimizing fleet efficiency, redeye flights will help free up the equivalent of 18 aircraft, supporting modest capacity growth without requiring additional planes.
Final Thought
Few things can beat traveling with your significant other. Not only is there a sense of safety, but sharing beautiful sights and sounds can bring you closer together.
Traveling with your significant other is the best way to go. Looking for a destination? There are some great cities that you can vacation in for cheap right now.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from New Orleans that are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
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So, you’re seeing that Beyoncé tickets are quite expensive and you’re looking for ways to get to the concert. Yes, Beyoncé is embarking on her “Cowboy Carter Tour” in 2025, promoting her acclaimed album Cowboy Carter.
In this article, we’ll show you how to get Beyoncé tickets as well as list her Cowboy Carter tour dates in the United States.
Get Beyoncé Tickets
As an example, you can buy Beyoncé tickets in Atlanta for three dates:
- Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ Mercedes Benz Stadium — Get Tickets
- Friday, July 11, 2025 @ Mercedes Benz Stadium — Get Tickets
- Sunday, July 13, 2025 @ Mercedes Benz Stadium — Get Tickets
When Does the Beyoncé Cowboy Carter Tour Begin?
The tour begins on April 28 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and concludes on July 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Additional performances are scheduled in cities such as Chicago, New York, Houston, Washington, D.C., London, and Paris.
Ticket Sales and Presales:
- BeyHive Presale: Started on February 11 at 12 p.m. local time.
- Artist Presale: Began on February 13 at 12 p.m. local time.
- Citi Cardmember Presale: Available from February 12 at 12 p.m. local time until February 13 at 11 a.m. local time. Citi is the official card for the tour’s presale in the U.S. sofistadium.com
- Verizon Up Presale: Offered from February 12 at 12 p.m. local time until February 13 at 11 a.m. local time for select shows. More details are available on Verizon’s website. sofistadium.com
- General Public Sale: Tickets become available on February 14 at 12 p.m. local time via Live Nation.
Ticket Pricing:
Specific ticket prices for the official sales have not been disclosed. However, resale platforms like StubHub have listings starting around $200 for the opening night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Please note that resale prices can vary and may not reflect the official ticket costs.
COWBOY CARTER TOUR DATES:
- April 28, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
- May 01, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
- May 04, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
- May 07, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
- May 15, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
- May 17, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
- May 18, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
- May 22, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
- May 24, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
- May 25, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
- May 28, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
- June 05, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- June 07, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- June 10, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- June 12, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- June 14, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- June 16, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- June 19, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
- June 21, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
- June 22, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
- June 28, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
- June 29, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
- July 04, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
- July 07, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
- July 10, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
- July 11, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
- July 13, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s recommended to check official sources and authorized ticket vendors.
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When it comes to streaming services, shopping around is the best thing a subscriber of live TV and movies can do. After all, Netflix is constantly raising its prices.
Netflix used to be the top streaming platform, but a series of missteps and price increases have made other options more attractive and affordable.
This article will show you some Netflix alternatives that will be good for your money.
If you’re looking to cancel Netflix, you’re in good company. The once-popular service disclosed that it’s lost more than 200,000 subscribers over the past 12 months.
That means people are searching for and finding other streaming alternatives. We’ve researched the best ones so that you can know which ones are the best.
These Are The Best Netflix Alternatives
Streaming Service Monthly Price Channels Offered Plans Disney+ $13.99 85+ See Channels YouTube TV $64.99 85 See Plans FuboTV $32.99–$79.99 166 See Plans See Channels $25 65+ See Channels See Plans $6.99–$12.99 75+ See Plans See Plans $35–$50 50 See Plans See Channels Free 190 See Channels Free 55+ Amazon Prime Video $12.99 100+ See Channels There are several streaming platforms that serve as alternatives to Netflix, each offering a unique range of content. Here are some popular alternatives:
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is a major competitor to Netflix, offering a wide array of TV shows, movies, original series, and documentaries.
Hulu: Hulu is known for providing access to current episodes of popular TV shows shortly after they air. It also has a variety of movies and original content.
Disney+: Disney+ is a great option for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It has a vast library of family-friendly content.
HBO Max: HBO Max offers a diverse range of content, including HBO original series, movies, documentaries, and more. It’s a good choice for those seeking high-quality, often critically acclaimed, content.
Apple TV+: Apple’s streaming service has been expanding its original content library and offers exclusive series, movies, and documentaries.
Peacock: Peacock is NBCUniversal’s streaming service, featuring a mix of current season TV shows, classic movies, original series, news, sports, and more.
YouTube Premium: YouTube Premium offers an ad-free experience, exclusive original series and movies, and access to YouTube Music. It’s a good option if you enjoy YouTube’s content.
Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access): Paramount+ provides a mix of live TV, current season shows, original series, and a vast library of classic shows and movies.
Crave: Crave is a Canadian streaming service that offers a variety of content, including HBO shows, original series, movies, and more.
Vudu: Vudu offers a wide selection of movies and TV shows for rental or purchase, similar to Amazon Prime Video.
Tubi: Tubi is a free streaming service with a broad range of movies and TV shows, albeit with advertisements.
Sling TV: Sling TV is an internet-based live TV streaming service that offers a variety of channels, including sports, news, entertainment, and more.
Final Word
Netflix may have been knocked down a few pegs, but it still is the most well-known video streaming service. The issue is that subscribers continue to be asked to pay more.
Take a look at the streaming services we list above. Let us know if one of them suits your fancy. If you still decide to stick with Netflix, here’s how to make it worth your while.
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