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.

Elon Musk's latest idea: Tunneling beneath New Orleans

He says he'll meet with local leaders next.

<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.

<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.

News

<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.

Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet

About 2,500 new bikes will hit the streets over 5 years.

New Orleans&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blue Bike program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/22/epa-climate-pollution-reduction-grant-initiative" data-vars-content-id="9bd1c6ca-613d-45b7-ae58-68281a39f500" data-vars-headline="Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/22/epa-climate-pollution-reduction-grant-initiative" target="_self">Blue Bike program</a> will get a much-needed shot-in-the-arm with about 2,500 new e-bikes and an expanded footprint over the next five years, according to a new agreement with the city.Why it matters: More than 10% of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans households" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="9bd1c6ca-613d-45b7-ae58-68281a39f500" data-vars-headline="Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet" 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 households</a> don&#x27;t have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="access to cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/09/18/new-orleans-vehicle-access" data-vars-content-id="9bd1c6ca-613d-45b7-ae58-68281a39f500" data-vars-headline="Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/09/18/new-orleans-vehicle-access" target="_self">access to cars</a>, according to data from 2020. Meanwhile, the city&#x27;s fleet of rentable bikes has been on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="steep decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wwno.org/local-regional-news/2024-09-30/why-new-orleans-blue-bikes-hubs-are-nearly-empty" data-vars-content-id="9bd1c6ca-613d-45b7-ae58-68281a39f500" data-vars-headline="Blue Bikes to expand New Orleans e-bike fleet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wwno.org/local-regional-news/2024-09-30/why-new-orleans-blue-bikes-hubs-are-nearly-empty" target="_blank">steep decline</a>.

Transit 🚗

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

Amtrak's Gulf Coast route doubles ridership expectations