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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.

What New Orleans learned from hosting the Super Bowl

City leaders want to make it more financially beneficial to local businesses.

Sports

It&#x27;s only been a year since New Orleans hosted the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/super-bowl" data-vars-content-id="4a682113-332d-4d98-b5f1-5b594377ac55" data-vars-headline="What New Orleans learned from hosting the Super Bowl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/super-bowl" target="_self">Super Bowl</a>, and city leaders are already going after their next one.Why it matters: Officials are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rethinking how New Orleans hosts big events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/06/national-championship-super-bowl-tax-return" data-vars-content-id="4a682113-332d-4d98-b5f1-5b594377ac55" data-vars-headline="What New Orleans learned from hosting the Super Bowl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/06/national-championship-super-bowl-tax-return" target="_self">rethinking how New Orleans hosts big events</a>, with an emphasis on making them more financially viable for the city.

When to see King Cake Baby at Pelicans' games this season

A horror show or a delight, depending on your perspective.

With the return of <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="586da214-797f-45c2-8283-31cbcfc42224" data-vars-headline="When to see King Cake Baby at Pelicans&#x27; games this season" 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>, New Orleans also recognizes the return of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King Cake Baby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/king-cake-baby-returns-for-the-season" data-vars-content-id="586da214-797f-45c2-8283-31cbcfc42224" data-vars-headline="When to see King Cake Baby at Pelicans&#x27; games this season" 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/king-cake-baby-returns-for-the-season" target="_self">King Cake Baby</a> at Pelicans games this season. Why it matters: That&#x27;s either good or horrifying — depending on who you ask.

City Park to renovate golf course ahead of LIV tournament

The tournament arrives in New Orleans in June.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6cc23301-6936-4b49-98ee-b37d1a655dec" data-vars-headline="City Park to renovate golf course ahead of LIV tournament" 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&#x27;s Bayou Oaks Golf course closes Monday as the property undergoes $2.2 million in renovations.Why it matters: The park is making the state-funded improvements in anticipation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosting a LIV Golf Tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/27/liv-golf-new-orleans-tickets" data-vars-content-id="6cc23301-6936-4b49-98ee-b37d1a655dec" data-vars-headline="City Park to renovate golf course ahead of LIV tournament" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/27/liv-golf-new-orleans-tickets" target="_self">hosting a LIV Golf Tournament</a> in June.

Inside Lane Kiffin's contract

Here's what's inside Kiffin's 7-year deal.

Officially an LSU Tiger, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lane Kiffin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/01/lane-kiffin-joins-lsu-tigers-as-head-coach" data-vars-content-id="be669327-87bf-4172-a879-2ae70376353b" data-vars-headline="Inside Lane Kiffin&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/01/lane-kiffin-joins-lsu-tigers-as-head-coach" target="_self">Lane Kiffin</a> will make about $13 million annually on a seven-year contract coaching the school&#x27;s football team, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Advocate&#x27;s Wilson Alexander" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/lane-kiffin-lsu-contract-details-released/article_5fc37abe-0f85-4fb1-98ef-02b99a4efed4.html" data-vars-content-id="be669327-87bf-4172-a879-2ae70376353b" data-vars-headline="Inside Lane Kiffin&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/lane-kiffin-lsu-contract-details-released/article_5fc37abe-0f85-4fb1-98ef-02b99a4efed4.html" target="_blank">The Advocate&#x27;s Wilson Alexander</a>.Why it matters: After <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="so many complaints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/06/lsu-president-chancelor-athletic-director-coach" data-vars-content-id="be669327-87bf-4172-a879-2ae70376353b" data-vars-headline="Inside Lane Kiffin&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/06/lsu-president-chancelor-athletic-director-coach" target="_self">so many complaints</a> that LSU is still on the hook for former head coach Brian Kelly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$54 million buyout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/brian-kelly-is-set-to-receive-54-million-after-being-informed-that-lsu-terminated-him-without-cause/" data-vars-content-id="be669327-87bf-4172-a879-2ae70376353b" data-vars-headline="Inside Lane Kiffin&#x27;s contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/brian-kelly-is-set-to-receive-54-million-after-being-informed-that-lsu-terminated-him-without-cause/" target="_blank">$54 million buyout</a>, there was bound to be a close eye on the terms of Kiffin&#x27;s new deal.

Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving

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="8c2fbccb-38e0-438e-b443-3c88b4b9382c" data-vars-headline="Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving" 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> Fair Grounds season is off and running with crews wrapping up a renovation to the Mid-City gaming facility.Why it matters: Grab your hats. It&#x27;s nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" data-vars-content-id="8c2fbccb-38e0-438e-b443-3c88b4b9382c" data-vars-headline="Fair Grounds unveils new renovation in time for Thanksgiving" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/holidays" target="_self">Thanksgiving</a>.

Big events, big bills battle for funding in deficit-ridden New Orleans

The city hasn't realized the investment return it expected.

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6867f3c4-b25a-42ad-9dfe-f9d9c7f368c6" data-vars-headline="Big events, big bills battle for funding in deficit-ridden 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> to successfully pull off hosting duties for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college football national championship in 2028" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/02/new-orleans-to-host-2028-college-football-national-championship" data-vars-content-id="6867f3c4-b25a-42ad-9dfe-f9d9c7f368c6" data-vars-headline="Big events, big bills battle for funding in deficit-ridden 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/2025/10/02/new-orleans-to-host-2028-college-football-national-championship" target="_self">college football national championship in 2028</a>, organizers need to raise another several million dollars, Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley says.Why it matters: With city leaders also grappling with what they&#x27;re calling less-than-expected returns from hosting other recent major events, the ask may not go down so easy.

New Orleans Saints sign Superdome lease through 2035

The deal includes baked-in extensions, too.

<figure><img alt="Three officials in suits sitting at a table with a blue State of Louisiana banner, signing documents, with a black curtain backdrop and a U.S. flag visible on the right." height="450" id="00c9be95-d888-4038-a28d-cff14b096b15" src="https://images.axios.com/WA0e249GVpKRXy9V6-sK6V30NnU=/2025/10/03/1759504057154.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>From left, Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District chairman Rob Vosbein, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson and Gov. Jeff Landry sign the NFL team&#x27;s lease extension for the Caesars Superdome on Thursday. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Saints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="921e142f-606e-45da-8d2a-fe5329ecc674" data-vars-headline="New Orleans Saints sign Superdome lease through 2035" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" target="_self">New Orleans Saints</a> signed a lease extension on the Caesars Superdome on Thursday, ensuring the NFL team stays on its home turf through at least 2035.Why it matters: With the deal done, team owner Gayle Benson can begin petitioning the NFL to bring in another Super Bowl.

SEC averages most penalties in college football

The SEC average 6.4 penalties per game over 5 years.

SEC schools clock the most penalties per college <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="football" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="184ca06d-052f-4c0a-8f53-4d1c8bed8df0" data-vars-headline="SEC averages most penalties in college football" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" target="_self">football</a> game, on average, according to Action Network <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaaf/the-dirtiest-college-football-teams-2025" data-vars-content-id="184ca06d-052f-4c0a-8f53-4d1c8bed8df0" data-vars-headline="SEC averages most penalties in college football" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.actionnetwork.com/ncaaf/the-dirtiest-college-football-teams-2025" target="_blank">data</a>.Why it matters: The wrong penalty at the wrong time could cost you a win.

South Louisiana firings amid Charlie Kirk assassination fallout

As the nation continues reacting to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlie Kirk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-dead-31" data-vars-content-id="5866cff2-5b28-493e-8399-9b9af16bd195" data-vars-headline="South Louisiana firings amid Charlie Kirk assassination fallout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-dead-31" target="_self">Charlie Kirk</a>&#x27;s assassination last week, some South Louisianans are losing their jobs over online comments about the controversial figure&#x27;s death. Why it matters: Ramped-up online rhetoric is resulting in real-world consequences.

Luxury tailgating levels up game day

Tailgating as a tradition began during the Civil War.

When Mississippi State professor Brad Vickers missed his own alma mater&#x27;s game during a Bulldogs loss to Auburn in 2008, he realized more tailgates should have TVs to pass the time during college football Saturdays.Why it matters: That lightbulb moment became Southern Traditions tailgating, which offers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="e260bb62-aad9-466a-b788-8c121aab8380" data-vars-headline="Luxury tailgating levels up game day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" target="_self">sports</a> fans the luxury of just showing up to celebrate on game days without any of the messy work to set up or clean up.

Sports 🏅

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