New Orleans

A picture of New Orleans with the letters MSY

blue

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

Axios New Orleans

Standard

New Orleans Alerts

Alert

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

Axios New Orleans Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

New Orleans Members

Membership

Axios New Orleans Partners

Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment

Troops have been in New Orleans for eight months.

News

The Louisiana National Guard&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eight-month deployment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/02/national-guard-to-stay-in-new-orleans-six-more-months" data-vars-content-id="d6edce0f-a3fd-4b5d-bb28-e45330b2d312" data-vars-headline="Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/02/national-guard-to-stay-in-new-orleans-six-more-months" target="_self">eight-month deployment</a> in New Orleans is coming to an end, Mayor Helena Moreno confirms.Why it matters: The federal deployment became a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political flash point" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/02/mayor-helena-moreno-donald-trump-national-guard-meeting" data-vars-content-id="d6edce0f-a3fd-4b5d-bb28-e45330b2d312" data-vars-headline="Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/02/mayor-helena-moreno-donald-trump-national-guard-meeting" target="_self">political flash point</a> over who deserves credit for New Orleans&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="falling crime rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" data-vars-content-id="d6edce0f-a3fd-4b5d-bb28-e45330b2d312" data-vars-headline="Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" target="_self">falling crime rate</a>.

Second-line season returns to New Orleans

Brass band-led parades are one of the city's best traditions.

Culture

<figure><img alt="A boy wears a plaid suit as he dances in a crowded street." height="450" id="8a30616a-beb9-4b41-a20c-a88380b1a232" src="https://images.axios.com/WZ8lRbDSoFVPHrcPzEH4pK4a8S0=/2026/08/18/1787080911890.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Second-lines are often family affairs. Video: Mario Tama/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Second-lines are back this week after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="f8e30a18-4321-4611-a688-a707814faba6" data-vars-headline="Second-line season returns to 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>&#x27; annual pause, when social aid and pleasure clubs bypass some of the worst summer heat. Why it matters: The season will begin without any of last year&#x27;s hubbub over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potentially costly new rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/04/second-line-clubs-new-orleans-fees-increase" data-vars-content-id="f8e30a18-4321-4611-a688-a707814faba6" data-vars-headline="Second-line season returns to 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/2025/08/04/second-line-clubs-new-orleans-fees-increase" target="_self">potentially costly new rules</a> for how the parades operate.

How Flock cameras are used in New Orleans metro

Flock cameras are just part of the surveillance in New Orleans.

Public Safety

Activists and citizens across the political spectrum are pushing back against license plate readers made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="9c7664b8-1568-4682-b9ba-2b0b2eee1d11" data-vars-headline="How Flock cameras are used in New Orleans metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock and similar companies</a>, fueled by privacy concerns and suspected police misuse.Why it matters: Though touted as a boon to public safety, Flock cameras are suddenly emerging as the next big target of populist anti-tech, pro-privacy sentiment.

LSU dorm rooms get Instagram-ready makeovers

Social media is fueling a push for fancy dorm design.

Dorm rooms are tiny. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dorm decor economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/26/dorm-room-moving-taskrabbit" data-vars-content-id="4f9222f4-adf0-4c57-acd6-c5bc10b03901" data-vars-headline="LSU dorm rooms get Instagram-ready makeovers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/26/dorm-room-moving-taskrabbit" target="_self">dorm decor economy</a> is not.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College dorms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/dorm-decorations-kids-parents" data-vars-content-id="4f9222f4-adf0-4c57-acd6-c5bc10b03901" data-vars-headline="LSU dorm rooms get Instagram-ready makeovers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/dorm-decorations-kids-parents" target="_self">College dorms</a> are becoming customized, social-media-ready micro-apartments thanks to growth within the &quot;designer dorm&quot; industry and viral TikTok dorm tours and hauls.

Clearview Mall being demolished for open-air makeover 

The property is scheduled to reopen in 2028.

Development

Clearview Mall is in the middle of the demolition that will convert it into an open-air lifestyle center called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clearview City Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/06/12/clearview-city-center-metairie-target" data-vars-content-id="867075de-a328-4b83-9665-f29b60c0d200" data-vars-headline="Clearview Mall being demolished for open-air makeover " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/06/12/clearview-city-center-metairie-target" target="_self">Clearview City Center</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a $100 million project that&#x27;s been in the works for years.

