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New Orleans will host one of the biggest gatherings of tall ships

Here's what to know about the free tours.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="1bbe9ab2-db9b-443e-b77a-af3cf8207405" data-vars-headline="New Orleans will host one of the biggest gatherings of tall ships" 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> hosts a flotilla of international tall ships next week for the kickoff of Sail 250, which is part of the country&#x27;s 250th birthday celebrations.Why it matters: The 12 ships will be open for free public tours along the Mississippi Riverfront.

New Orleans among worst places for new grads to find jobs

News

Fast-growing Southern metros offer the best job opportunities for new college graduates, according to a new study.The big picture: Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa Bay, Florida, top the list, based on payroll processor ADP&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ranking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.adpresearch.com/2026-youve-graduated-now-what/" data-vars-content-id="11f30d2f-4d60-4c2a-bd04-0b85b4bc7eb6" data-vars-headline="New Orleans among worst places for new grads to find jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.adpresearch.com/2026-youve-graduated-now-what/" target="_blank">ranking</a> of 20-something hiring rates, wages and affordability.

New Orleans homicides down 26% as violent crime falls nationwide

Crime remains one of the country's most politically potent issues.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Homicide rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" data-vars-content-id="91c82c7e-41a2-4931-b5bd-f13654308034" data-vars-headline="New Orleans homicides down 26% as violent crime falls nationwide" 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">Homicide rates</a> in New Orleans continue to fall year over year, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike.Why it matters: Crime remains one of the country&#x27;s most politically potent issues, even as many major cities report sustained declines in violence.

New TSA tech aims to speed up lines at MSY

You have to pay for TSA PreCheck use the new Touchless ID option.

Passengers at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/23/msy-airport-expansion-timeline-parking-garage" data-vars-content-id="f43f9267-e20f-4c1a-88ac-95cdde5e7cf4" data-vars-headline="New TSA tech aims to speed up lines at MSY" 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/msy-airport-expansion-timeline-parking-garage" target="_self">Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport</a> now have a faster option at the TSA checkpoint.Why it matters: Long lines at security are a vibe-killer for the start of your trip.

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.

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.

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.

No quick fix for New Orleans water main breaks

The projects will cost millions to complete.

At least one thing is clear in the Sewerage &amp; Water Board of New Orleans&#x27; new plan to prevent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more main breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/11/grossly-unacceptable-council-blasts-swbno-over-pipe-failures" data-vars-content-id="44693622-75eb-4190-8a04-7d250bff0a8a" data-vars-headline="No quick fix for New Orleans water main breaks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/11/grossly-unacceptable-council-blasts-swbno-over-pipe-failures" target="_self">more main breaks</a>: None of the fixes will be quick or cheap.Why it matters: Residents are demanding action after a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" string of water main breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/13/another-uptown-water-main-breaks" data-vars-content-id="44693622-75eb-4190-8a04-7d250bff0a8a" data-vars-headline="No quick fix for New Orleans water main breaks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/13/another-uptown-water-main-breaks" target="_self"> string of water main breaks</a> in recent months.

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.

Plans advance for Plaza Tower and Mercy Hospital redevelopment

The Moreno administration says it is working with urgency.

Redevelopment efforts are gaining traction at Plaza Tower, Mercy Hospital and several of the city&#x27;s biggest blighted buildings, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="0f2ec764-c170-4dc0-95fc-6911b7e33e04" data-vars-headline="Plans advance for Plaza Tower and Mercy Hospital redevelopment" 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> leaders told City Council recently.Why it matters: The buildings have sat vacant for years, dragging down surrounding neighborhoods and frustrating residents who have heard redevelopment promises before.

What's next for New Orleans' riverfront overhaul

The River District and Audubon's Riverfront for All are in flux.

Two major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="riverfront projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/21/audubon-riverfront-park-renderings-timeline" data-vars-content-id="bb460c99-72f4-4f8b-9c2b-ef9a47e003c5" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; riverfront overhaul" 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 projects</a> in New Orleans are in flux, according to The Times-Picayune.Why it matters: The city has spent the past decade trying to revitalize the downtown riverfront — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with mixed results" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/07/28/new-orleans-riverfront-park" data-vars-content-id="bb460c99-72f4-4f8b-9c2b-ef9a47e003c5" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; riverfront overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/07/28/new-orleans-riverfront-park" target="_self">with mixed results</a>.

Fully Dressed: 🏗️ $785M in improvements

Domino Sugar breaks ground on $785 million project in Louisiana

Fully Dressed: 🏨 New Baton Rouge resort

Sports Illustrated Resort to open in Baton Rouge

🤑 Recent biz developments

One Canal Place sold, and other New Orleans business developments

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Development 🏗️

Domino Sugar breaks ground on $785 million project in Louisiana

Renderings: New memorial for Bourbon Street attack victims

Sports Illustrated Resort to open in Baton Rouge

One Canal Place sold, and other New Orleans business developments

New Orleans debuts one of country's longest riverfront parks