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Why NASA sends hot sauce into space

Aerospace

NASA sent five hot sauce varieties on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/01/artemis-launch-date-rocket-made-michoud" data-vars-content-id="26518a0c-ec7f-468c-a4b5-efc75434514a" data-vars-headline="Why NASA sends hot sauce into space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/01/artemis-launch-date-rocket-made-michoud" target="_self">Artemis II</a>, deeming the spicy staple an essential item.Why it matters: Even in space, flavor matters.

How mahjong became the hottest game in town

Events dedicated to the strategy game are becoming wildly popular.

Culture

Kelly Walker was eager to connect with new friends when she started hosting mahjong nights at her home a little more than a year ago.Why it matters: The game nights have since became so popular that venues across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="eaf9d044-eacb-4799-a2de-88241a410aa9" data-vars-headline="How mahjong became the hottest game in town" 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> are asking her to set up shop.

New Orleans debuts one of country's longest riverfront parks

Here's a first look at the downtown park.

Business

New Orleans opens the first phase of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverfront for All" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" data-vars-content-id="7349e2b8-ec0f-43ae-ae9b-a02ea81b02bc" data-vars-headline="New Orleans debuts one of country&#x27;s longest riverfront parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" target="_self">Riverfront for All</a> park this week, completing a project that&#x27;s been in the works for more than a decade.Why it matters: The Audubon Nature Institute, which manages the public-private partnership, hopes to build on the momentum and add a second phase along the Mississippi River.

First look: New Orleans' riverfront park and playground

Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park opens Tuesday.

Development

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/06/goldring-woldenberg-riverfront-park-hours-playground" data-vars-content-id="0fb521b4-9328-4bdb-9225-3fb8e399e8ca" data-vars-headline="First look: New Orleans&#x27; riverfront park and playground" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/06/goldring-woldenberg-riverfront-park-hours-playground" target="_self">Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park</a> opens Tuesday in downtown New Orleans. The big picture: The park is built on top of Gov. Nicholls Wharf&#x27;s concrete deck, with the Mississippi River flowing underneath, according to Jackson Kerby, Audubon&#x27;s VP of construction.

The world's largest fish collection just got a little bigger

The scientific library's use is growing all the time.

Environment

<figure><img alt="A video pans down metal shelves of jars with preserved fish inside. " height="450" id="113cb3ee-733e-4142-b4f0-f5db885e20ff" src="https://images.axios.com/jphUzXtKncl2nREbhbi8hE8cAgI=/2025/12/19/1766173485694.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Royal D. Suttkus Fish Collection is stored inside World War II-era ammunition bunkers in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Video: Chelsea Brasted</figcaption></figure>The world&#x27;s largest collection of fish specimens, which is housed in World War II-era ammunition bunkers outside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b95f8eb9-5ea4-47b5-96c9-e77874498ced" data-vars-headline="The world&#x27;s largest fish collection just got a little bigger" 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>, just got a little bigger.Why it matters: The collection allows scientists to explore 75 years of biodiversity at a level of specificity its creator likely never even dreamed possible when he first started sticking fish in jars.

Lead contamination widespread at New Orleans playgrounds, Verite finds

Verite reporters tested the soil at more than 80 playgrounds.

News

Unsafe lead levels were found in the soil at about half of New Orleans playgrounds tested in a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://veritenews.org/2026/02/05/poison-at-play-playgrounds-lead-levels/" data-vars-content-id="1bcb858a-d958-485f-86a4-80ef5d7352db" data-vars-headline="Lead contamination widespread at New Orleans playgrounds, Verite finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://veritenews.org/2026/02/05/poison-at-play-playgrounds-lead-levels/" target="_blank">new investigation</a> by nonprofit newsroom <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Verite News" data-vars-click-url="https://veritenews.org/" data-vars-content-id="1bcb858a-d958-485f-86a4-80ef5d7352db" data-vars-headline="Lead contamination widespread at New Orleans playgrounds, Verite finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://veritenews.org/" target="_blank">Verite News</a>.Why it matters: There is no known safe exposure level for children, and even small amounts can cause behavioral problems and reduced cognitive ability.

The best way to X-ray a hummingbird

The university treats about 1,400 wild animals a year.

Education

Ruby-throated hummingbirds will soon make their annual migration north from Mexico through Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states.Why it matters: Some will end up injured, and those that do might land at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine&#x27;s Wildlife Hospital — which just published new research showing the best way to identify fractures in these tiny birds.

Louisiana's map is shrinking again

The boot of Louisiana's toe is getting much smaller.

Louisiana&#x27;s map is set to shrink again next year as federal officials recognize the ongoing effects of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sea level rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/04/14/dramatic-sea-level-rise-gulf-coast-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="bed30ba3-8bdb-4376-af51-ef07359b9a3b" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s map is shrinking again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/04/14/dramatic-sea-level-rise-gulf-coast-new-orleans" target="_self">sea level rise</a> on the state&#x27;s marshy outline.Why it matters: It&#x27;s yet another reminder that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/01/new-orleans-sinking-faster-sea-level-rise" data-vars-content-id="bed30ba3-8bdb-4376-af51-ef07359b9a3b" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s map is shrinking again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/01/new-orleans-sinking-faster-sea-level-rise" target="_self">climate change</a> is literally shifting the ground beneath our feet.

