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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 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.

Louisiana lawmakers to debate new congressional map Thursday

The proposal reduces Black representation in the state.

Election

Louisiana lawmakers will hear testimony Thursday as they consider moving forward with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed congressional map" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/14/louisiana-senate-vote-congressional-map" data-vars-content-id="30ac3426-4f3f-4a64-b449-cbbef70e7515" data-vars-headline="Louisiana lawmakers to debate new congressional map Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/14/louisiana-senate-vote-congressional-map" target="_self">proposed congressional map</a> that would reduce Black representation in the state.Why it matters: Gov. Jeff Landry says a new map is needed before <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. House elections can resume" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/30/louisiana-halts-house-elections-supreme-court-map-ruling" data-vars-content-id="30ac3426-4f3f-4a64-b449-cbbef70e7515" data-vars-headline="Louisiana lawmakers to debate new congressional map Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/30/louisiana-halts-house-elections-supreme-court-map-ruling" target="_self">U.S. House elections can resume</a>, so the Republican-led Legislature is racing to pass one before the session ends June 1.

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.

New Orleans airport plans major expansion

The master plan calls for a new parking garage and a second terminal.

Development

<figure><img alt="Overhead blue airport signs direct departures, arrivals, and the airport exit. A white van and a white truck pass below on a clear day, with palm trees, a wooden guardrail, and a blue sky." height="450" id="00f15d00-2a40-4c5d-b0a0-a6bf4df597c3" src="https://images.axios.com/9LwMInBOHbUdCFFADa2TbJU6zFQ=/2026/03/20/1774038766388.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The expansion plan includes improved roads and a new parking garage. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is gearing up for its next major expansion as passenger growth continues.Why it matters: Almost 85% of people flying into Louisiana use MSY, officials say.

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.

Amtrak's Gulf Coast route doubles ridership expectations

The Mardi Gras service trains started in August.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a man waving in the cafe of a train." height="450" id="be873b20-c657-48f5-b068-fc1dc80dd119" src="https://images.axios.com/B_uj71FLKfAmUnIn-auzhdq9xnk=/2025/12/05/1764953637999.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Amtrak serves muffulettas, pralines, Zapp&#x27;s chips and Abita beer on its Gulf Coast trains. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amtrak&#x27;s new Gulf Coast service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/17/amtrak-begins-new-service-between-new-orleans-mobile" data-vars-content-id="0b88f8bc-09f0-4e04-b671-af5d1c7f5599" data-vars-headline="Amtrak&#x27;s Gulf Coast route doubles ridership expectations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/17/amtrak-begins-new-service-between-new-orleans-mobile" target="_self">Amtrak&#x27;s new Gulf Coast service</a> is on track to double the company&#x27;s passenger estimates, officials say.Why it matters: It&#x27;s good news for the train route trying to make a comeback after 20 years.

Uber adds women-only ride feature in New Orleans

It mirrors a Lyft option that's already live here.

A new Uber feature that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gives women more control " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/uber-women-preferences-pilot-riders-drivers" data-vars-content-id="d392a0f4-96cd-4828-995c-300376ea53a5" data-vars-headline="Uber adds women-only ride feature in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/uber-women-preferences-pilot-riders-drivers" target="_self">gives women more control </a>over how they ride and drive on the platform has rolled out in New Orleans.Why it matters: Safety and comfort have long been top concerns for women who use ride-hailing services, both as riders and drivers.

New Orleans plans safer streets after 36 traffic deaths

Most of the deaths have been pedestrians.

City leaders are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans&#x27; streets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/05/bike-lane-safety-new-orleans-mardi-gras-endymion-esplanade-crash" data-vars-content-id="675d0518-aa4f-4614-ab0a-fd1b7513f51e" data-vars-headline="New Orleans plans safer streets after 36 traffic deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/03/05/bike-lane-safety-new-orleans-mardi-gras-endymion-esplanade-crash" target="_self">New Orleans&#x27; streets</a> safer for everyone.Why it matters: At least 36 people, mostly pedestrians, have died in crashes so far this year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NOPD says" data-vars-click-url="https://nopdnews.com/post/september-2025/nopd-traffic-division-reports-enforcement-results/" data-vars-content-id="675d0518-aa4f-4614-ab0a-fd1b7513f51e" data-vars-headline="New Orleans plans safer streets after 36 traffic deaths" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nopdnews.com/post/september-2025/nopd-traffic-division-reports-enforcement-results/" target="_blank">NOPD says</a>.

