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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.

New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common

Elmer's makes the popular seasonal chocolate treats.

Food and Drink

<figure><img alt="Image shows an Easter basket with candy in it." height="450" id="71d3ed3a-d338-4070-90e3-e62570e0ace1" src="https://images.axios.com/-LJBu9nglH963CACqTpeFTZqgVM=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/04/16/1744828446326.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Elmer&#x27;s is known for its candy eggs for Easter. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/17/elmer-chocolate-easter-candy-company-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="96243d0d-f9e0-4845-8e86-e884c26e1a52" data-vars-headline="New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/17/elmer-chocolate-easter-candy-company-louisiana" target="_self">Easter in New Orleans</a> isn&#x27;t complete without an Elmer chocolate egg in your basket.Why it matters: The longtime Louisiana company still anchors Easter traditions across the Gulf Coast, even after last year&#x27;s sale.

Louisiana's 4 richest residents, according to Forbes

Todd Graves more than doubled his net worth in the past year.

Louisiana is home to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four billionaires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/15/louisiana-richest-residents-billionaires-forbes" data-vars-content-id="39700f1d-15a9-437d-b0a8-9b7648859d11" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s 4 richest residents, according to Forbes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/15/louisiana-richest-residents-billionaires-forbes" target="_self">four billionaires</a>, according to Forbes&#x27; 2026 list of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world&#x27;s richest people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/" data-vars-content-id="39700f1d-15a9-437d-b0a8-9b7648859d11" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s 4 richest residents, according to Forbes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/" target="_blank">world&#x27;s richest people</a>.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s wealthiest residents reflect the industries that power the Bayou State — restaurants, sports, liquor and offshore energy.

Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans

Renting is cheaper than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="owning a home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="0c01dd2d-ff20-4f5f-a8e3-1c3767158d88" data-vars-headline="Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">owning a home</a> in New Orleans, according to a new LendingTree <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" data-vars-content-id="0c01dd2d-ff20-4f5f-a8e3-1c3767158d88" data-vars-headline="Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: Housing costs have soared nationwide, with stubbornly high home prices and mortgage rates weighing on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would-be buyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="0c01dd2d-ff20-4f5f-a8e3-1c3767158d88" data-vars-headline="Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">would-be buyers</a>.

Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign

Adler's made a custom key for Mayor Helena Moreno.

Politics

The key 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="b8ac7a25-a40d-4bbf-b9c2-ba23af08c0af" data-vars-headline="Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign" 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 redesign as one of local jeweler Adler&#x27;s final projects before closing.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LaToya Cantrell frequently gave out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/09/latoya-cantrell-key-to-the-city-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b8ac7a25-a40d-4bbf-b9c2-ba23af08c0af" data-vars-headline="Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/09/latoya-cantrell-key-to-the-city-new-orleans" target="_self">LaToya Cantrell frequently gave out</a> ceremonial keys when she was mayor. This is how Helena Moreno is putting her stamp on the tradition.

New stores on the way to Lakeside Shopping Center

Three new stores are on the way to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lakeside Shopping Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/17/lakeside-mall-growth-mall-death-metairie" data-vars-content-id="ef6aa24e-446f-428b-be2a-4c6ecbd0bcda" data-vars-headline="New stores on the way to Lakeside Shopping Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/17/lakeside-mall-growth-mall-death-metairie" target="_self">Lakeside Shopping Center</a>.Why it matters: The Metairie mall continues to buck the trend of struggling shopping destinations.

Six Flags redevelopment hinges on $50M public ask

Bayou Phoenix is a $500 million youth sports and entertainment complex.

Developers of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former Six Flags location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/29/demolition-six-flags-master-plan-timeline" data-vars-content-id="e9ee8bd8-e8f6-4590-95b5-72e7d9e3f5f9" data-vars-headline="Six Flags redevelopment hinges on $50M public ask" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/29/demolition-six-flags-master-plan-timeline" target="_self">former Six Flags location</a> in New Orleans say they need at least $50 million in public money to transform the blighted property into a regional destination for youth sports, entertainment and shopping.Why it matters: They say private funds are covering 88% of the cost, and called on city and state leaders to invest in New Orleans East.

Exclusive: Bayou Boogaloo to scale back and relocate

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bayou Boogaloo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/27/spring-festivals-things-to-do-free-events" data-vars-content-id="d504e327-d817-431f-8ea5-ad4b5df37658" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Bayou Boogaloo to scale back and relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/27/spring-festivals-things-to-do-free-events" target="_self">Bayou Boogaloo</a> is ditching its signature floating free-for-all this year, with organizers telling Axios exclusively that they are moving the festival to new venues and overhauling the format.Why it matters: The 20th edition 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="d504e327-d817-431f-8ea5-ad4b5df37658" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Bayou Boogaloo to scale back and relocate" 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> festival will look nothing like the &quot;beautiful, chaotic scene&quot; that turned Bayou St. John into a floating party each May.

NASA's next lunar mission has deep New Orleans roots

Artemis II is scheduled to launch in April.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="cad93e16-eaac-4072-a86f-27dbdd5e7c21" data-vars-headline="NASA&#x27;s next lunar mission has deep New Orleans roots" 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> built the backbone of NASA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next Moon mission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/19/artemis-ii-core-stage-rocket-engine-moon-mission" data-vars-content-id="cad93e16-eaac-4072-a86f-27dbdd5e7c21" data-vars-headline="NASA&#x27;s next lunar mission has deep New Orleans roots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/19/artemis-ii-core-stage-rocket-engine-moon-mission" target="_self">next Moon mission</a>.Why it matters: Artemis II will mark NASA&#x27;s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years — and a major piece of the rocket was made in New Orleans East.

Business 🏦

One Canal Place sold, and other New Orleans business developments

New Orleans debuts one of country's longest riverfront parks

First look: New Orleans' riverfront park and playground

New Orleans TV stations brace for possible layoffs amid Nexstar-Tegna merger

Clever April Fools' pranks in New Orleans