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.

City leaders explore Mardi Gras registry for banned riders

The council also wants parades to roll earlier.

Mardi Gras

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="08bc8df9-9540-457f-b6af-2187d2f0e83f" data-vars-headline="City leaders explore Mardi Gras registry for banned riders" 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> officials want to create a registry of people who have been kicked out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras krewes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/09/mardi-gras-parade-problems-city-council" data-vars-content-id="08bc8df9-9540-457f-b6af-2187d2f0e83f" data-vars-headline="City leaders explore Mardi Gras registry for banned riders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/09/mardi-gras-parade-problems-city-council" target="_self">Mardi Gras krewes</a> as a warning to others to think twice about their behavior.Why it matters: This past Mardi Gras was marred by complaints of racist behavior and aggressive bead throwing.

Parade conduct in spotlight as council reviews Carnival

Several krewes are accused of racist behavior and aggressive throwing.

New Orleans City Council members on Monday will scrutinize what worked and what didn&#x27;t during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="d785571e-fb48-40fa-8e4b-fb7645bb8d77" data-vars-headline="Parade conduct in spotlight as council reviews Carnival" 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 season</a>.Why it matters: Carnival costs taxpayers about $1 million per day, Council President JP Morrell says, and the city expects a &quot;good party&quot; in return.

New Orleans leaders hail Mardi Gras as "resounding success"

New Orleans leaders say <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="8b483573-bcba-4485-a0d3-ed7d549bac53" data-vars-headline="New Orleans leaders hail Mardi Gras as &quot;resounding success&quot;" 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> was a &quot;resounding success,&quot; citing robust tourism numbers, great weather and no major public safety issues.Why it matters: The city relies on Mardi Gras for an economic boost.

Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans

Several drop-off sites are open all year.

<figure><img alt="Image shows beads, footballs and other Mardi Gras parade throws on the grass." height="450" id="68baf701-5460-42fa-b2b3-9d43def9bb7a" src="https://images.axios.com/2j69gb74-8n9K21a7v71d54_m2M=/2026/02/17/1771360086576.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Mardi Gras throws include beads, doubloons, cups, footballs and plush items. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="1d319c76-b376-405e-9f75-c2bbf8ef7537" data-vars-headline="Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads 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> organizations can help keep your <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="1d319c76-b376-405e-9f75-c2bbf8ef7537" data-vars-headline="Where to recycle Mardi Gras beads 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/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a> beads, stuffed animals and other throws out of landfills.Why it matters: Mardi Gras leaves behind mountains of trash. Recycling cuts waste and supports local nonprofits.

Shia LaBeouf arrested on Mardi Gras morning in New Orleans

Actor Shia LaBeouf faces two counts of simple battery 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="a4461893-6616-486a-a1e8-382f36e5cdee" data-vars-headline="Shia LaBeouf arrested on Mardi Gras morning 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> police say he punched two men early <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="a4461893-6616-486a-a1e8-382f36e5cdee" data-vars-headline="Shia LaBeouf arrested on Mardi Gras morning 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/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a> morning.Driving the news: The altercation happened around 12:45am Tuesday at a Marigny business in the 1400 block of Royal Street, NOPD said in a statement.

On Mardi Gras, we let joy win in New Orleans

It's the best day of the year in the city.

<figure><img alt="Image shows women in brightly colored wigs and aprons dancing in a parade." height="450" id="7b768ecc-48c0-4732-b1fe-cb55d580f16f" src="https://images.axios.com/rV8oboPJrmGnT_7psypoLebCWyQ=/2026/02/13/1771006776670.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The relatively new sNoBalls dance krewe shows off their moves in a parade. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>We made it, friends, to the best day 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="93647e7d-82f3-4afe-a051-dfc8e084d23d" data-vars-headline="On Mardi Gras, we let joy win 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> — <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="93647e7d-82f3-4afe-a051-dfc8e084d23d" data-vars-headline="On Mardi Gras, we let joy win 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/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a>.Why it matters: This is our annual reset.

How to watch Mardi Gras live from anywhere

Check out these live cams for parades and Bourbon Street.

Not everyone is lucky enough to be 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="96b909c4-d660-4730-b286-0dbcda846c2c" data-vars-headline="How to watch Mardi Gras live from anywhere" 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> for the biggest free party on Earth.Why it matters: There are livestream options for <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="96b909c4-d660-4730-b286-0dbcda846c2c" data-vars-headline="How to watch Mardi Gras live from anywhere" 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>.

Arthur Hardy makes his retirement official

<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.

A five-holiday mashup hits New Orleans

Here are our suggestions for things to do.

Things to Do

All the holidays collide this weekend 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="99db571b-662c-4b9e-93a8-c54d8784043f" data-vars-headline="A five-holiday mashup hits 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> — Friday the 13th, <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="99db571b-662c-4b9e-93a8-c54d8784043f" data-vars-headline="A five-holiday mashup hits 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/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a>, Valentine&#x27;s Day, Presidents Day and Lunar New Year.Why it matters: It&#x27;s your own fault if you&#x27;re bored.

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.

👀 What happened while you were parading...

Shia LaBeouf arrested and other Mardi Gras headlines from New Orleans

💃🏽 1 good thing to go

Krewe da Bhan Gras made our day