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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.

The world's largest fish collection just got a little bigger

The scientific library's use is growing all the time.

Environment

<figure><img alt="A video pans down metal shelves of jars with preserved fish inside. " height="450" id="113cb3ee-733e-4142-b4f0-f5db885e20ff" src="https://images.axios.com/jphUzXtKncl2nREbhbi8hE8cAgI=/2025/12/19/1766173485694.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Royal D. Suttkus Fish Collection is stored inside World War II-era ammunition bunkers in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Video: Chelsea Brasted</figcaption></figure>The world&#x27;s largest collection of fish specimens, which is housed in World War II-era ammunition bunkers outside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b95f8eb9-5ea4-47b5-96c9-e77874498ced" data-vars-headline="The world&#x27;s largest fish collection just got a little bigger" 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 little bigger.Why it matters: The collection allows scientists to explore 75 years of biodiversity at a level of specificity its creator likely never even dreamed possible when he first started sticking fish in jars.

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.

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.

Where to take your visitors in New Orleans

From the first-time visitors to the ones with kids, we have answers.

Things to Do

So, you have people coming to visit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="c2db2499-0cfc-4e8c-bbf1-4349b59e69ab" data-vars-headline="Where to take your visitors 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> for the weekend? We&#x27;re here to help.The big picture: Here&#x27;s where we take newbies, folks looking for the hot new restaurants, and visitors with children.<ul><li>Mix and match to be the perfect host.</li></ul>

Where to find New Orleans' best pizza

Food and Drink

There&#x27;s never been a better time to order pizza 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="daa3253c-91d2-4e71-bd68-d51076a80213" data-vars-headline="Where to find New Orleans&#x27; best pizza" 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>.Why it matters: We&#x27;ve got your dinner plans covered.

Time to turn off your lights and hide from the termites

Formosan termites are an invasive species.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flying termites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/05/08/flying-termite-swarm-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="d45ab920-a4cb-4e74-8776-ecb0309c5237" data-vars-headline="Time to turn off your lights and hide from the termites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/05/08/flying-termite-swarm-new-orleans" target="_self">Flying termites</a> have returned to New Orleans, adding to our critter woes of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stinging caterpillars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/04/19/stinging-caterpillar-buckmoth-pussmoth-io-saddleback-identify" data-vars-content-id="d45ab920-a4cb-4e74-8776-ecb0309c5237" data-vars-headline="Time to turn off your lights and hide from the termites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/04/19/stinging-caterpillar-buckmoth-pussmoth-io-saddleback-identify" target="_self">stinging caterpillars</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sneaky cockroaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/08/23/cockroaches-new-orleans-drought" data-vars-content-id="d45ab920-a4cb-4e74-8776-ecb0309c5237" data-vars-headline="Time to turn off your lights and hide from the termites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/08/23/cockroaches-new-orleans-drought" target="_self">sneaky cockroaches</a>.Why it matters: We share this city with our bug friends, but we can still be grossed out by them.

Anthony Mackie fan says star refused to speak to her

The fan shared her reaction on social media, which has the internet split.

Newcomers Guide

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="555aec08-fec4-44af-9ce0-dd783d9070f3" data-vars-headline="Anthony Mackie fan says star refused to speak to her" 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> woman says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anthony Mackie refused to speak" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/SomaKazima/status/1772592230303166933" data-vars-content-id="555aec08-fec4-44af-9ce0-dd783d9070f3" data-vars-headline="Anthony Mackie fan says star refused to speak to her" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/SomaKazima/status/1772592230303166933" target="_blank">Anthony Mackie refused to speak</a> to her when they both happened to be at a gas station this week.Why it matters: It&#x27;s got people wondering if Captain America is, as the woman claims, &quot;the rudest human being alive.&quot;

Big Bass Rodeo turns 75 this year

The rodeo is in New Orleans City Park on Saturday.