Amtrak begins new service between New Orleans, Mobile

Saints game days already appear popular for the newly relaunched line.

<figure><img alt="A smiling woman takes a selfie on a red carpet at a train station while a brass band in white shirts and black pants plays behind her next to a silver train." height="450" id="e6ce719a-cc43-479c-b8ad-ebed8619397b" src="https://images.axios.com/M00eLKAsHzHVS31Wzje7EMTS-bQ=/2025/08/16/1755355313739.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A brass band and a red carpet welcome passengers to the Amtrak Mardi Gras route for its inaugural return to the Gulf Coast rail line. VIdeo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>For the first time since Hurricane Katrina, an Amtrak conductor 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="94de2d69-d5fe-4e53-8a84-29c2ffd6ea02" data-vars-headline="Amtrak begins new service between New Orleans, Mobile" 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> shouted &quot;all aboard!&quot; as passengers loaded up a Mobile-bound train on Saturday. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/10/photos-amtrak-mardi-gras-train-tickets-cafe" data-vars-content-id="94de2d69-d5fe-4e53-8a84-29c2ffd6ea02" data-vars-headline="Amtrak begins new service between New Orleans, Mobile" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/10/photos-amtrak-mardi-gras-train-tickets-cafe" target="_self">Mardi Gras line</a> links New Orleans with four other Gulf Coast towns between it and Alabama, a move that city and state officials will boost tourism and business opportunities along that stretch while, they hope, proving regional rail can thrive in the Deep South.

New Orleans airport to need new terminal, parking garage

Air travel growth is fueling changes at MSY.

Travel

<figure><img alt="Exterior view of a modern airport terminal with a curved elevated roadway, parked white vehicles, and clear blue sky with light clouds." height="450" id="442939fa-74b4-4a01-bc96-f217599ca04e" src="https://images.axios.com/2gY4VGldgVHkoQBeMFXEwIpilCs=/2025/08/01/1754065528732.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport moved to its swanky new terminal in 2019. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>With more travelers expected to pass through over the next six years, the Louis Armstrong <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/21/cheap-flights-out-of-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="efb77837-53af-44e7-be60-1dc629c4e43b" data-vars-headline="New Orleans airport to need new terminal, parking garage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/21/cheap-flights-out-of-new-orleans" target="_self">New Orleans International Airport</a> will need to get bigger — a lot bigger. Why it matters: To meet growth expectations, an airport spokeswoman says, officials need to start planning for it now.

How to use GeauxPass in Louisiana

The system means no stopping to pay in cash.

After at least a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dozen delays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nola.com/news/business/belle-chasse-bridge-set-to-begin-tolling-after-many-delays/article_db4fc604-6fbd-4d8f-91f5-c2a3ce9859f7.html" data-vars-content-id="b4cf9774-a67e-4957-8f70-7fc345dcd6f1" data-vars-headline="How to use GeauxPass in Louisiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nola.com/news/business/belle-chasse-bridge-set-to-begin-tolling-after-many-delays/article_db4fc604-6fbd-4d8f-91f5-c2a3ce9859f7.html" target="_blank">dozen delays</a>, the new Belle Chasse Bridge is open.Why it matters: For the first time, many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drivers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/transit" data-vars-content-id="b4cf9774-a67e-4957-8f70-7fc345dcd6f1" data-vars-headline="How to use GeauxPass in Louisiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/transit" target="_self">drivers</a> are running into the state&#x27;s roadway toll system known as GeauxPass.

Transit 🚗

New TSA tech aims to speed up lines at MSY

Trump to pay TSA workers amid increasingly long security lines

Elon Musk's latest idea: Tunneling beneath New Orleans

New Orleans airport plans major expansion

ICE agents headed to airports as TSA shortages drive long lines