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Stomach bug that causes 'explosive' diarrhea on rise in Louisiana

The state is investigating 23 cyclosporiasis cases.

Health

An outbreak of a gut-wrecking parasite is plaguing the U.S. as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health" data-vars-content-id="debde01c-e2f5-4fda-8443-dde9ba1650c3" data-vars-headline="Stomach bug that causes &#x27;explosive&#x27; diarrhea on rise in Louisiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health" target="_self">health</a> officials investigate what&#x27;s driving an increase in cases, including in Louisiana.The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food.

Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz reportedly considering New Orleans wedding

They'd join a growing list of celebrities who've tied the knot here.

Culture

Actor Zoë Kravitz and singer Harry Styles are reportedly considering getting married 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="f957516f-12a6-42ce-af6f-6bbb3d58586b" data-vars-headline="Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz reportedly considering New Orleans wedding" 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>.Why it matters: We love love.

How Calvin Duncan's election led to Liz Murrill's indictment

Louisiana's attorney general faces 16 felony counts.

Politics

The legal battle that led to Attorney General <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" data-vars-content-id="5f4fb9ff-d6d5-4ca9-a275-c08c1c06f540" data-vars-headline="How Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election led to Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" target="_self">Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment</a> began with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/04/calvin-duncan-takes-office-leaves-court-cases" data-vars-content-id="5f4fb9ff-d6d5-4ca9-a275-c08c1c06f540" data-vars-headline="How Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election led to Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/05/04/calvin-duncan-takes-office-leaves-court-cases" target="_self">Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election</a>.The big picture: Duncan, who spent 28 years in prison before being exonerated, launched his campaign for clerk of criminal court last year and quickly became the focus of several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national stories" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/calvin-duncan-jailhouse-lawyer-new-orleans-louisiana.html" data-vars-content-id="5f4fb9ff-d6d5-4ca9-a275-c08c1c06f540" data-vars-headline="How Calvin Duncan&#x27;s election led to Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/us/calvin-duncan-jailhouse-lawyer-new-orleans-louisiana.html" target="_blank">national stories</a>.

Scrapped by state, brake tags still required in New Orleans

Baton Rouge also still require emissions checks.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana scrapped brake tag" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/03/blackout-license-plates-coming-to-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="f5f3f006-5876-4657-9246-9e1b482bbfbd" data-vars-headline="Scrapped by state, brake tags still required 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/2026/06/03/blackout-license-plates-coming-to-louisiana" target="_self">Louisiana scrapped brake tag</a>s during the last legislative session, doing away with most required vehicle inspections. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="f5f3f006-5876-4657-9246-9e1b482bbfbd" data-vars-headline="Scrapped by state, brake tags still required 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> drivers are the exception to the new rule.

Taxi rides could cost $1 more in New Orleans

Drivers asked for the surcharge to offset gas prices.

Transit

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans City Council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="22f8798d-750f-458a-ae11-7e30531ec14a" data-vars-headline="Taxi rides could cost $1 more 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/politics" target="_self">New Orleans City Council</a> will vote Thursday on whether to add a $1 surcharge to every taxi ride through the end of 2027.Why it matters: Drivers asked for the surcharge to offset rising gas prices and insurance costs, says Councilmember Eugene Green, who is supporting the proposal.

Waymo's New Orleans ambitions face regulatory hurdles

Waymo currently is testing autonomous rides in the city.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/20/new-orleans-leader-has-concerns-about-waymo" data-vars-content-id="a36178f2-ee25-429e-bf6d-9d8d4cbe2a42" data-vars-headline="Waymo&#x27;s New Orleans ambitions face regulatory hurdles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/20/new-orleans-leader-has-concerns-about-waymo" target="_self">Waymo</a> likely won&#x27;t be operating an autonomous taxi service in New Orleans before 2027.Why it matters: City Council leaders began public discussions last week that could lead to laws that would regulate driverless vehicles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Transit 🚗

Taxi rides could cost $1 more in New Orleans

Waymo's New Orleans ambitions face regulatory hurdles

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