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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.

Saints schedule includes historic Paris matchup

It's a high-profile moment in a schedule several NFL writers rank as the second-easiest in the league.

Sports

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="a587836c-85d8-48af-b5c8-d96ce2303105" data-vars-headline="Saints schedule includes historic Paris matchup" 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> head to Paris this fall for the NFL&#x27;s first regular-season game ever played there.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a high-profile moment in a schedule several NFL writers rank as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second-easiest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nflschedulerelease-48738250/new-orleans-saints-nfl-schedule-2026-takeaways-predictions" data-vars-content-id="a587836c-85d8-48af-b5c8-d96ce2303105" data-vars-headline="Saints schedule includes historic Paris matchup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/nflschedulerelease-48738250/new-orleans-saints-nfl-schedule-2026-takeaways-predictions" target="_blank">second-easiest</a> in the league.

A casual Saints fan's guide to the 2026 NFL draft

Tyler Shough's rapid rise creates a degree of urgency for the Saints

The Saints enter the NFL Draft ready to build around Tyler Shough, the promising young quarterback they selected this time last year.Why it matters: Shough&#x27;s rapid rise to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rookie of the Year contender" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47485834/how-new-orleans-saints-quarterback-tyler-shough-went-backup-nfl-rookie-year-candidate" data-vars-content-id="e0d44b4a-004d-499d-8bb2-8064e90845b1" data-vars-headline="A casual Saints fan&#x27;s guide to the 2026 NFL draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47485834/how-new-orleans-saints-quarterback-tyler-shough-went-backup-nfl-rookie-year-candidate" target="_blank">Rookie of the Year contender</a> creates a degree of urgency for the Saints to build up the roster around him.

What New Orleans learned from hosting the Super Bowl

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

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

Business

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.

Sports 🏅

Pelicans hire new head coach

Saints schedule includes historic Paris matchup

LSU's Lane Kiffin is "most polarizing" college coach, Vanity Fair says

LIV Golf tournament canceled in New Orleans, report says

A casual Saints fan's guide to the 2026 NFL draft