Hundreds of people will head 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="8f016527-3b26-4925-a1ea-410246d890e2" data-vars-headline="Big Bass Rodeo turns 75 this year" 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> City Park early Saturday morning for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Bass Rodeo" data-vars-click-url="https://neworleanscitypark.org/visit-city-park/big-bass-fishing-rodeo/" data-vars-content-id="8f016527-3b26-4925-a1ea-410246d890e2" data-vars-headline="Big Bass Rodeo turns 75 this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://neworleanscitypark.org/visit-city-park/big-bass-fishing-rodeo/" target="_blank">Big Bass Rodeo</a>, jockeying for trophies and bragging rights.Why it matters: The annual event turns 75 this year, making it the oldest freshwater rodeo in the country, according to City Park.

New Orleans metro sees nation's largest population drop

Census estimates say, nationally, the U.S. grew by 1%.

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="c85a200c-5e8b-4989-8ee2-b2e592fa3ceb" data-vars-headline="New Orleans metro sees nation&#x27;s largest population drop" 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> metro area is estimated to have seen the biggest population loss among those with at least 500,000 residents nationwide, the Census Bureau says.Why it matters: The metro&#x27;s 4.3% population loss in the past three years came as the nation&#x27;s population increased by 1%, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="population estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html" data-vars-content-id="c85a200c-5e8b-4989-8ee2-b2e592fa3ceb" data-vars-headline="New Orleans metro sees nation&#x27;s largest population drop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html" target="_blank">population estimates</a> from the Census Bureau.

After doubling attendance, New Orleans Book Festival returns Thursday

The free event will take over Tulane's largest venues in 2024.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Book Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://bookfest.tulane.edu/" data-vars-content-id="950c9564-8d15-4253-9c83-e89df4186e28" data-vars-headline="After doubling attendance, New Orleans Book Festival returns Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bookfest.tulane.edu/" target="_blank">New Orleans Book Festival</a> returns to Tulane University today, bringing with it a mix of big-name writers and regionally focused conversations.Why it matters: In just three years, the festival amassed a devoted following while carving out a unique reputation amongst literary events nationally for casual but candid conversations.

Jefferson Parish planning to drop out of New Orleans RTA

The breakup is happening quickly with unknown impacts to services.

Jefferson Parish is on the verge of dropping out 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="f6e2b027-5c9a-48db-a593-e92696063dbb" data-vars-headline="Jefferson Parish planning to drop out of New Orleans RTA" 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> RTA amid a brewing contract scandal.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RTA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.norta.com/" data-vars-content-id="f6e2b027-5c9a-48db-a593-e92696063dbb" data-vars-headline="Jefferson Parish planning to drop out of New Orleans RTA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.norta.com/" target="_blank">RTA</a> hasn&#x27;t ever been a truly regional transit authority, and now hopes of improving matters are hitting a major snag.

New Orleans' Mardi Gras parade schedule for 2024

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is Feb. 13, but parades start Jan. 6.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is back, and we&#x27;ve got the parade schedule you need.Driving the news: A handful of parades have rescheduled or canceled parades this year as financial difficulties and weather force changes.<ul><li>We&#x27;ll keep this schedule updated as it shifts.</li></ul>Why it matters: We can help you stay organized on the route.<ul><li>Staying hydrated is up to you.</li></ul>

Our readers voted Muses shoes as the best signature throw of Mardi Gras

Muses has been throwing glittered shoes since 2001.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="dc56a2b4-8f66-43a4-8850-56f2cac55105" data-vars-headline="Our readers voted Muses shoes as the best signature throw of Mardi Gras" 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">Axios New Orleans</a> readers have spoken, and the No. 1 signature <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="dc56a2b4-8f66-43a4-8850-56f2cac55105" data-vars-headline="Our readers voted Muses shoes as the best signature throw of Mardi Gras" 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> throw is ... the Muses shoe. Why it matters: Now we know who not to stand next to when Muses rolls down the route.<ul><li>Competition for signature throws <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gets fierce" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1746rMO_B3/?igsh=MzZieGVtdmNmdmU1" data-vars-content-id="dc56a2b4-8f66-43a4-8850-56f2cac55105" data-vars-headline="Our readers voted Muses shoes as the best signature throw of Mardi Gras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1746rMO_B3/?igsh=MzZieGVtdmNmdmU1" target="_blank">gets fierce</a>, OK? </li></ul>