New Orleans

New Orleans Alerts

Alert

A picture of New Orleans with the letters MSY

blue

Axios New Orleans Partners

Axios New Orleans Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in New Orleans with Carlie Kollath Wells and Chelsea Brasted.

Axios New Orleans

Standard

New Orleans Members

Membership

topics

politics-policy

epstein-files

donald-trump

2026-midterm-elections

immigration

behind-the-curtain

race-and-equity

technology

privacy-tech-regulation

automation-and-ai

tiktok-news

big-tech

social-media

cybersecurity

economy

social-security

inflation

tariffs

federal-reserve

jobs

transportation

business

stock-market-news

retail-news

crypto

media

elon-musk

dealmaking

health

rfk-jr

drug-prices

axios-explains-abortion

public-health

world

israel

axios-explains-ukraine

iran

russia

china

energy-climate

nuclear-energy

climate-energy-policy

climate-change

extreme-weather

alternative-energy

electric-vehicles

science

emerging-tech

biomedicine

newsletters

charlotte

detroit

columbus

austin

kansas-city

dallas

atlanta

washington-dc

nw-arkansas

boulder

chicago

indianapolis

nashville

richmond

houston

san-francisco

seattle

colorado-springs

boston

des-moines

salt-lake-city

philadelphia

denver

phoenix

new-orleans

miami

twin-cities

huntsville

raleigh

san-antonio

portland

san-diego

tampa-bay

cleveland

pittsburgh

axios-local

axios-pro

axios-live

the-axios-show

Elon Musk's latest idea: Tunneling beneath New Orleans

He says he'll meet with local leaders next.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elon Musk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/business/elon-musk" data-vars-content-id="d4da4372-79a3-4e36-a3b6-cb91af21c995" data-vars-headline="Elon Musk&#x27;s latest idea: Tunneling beneath New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/business/elon-musk" target="_self">Elon Musk</a> wants to build an underground tunnel in New Orleans through his startup, Boring Company.Why it matters: We&#x27;re a city below sea level with flooding problems — and we don&#x27;t have many tunnels.

ICE agents headed to airports as TSA shortages drive long lines

Gov. Jeff Landry says he also welcomes the National Guard's help.

Transit

President Donald Trump says he will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="send ICE agents to airports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="0bc77ac7-8add-4433-8a63-799d884fcba4" data-vars-headline="ICE agents headed to airports as TSA shortages drive long lines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">send ICE agents to airports</a> starting Monday to help TSA officers working without pay during the partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="security line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/20/expect-long-lines-at-new-orleans-airport-amid-tsa-sickout" data-vars-content-id="0bc77ac7-8add-4433-8a63-799d884fcba4" data-vars-headline="ICE agents headed to airports as TSA shortages drive long lines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/20/expect-long-lines-at-new-orleans-airport-amid-tsa-sickout" target="_self">security line</a> at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backed up into the garage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/share/1D4woLasiZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr" data-vars-content-id="0bc77ac7-8add-4433-8a63-799d884fcba4" data-vars-headline="ICE agents headed to airports as TSA shortages drive long lines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1D4woLasiZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank">backed up into the garage</a> again Sunday, causing passengers to miss flights amid hourslong waits.

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>.

ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up in New Orleans

The TSA screening line has been backed up into the garage for two days.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="d0e1bd93-95e6-4ad9-8d03-fd273747b650" data-vars-headline="ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up in New Orleans" 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> is having one of those months.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airport delays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/23/ice-agents-new-orleans-airport-security-line-backed-up" data-vars-content-id="d0e1bd93-95e6-4ad9-8d03-fd273747b650" data-vars-headline="ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/23/ice-agents-new-orleans-airport-security-line-backed-up" target="_self">Airport delays</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water infrastructure failures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/18/sewerage-water-board-fix-pipes" data-vars-content-id="d0e1bd93-95e6-4ad9-8d03-fd273747b650" data-vars-headline="ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/18/sewerage-water-board-fix-pipes" target="_self">water infrastructure failures</a> and a shrinking bank balance are testing the city all at once.

What's new at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="Image shows a man dancing to the Treme Brass Band." height="450" id="4ce101ad-552c-4620-a733-9217c9c6b677" src="https://images.axios.com/NL-bWDhpFA1kuCR-dW0ujXbxCVM=/2026/03/24/1774379570638.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Treme Brass Band performed at Tuesday&#x27;s Jazz Fest press party. Benny Jones, the band&#x27;s founder, and his bandmate Uncle Lionel Batiste are featured on this year&#x27;s poster. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/11/new-orleans-jazz-fest-2026-full-lineup" data-vars-content-id="f842d1d7-756d-4127-b0e0-369a0b16d5a8" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at New Orleans Jazz Fest 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/11/new-orleans-jazz-fest-2026-full-lineup" target="_self">New Orleans Jazz &amp; Heritage Festival</a> is just weeks away.Why it matters: The music and cultural fest is one of the city&#x27;s signature events, drawing 500,000 visitors and generating an estimated $500 million economic impact.

New Orleans to host country's largest St. Joseph's Day celebration

Celebrate with food, parades and the world's largest pasta bowl.