What to read, watch to better understand Hurricane Katrina

New documentaries are out in time for the 20th anniversary.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina 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="ce4e5c92-8afd-4317-bac7-ee8084581a98" data-vars-headline="What to read, watch to better understand Hurricane Katrina" 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>, dozens of media outlets, bloggers and content creators have debuted documentaries, podcasts and shows to explore stories from that historical moment and its recovery.Why it matters: For people who were directly impacted, a lot of it can just be painful — or even impossible — to relive.

Heat streaks are getting more common in Louisiana

New Orleans is among cities with extreme heat stretches.

Heat streaks are becoming more common in Louisiana cities and nationwide, a new analysis finds. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prolonged heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" data-vars-content-id="95d86eaa-7eaf-4975-b122-42ef256e74c4" data-vars-headline="Heat streaks are getting more common in Louisiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/heat-wave-dome-corn-sweat-forecast" target="_self">Prolonged heat</a> is particularly hazardous to human health.

Louisiana's electricity costs rise amid data center boom

The state's only data center is not yet online.

It&#x27;s getting more expensive to power Louisiana, and electricity costs are rising faster here than in most parts of the county, according to new data.Why it matters: Many residents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="already struggle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/28/louisiana-struggle-belt-everyday-expenses" data-vars-content-id="876a09e0-6646-4d90-8cb6-28bdda42dfb3" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s electricity costs rise amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/28/louisiana-struggle-belt-everyday-expenses" target="_self">already struggle</a> with the cost of everyday living, but electricity costs could get even higher for some as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/04/ai-energy-data-center-growth" data-vars-content-id="876a09e0-6646-4d90-8cb6-28bdda42dfb3" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s electricity costs rise amid data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/04/ai-energy-data-center-growth" target="_self">data centers</a> move in.

New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat

Some schools already struggle to keep classes cool.

As K-12 students head back to school in New Orleans this week, more will be sitting in classrooms in extreme <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban heat zones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" target="_self">urban heat zones</a> than the U.S. average, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: The heat island effect can make some neighborhoods notably warmer than others, especially during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat waves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/heat-wave" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/23/heat-wave" target="_self">heat waves</a>.Flashback: Some regional schools started last year with canceled classes because of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inadequate air conditioning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/04/louisiana-schools-air-conditioning-heat-waves" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/09/04/louisiana-schools-air-conditioning-heat-waves" target="_self">inadequate air conditioning</a>. Driving the news: About 76% of public K-12 students in the 65 most populous U.S. cities attend schools where the heat island effect increases temperatures by at least 8°F, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new analysis from Climate Central," data-vars-click-url="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/schools-and-urban-heat-2025" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/schools-and-urban-heat-2025" target="_blank">new analysis from Climate Central,</a> a climate research group.<ul><li>Researchers there examined more than 12,000 schools, with nearly 6.2 million students.</li><li>The group&#x27;s analysis is based on its previous work modeling urban heat zones, as well as National Center for Education Statistics data.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: New Orleans is among cities working to alleviate its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat island effect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/23/new-orleans-heat-island-effect-mapped" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/23/new-orleans-heat-island-effect-mapped" target="_self">heat island effect</a>, with city leaders last year announcing plans to create a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heat mitigation plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/16/new-orleans-heat-mitigation-plan-extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="12e05d0f-ef26-49e9-82aa-76d156be4ba0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans students more likely to attend school in extreme heat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/16/new-orleans-heat-mitigation-plan-extreme-weather" target="_self">heat mitigation plan</a>.

Some of New Orleans is sinking faster than sea level rise

A new study offers a clear picture of the city's elevation.

Parts of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6fec8a53-b8c6-478b-ada3-8dc085440c3f" data-vars-headline="Some of New Orleans is sinking faster than sea level rise" 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>, including some of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flood protections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/24/homeowners-minority-climate-risk-flooding" data-vars-content-id="6fec8a53-b8c6-478b-ada3-8dc085440c3f" data-vars-headline="Some of New Orleans is sinking faster than sea level rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/24/homeowners-minority-climate-risk-flooding" target="_self">flood protections</a>, are sinking faster than the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sea level is rising" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/04/14/dramatic-sea-level-rise-gulf-coast-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6fec8a53-b8c6-478b-ada3-8dc085440c3f" data-vars-headline="Some of New Orleans is sinking faster than sea level rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/04/14/dramatic-sea-level-rise-gulf-coast-new-orleans" target="_self">sea level is rising</a> beyond it, according to a new study from Tulane University. Why it matters: The study offers &quot;a wake-up call,&quot; said study co-author Mead Allison in a press release, as the margin between what protects New Orleans and the water that threatens it narrows. <ul><li>&quot;We need ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure that our flood defenses don&#x27;t lose their level of protection beneath us,&quot;Allison said.</li></ul>

A dying Louisiana swamp will get a burst of new life

The Maurepas Swamp is between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Politics

A stretch of more than 45,000 acres of swampland between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="8716289f-4d38-408e-a6e0-dddef656981e" data-vars-headline="A dying Louisiana swamp will get a burst of new life" 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 Baton Rouge has been slowly dying, killing off native species for more than 80 years.Why it matters: That ends soon, thanks to a new project reconnecting the Maurepas Swamp with the Mississippi River.