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

Why NASA sends hot sauce into space

Aerospace

NASA sent five hot sauce varieties on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis II" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/01/artemis-launch-date-rocket-made-michoud" data-vars-content-id="26518a0c-ec7f-468c-a4b5-efc75434514a" data-vars-headline="Why NASA sends hot sauce into space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/01/artemis-launch-date-rocket-made-michoud" target="_self">Artemis II</a>, deeming the spicy staple an essential item.Why it matters: Even in space, flavor matters.

How mahjong became the hottest game in town

Events dedicated to the strategy game are becoming wildly popular.

Culture

Kelly Walker was eager to connect with new friends when she started hosting mahjong nights at her home a little more than a year ago.Why it matters: The game nights have since became so popular that venues across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="eaf9d044-eacb-4799-a2de-88241a410aa9" data-vars-headline="How mahjong became the hottest game in town" 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> are asking her to set up shop.

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.

Moreno overhauls emergency management office in executive order

Its duties now include coordinating all barricades for special events in New Orleans.

Politics

<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="9c8d46bf-f095-4587-b2b4-6ee47ce3201f" data-vars-headline="Moreno overhauls emergency management office in executive order" 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> signed three executive orders Tuesday.The big picture: One is aimed at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reforming NORDC" data-vars-click-url="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/LANOLA/2026/04/06/file_attachments/3608868/EO%2026-16.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9c8d46bf-f095-4587-b2b4-6ee47ce3201f" data-vars-headline="Moreno overhauls emergency management office in executive order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/LANOLA/2026/04/06/file_attachments/3608868/EO%2026-16.pdf" target="_blank">reforming NORDC</a> and calls for recommendations about lead remediation at parks.

What everyone's talking about in Louisiana politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Politicians in Louisiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="cb09e206-ea56-4f01-85e1-c556c4b854cf" data-vars-headline="What everyone&#x27;s talking about in Louisiana politics" 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">Politicians in Louisiana</a> have been busy. Here&#x27;s the latest from New Orleans, Jefferson Parish and Baton Rouge.

What Louisiana lawmakers are advancing — and dropping

They are talking about court reform, citizenship status on licenses and more.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="63ec97fa-812c-4721-b853-08fdef3a4783" data-vars-headline="What Louisiana lawmakers are advancing — and dropping" 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">Louisiana lawmakers</a> are in session in Baton Rouge. <ul><li>Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s moving — and what&#x27;s not.</li></ul>

Time is running out to register to vote in Louisiana's primaries

You have to register for a political party if you want to vote in their primary.

The deadline is approaching to update your voter registration if you want to cast a ballot in the state&#x27;s hotly contested U.S. Senate race on May 16.Why it matters: Louisiana switched to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closed primary elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/20/closed-party-primaries-louisiana-how-it-works" data-vars-content-id="35acef25-3d0e-4f77-8575-1d6172bb95b3" data-vars-headline="Time is running out to register to vote in Louisiana&#x27;s primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/20/closed-party-primaries-louisiana-how-it-works" target="_self">closed primary elections</a> for some races this year.

Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign

Adler's made a custom key for Mayor Helena Moreno.

The key 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="b8ac7a25-a40d-4bbf-b9c2-ba23af08c0af" data-vars-headline="Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign" 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 redesign as one of local jeweler Adler&#x27;s final projects before closing.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LaToya Cantrell frequently gave out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/09/latoya-cantrell-key-to-the-city-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b8ac7a25-a40d-4bbf-b9c2-ba23af08c0af" data-vars-headline="Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/09/latoya-cantrell-key-to-the-city-new-orleans" target="_self">LaToya Cantrell frequently gave out</a> ceremonial keys when she was mayor. This is how Helena Moreno is putting her stamp on the tradition.

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.

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.

"Grossly unacceptable:" Council blasts SWBNO over pipe failures

The city has had at least three pipe breaks Uptown in the last three weeks.

<figure><img alt="A bald man in a blue suit and lavender shirt speaks at a press conference, surrounded by several microphones; empty auditorium seating in the background." height="450" id="8bab29c4-3a69-4150-8d68-75d3ba0c9161" src="https://images.axios.com/6YnmDxi0dw1bac1fbW2aHeUJUJc=/2026/03/10/1773177573690.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Randy Hayman, executive director of the New Orleans Sewerage &amp; Water Board. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Leaders of the New Orleans Sewerage &amp; Water Board acknowledged Tuesday under pressure from the city that they don&#x27;t have a plan to prevent more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive pipe breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/10/new-orleans-mayor-incredibly-frustrated-about-latest-water-main-break" data-vars-content-id="3c11f462-0cee-4578-83a5-3cde9369d0e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Grossly unacceptable:&quot; Council blasts SWBNO over pipe failures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/10/new-orleans-mayor-incredibly-frustrated-about-latest-water-main-break" target="_self">massive pipe breaks</a> and asked officials for more time.Why it matters: Residents are frustrated after multiple breaks Uptown have flooded homes and cars and left thousands across the East Bank under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boil-water advisories" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/24/french-quarter-uptown-under-boil-water-advisory-after-pipe-breaks" data-vars-content-id="3c11f462-0cee-4578-83a5-3cde9369d0e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Grossly unacceptable:&quot; Council blasts SWBNO over pipe failures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/24/french-quarter-uptown-under-boil-water-advisory-after-pipe-breaks" target="_self">boil-water advisories</a>.

New Orleans considers increasing trash fees

It would be the first increase in more than a decade.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleanians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6ab5471b-6e91-43d9-b32f-f8e6149fc44c" data-vars-headline="New Orleans considers increasing trash fees" 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 Orleanians</a> may pay more for garbage collection for the first time in more than a decade.Why it matters: Mayor Helena Moreno says the fees residents pay don&#x27;t cover the cost of service.

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.

Politics 🇺🇸

DNC hosts spring meeting in New Orleans

Cantrell misspent thousands on alcohol and clothes, prosecutors allege

Moreno overhauls emergency management office in executive order

What everyone's talking about in Louisiana politics

What Louisiana lawmakers are advancing — and dropping