<figure><img alt="Photo shows a fish in front of an altar" height="450" id="19b0493e-ef9b-4432-94ed-b241762e4383" src="https://images.axios.com/tGg9c8C2doxSdyh-VFhpLZ_gIqs=/2025/03/18/1742321028710.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The St. Joseph&#x27;s Day altar at St. Francis Xavier in Metairie. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Southeast Louisiana celebrates its Italian roots this month, starting Thursday with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Joseph&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/19/st-josephs-day-altars-new-orleans-lucky-bean-meaning" data-vars-content-id="12c5f67b-4ac3-4fa7-aaac-d42d9247b787" data-vars-headline="New Orleans to host country&#x27;s largest St. Joseph&#x27;s Day celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/19/st-josephs-day-altars-new-orleans-lucky-bean-meaning" target="_self">St. Joseph&#x27;s Day</a>.Why it matters: The traditions — from elaborate altars to massive pasta feasts — are a uniquely New Orleans blend of faith, food and immigrant history.

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.

The No. 1 fish cleaning tip from a guy who butchers 500 pounds a day

Food and Drink

If you want to get better at something, it&#x27;s a good idea to ask an expert. So if you&#x27;re looking to improve your fish game, the guy you want to talk to is GW Fins&#x27; Michael Perkins.Why it matters: Perkins has been personally responsible for butchering 300 to 500 or more pounds of fresh-caught fish every day for more than 20 years.

Arthur Hardy makes his retirement official

Mardi Gras

<figure><img alt="A man shows off a formal proclamation in a folder. He closes is and says &quot;thank you.&quot;" height="450" id="6847d367-c3ea-407a-ba88-336b495a2e29" src="https://images.axios.com/glYNU3NiOhRh6cC9hiJbWL_tm2o=/2026/01/20/1768941200460.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Arthur Hardy shows off a special recognition from Rex during a Carnival-season lunch ahead of his retirement. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>For the past half-century, Arthur Hardy has narrated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans&#x27; Carnival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="e5c9c017-c0d6-4bed-a5e1-22dc8803b51e" data-vars-headline="Arthur Hardy makes his retirement official" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">New Orleans&#x27; Carnival</a>, season in and season out. Why it matters: That changes on Ash Wednesday, when Hardy officially retires.

How to watch Greasing of the Poles 2026

The unique French Quarter tradition kicks off Friday Gras.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greasing of the Poles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/28/how-to-watch-greasing-of-the-poles-2025" data-vars-content-id="82ec69c3-975d-4587-9000-dc8995983cd1" data-vars-headline="How to watch Greasing of the Poles 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/28/how-to-watch-greasing-of-the-poles-2025" target="_self">Greasing of the Poles</a> is back at the Royal Sonesta on Friday at 10am.Why it matters: The fabulous French Quarter tradition offers a cheeky nod to the neighborhood&#x27;s past when residents and businesses would lube their balcony poles to keep overeager Mardi Gras revelers from climbing up.

Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026

Here's what we're looking for on the route.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="15ea9324-8543-4100-91ec-bb56948dd468" data-vars-headline="Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026" 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>&#x27; biggest parade weekend is here, and we&#x27;ve got our eyes on some pretty sweet throws that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="15ea9324-8543-4100-91ec-bb56948dd468" data-vars-headline="Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a> krewes are tossing this year.Why it matters: Sure, you can elbow somebody out of the way for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleopatra cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/03/carnival-glitter-mardi-gras-buy-shoes-cups" data-vars-content-id="15ea9324-8543-4100-91ec-bb56948dd468" data-vars-headline="Throws we want to catch at Mardi Gras 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/03/carnival-glitter-mardi-gras-buy-shoes-cups" target="_self">Cleopatra cup</a>, but it&#x27;s a lot easier to aim for the things float riders will stock in bulk.

Where to find private karaoke rooms in New Orleans

A new karaoke spot is quietly taking center stage in the Lower Garden District.Zoom in: Rockabye Karaoke opened about two months ago and offers private rooms for your own epic sing-along session.

Hold the Mayo's ode to a classic New Orleans dish

Devin Snow with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hold the Mayo" data-vars-click-url="https://htmsports.com/" data-vars-content-id="f51fca7e-a4ed-47a2-8922-bcea8039955f" data-vars-headline="Hold the Mayo&#x27;s ode to a classic New Orleans dish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://htmsports.com/" target="_blank">Hold the Mayo</a> wraps up his multi-year video series Monday that highlights red beans and rice across southeast Louisiana.Why it matters: Snow turned a humble Monday staple into a love letter to southeastern Louisiana food and neighborhoods.

DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says

The cost-effective solution is repeatable, Mayor Moreno says.

Music

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="b317e485-1113-400b-af3a-b97a200e79e9" data-vars-headline="DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a> parade viewing at Gallier Hall may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trimmed down in 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/04/mardi-gras-budget-cuts-gallier-hall" data-vars-content-id="b317e485-1113-400b-af3a-b97a200e79e9" data-vars-headline="DJ outcry proves worth of donor-supported events, Moreno says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/04/mardi-gras-budget-cuts-gallier-hall" target="_self">trimmed down in 2026</a>, but it&#x27;ll still sound great, thanks to more than $40,000 raised in donations to cover the cost of hiring DJs for this year&#x27;s festivities.Why it matters: Mayor Helena Moreno said Monday that she sees the solution — private donations supporting a public event — as a repeatable option for future projects.

Culture