What's next for New Orleans' troubled Plaza Tower 

Two people have died in falls from the blighted building since 2023.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plaza Tower" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/29/new-orleans-worst-blighted-properties-plaza-tower" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/29/new-orleans-worst-blighted-properties-plaza-tower" target="_self">Plaza Tower</a> remains vacant with no definitive redevelopment timeline as New Orleans officials grapple with how to keep the troubled skyscraper safe.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Two people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox8live.com/2023/04/24/man-dead-after-falling-plaza-tower-new-orleans-police-say/" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox8live.com/2023/04/24/man-dead-after-falling-plaza-tower-new-orleans-police-say/" target="_blank">Two people</a> have died in falls from the blighted building since 2023, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Belle Chasse teen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BelleChasseHS/posts/1552546576663962?ref=embed_post" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BelleChasseHS/posts/1552546576663962?ref=embed_post" target="_blank">Belle Chasse teen</a> last weekend.

City aims to lure industry to New Orleans East

NASA's Michoud facility is one of the anchors of the new strategy.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Helena Moreno" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="94a3816d-2069-484f-8c8e-56c7657d520d" data-vars-headline="City aims to lure industry to New Orleans East" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" target="_self">Mayor Helena Moreno</a> wants to transform New Orleans East into the city&#x27;s next economic engine by preparing land for new industries and jobs.Why it matters: Previous administrations also promised jobs and economic opportunities that have yet to materialize in a meaningful way.

Clearview Mall demolition begins in Metairie

It's converting into an open-air shopping center with water features.

Demolition of the exterior of Clearview Mall begins later this month as the property converts into an open-air space called <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clearview City Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/06/12/clearview-city-center-metairie-target" data-vars-content-id="57567c14-a5bc-4d18-ae59-4daaf0ba1cf4" data-vars-headline="Clearview Mall demolition begins in Metairie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/06/12/clearview-city-center-metairie-target" target="_self">Clearview City Center</a>.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="See the video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1018555547207826" data-vars-content-id="57567c14-a5bc-4d18-ae59-4daaf0ba1cf4" data-vars-headline="Clearview Mall demolition begins in Metairie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1018555547207826" target="_blank">See the video</a> of the inside demo and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renderings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/06/12/clearview-city-center-metairie-target" data-vars-content-id="57567c14-a5bc-4d18-ae59-4daaf0ba1cf4" data-vars-headline="Clearview Mall demolition begins in Metairie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/06/12/clearview-city-center-metairie-target" target="_self">renderings</a> of the final project.</li><li>The opening date is 2028, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WDSU reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1794080844891555" data-vars-content-id="57567c14-a5bc-4d18-ae59-4daaf0ba1cf4" data-vars-headline="Clearview Mall demolition begins in Metairie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1794080844891555" target="_blank">WDSU reports</a>.</li></ul>

Shell HQ anchors River District's next chapter

The City Council also approved zoning changes needed to build a 27-story hotel.

Shell&#x27;s new Gulf headquarters is taking shape in New Orleans&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="River District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/18/riverfront-development-river-district-audubon" data-vars-content-id="f3790a9b-f29b-4341-ac4e-373d5f0601f0" data-vars-headline="Shell HQ anchors River District&#x27;s next chapter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/18/riverfront-development-river-district-audubon" target="_self">River District</a>, with construction expected to wrap up in April 2027.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of several projects under way in the district.

Renderings: New memorial for Bourbon Street attack victims

The proposed sculpture has a $3.9 million price tag.

A permanent memorial is in the works at <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="e713e666-dbab-4a96-b048-699d77444212" data-vars-headline="Renderings: New memorial for Bourbon Street attack victims" 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> to honor the victims of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bourbon Street terrorist attack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/02/new-orleans-terrorist-attack-what-we-know" data-vars-content-id="e713e666-dbab-4a96-b048-699d77444212" data-vars-headline="Renderings: New memorial for Bourbon Street attack victims" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/02/new-orleans-terrorist-attack-what-we-know" target="_self">Bourbon Street terrorist attack</a>.Why it matters: Survivors and victims&#x27; families are helping shape the public tribute.

New Orleans debuts one of country's longest riverfront parks

Here's a first look at the downtown park.

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.

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.

Elon Musk's latest idea: Tunneling beneath New Orleans

He says he'll meet with local leaders next.

<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.

New Orleans airport plans major expansion

The master plan calls for a new parking garage and a second terminal.

<figure><img alt="Overhead blue airport signs direct departures, arrivals, and the airport exit. A white van and a white truck pass below on a clear day, with palm trees, a wooden guardrail, and a blue sky." height="450" id="00f15d00-2a40-4c5d-b0a0-a6bf4df597c3" src="https://images.axios.com/9LwMInBOHbUdCFFADa2TbJU6zFQ=/2026/03/20/1774038766388.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The expansion plan includes improved roads and a new parking garage. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is gearing up for its next major expansion as passenger growth continues.Why it matters: Almost 85% of people flying into Louisiana use MSY, officials say.

Development 🏗️

Clearview Mall being demolished for open-air makeover

What's next for New Orleans' troubled Plaza Tower

City aims to lure industry to New Orleans East

Clearview Mall demolition begins in Metairie

Shell HQ anchors River District's next chapter