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New TSA tech aims to speed up lines at MSY

You have to pay for TSA PreCheck use the new Touchless ID option.

News

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.

Crape myrtle popularity makes this pest popular, too

The invasive pest is coming for your ornamental trees.

Environment

<figure><img alt="A video pans down a small tree branch infested with tiny white insects." height="450" id="b41e273b-f227-40c6-82db-812a1a56f6d3" src="https://images.axios.com/RWZZ-7idgB7YPlAoRyc68Wd3SAw=/2025/12/19/1766170370016.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A crape myrtle bark scale infestation attacks a tree. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>The destructive creepy-crawlies known as bark scale came for my crape myrtle seemingly overnight, filing its limbs with sticky, furry little insects that threatened to kill the tree it fed upon.Why it matters: This was preventable, and you can learn from my mistakes.

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.

Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend

The WWII Museum will host a ceremony for Memorial Day.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greek Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gfno.com/" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gfno.com/" target="_blank">Greek Fest</a> is back this weekend for its 51st year along Bayou St. John.<ul><li>The festival features traditional Greek food, music and dancing on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.</li><li>Holy Trinity is the country&#x27;s oldest Orthodox community, organizers say.</li></ul>New this year: The festival is going cashless.<ul><li>Make sure you hit up the market for homemade baklava and other baked goods.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">More events</h2>🇺🇸 The National WWII Museum will host a remembrance ceremony Monday for Memorial Day. A Gold Star family member will give remarks. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Details" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nationalww2museum.org/events-programs/events/137979-memorial-day-commemoration" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nationalww2museum.org/events-programs/events/137979-memorial-day-commemoration" target="_blank">Details</a>)🎶 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Freddie King Blues Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/bjs-bywater/little-freddie-king-fest/1206568064801855/" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/bjs-bywater/little-freddie-king-fest/1206568064801855/" target="_blank">Little Freddie King Blues Fest</a>: Listen to Little Freddie King, Sunpie Barnes and more at BJ&#x27;s Lounge on Sunday.🕯️ New Orleans International Vodou Day: Gather for remembrance, education, art and music honoring the traditions and cultural legacy of Vodou. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vodouday.org/" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vodouday.org/" target="_blank">Schedule</a>)🎪 Circus is in town: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Germany&#x27;s Great Bavarian Circus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1621787825692801/1621788562359394/?active_tab=about" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1621787825692801/1621788562359394/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">Germany&#x27;s Great Bavarian Circus</a> is at Oakwood Center, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Do Portugal Circus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1290546339725724/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1290546339725724/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Do Portugal Circus</a> is at the Shrine on Airline.🍺 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Port Orleans&#x27; anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1986557959402544/1986557966069210/?active_tab=about" data-vars-content-id="952885a6-8c21-44f3-affd-7cc1c6eb8050" data-vars-headline="Greek Fest, Vodou Day and more things to do this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1986557959402544/1986557966069210/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">Port Orleans&#x27; anniversary</a>: Celebrate the brewery&#x27;s ninth birthday with new beer releases, music, crawfish and comedy.

Checking off your North Carolina bucket list

North Carolina is the best place to live in the country. If you can't live here, you can plan a visit based on some of our favorite spots.

Culture

We at Axios Raleigh and Axios Charlotte are obviously a bit biased, but we believe that North Carolina is the best place to live in the country. If you can&#x27;t live here, you can plan a visit based on some of our favorite spots.<ul><li>Drive a few hours west, and you&#x27;re surrounded by the dramatic Blue Ridge Mountains. Head east, and you&#x27;ll find some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best beaches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" data-vars-content-id="3ed9bd94-e719-46c3-b5cc-d824441c8f76" data-vars-headline="Checking off your North Carolina bucket list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/05/24/best-beaches-north-carolina-guide-travel-tourism" target="_self">best beaches</a> around. In between, you&#x27;ve got college towns, big cities, rural charm and rich history.</li></ul>

ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up in New Orleans

The TSA screening line has been backed up into the garage for two days.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="d0e1bd93-95e6-4ad9-8d03-fd273747b650" data-vars-headline="ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up 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> is having one of those months.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Airport delays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/23/ice-agents-new-orleans-airport-security-line-backed-up" data-vars-content-id="d0e1bd93-95e6-4ad9-8d03-fd273747b650" data-vars-headline="ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up 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/2026/03/23/ice-agents-new-orleans-airport-security-line-backed-up" target="_self">Airport delays</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water infrastructure failures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/18/sewerage-water-board-fix-pipes" data-vars-content-id="d0e1bd93-95e6-4ad9-8d03-fd273747b650" data-vars-headline="ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up 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/2026/03/18/sewerage-water-board-fix-pipes" target="_self">water infrastructure failures</a> and a shrinking bank balance are testing the city all at once.

New Orleans hotel adds country's first concierge service for dogs

Pups can drink "Chompagne" and get personalized toys.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="22991628-4653-4d37-896e-cfebe1406fff" data-vars-headline="New Orleans hotel adds country&#x27;s first concierge service for dogs" 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> hotel launches the country&#x27;s first dog concierge program this weekend in time for the Krewe of Barkus.Why it matters: We love our pups.

TSA's rules for flying with king cake, poboys and daiquiris

Food and Drink

Want to bring a taste of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="907b5b0a-f924-4e8c-a260-ae6e0c84918f" data-vars-headline="TSA&#x27;s rules for flying with king cake, poboys and daiquiris" 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> with you on the plane? Here are TSA&#x27;s rules for flying with king cake, daiquiris and other food items.Why it matters: Because it&#x27;s Mardi Gras and we want to be New Orleanians wherever we are.

AAA expecting a record-setting year for holiday travel

It should be another record-setting year.

Travel

It should be another record-setting year for holiday travel in 2025, AAA predicts, with 122.4 million Americans going at least 50 miles from home.Why it matters: The holidays are already stressful enough without adding extra miles to your plans.

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.

Amtrak begins new service between New Orleans, Mobile

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

Transit

<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.

<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.

Buc-ee's opens store an hour from New Orleans

Two more stores are under construction in Louisiana.

Business

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Buc-ee&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/06/21/buc-ees-louisiana-locations-when-open-mississippi" data-vars-content-id="59445fc7-0837-428c-bf1d-0b1711dce16e" data-vars-headline="Buc-ee&#x27;s opens store an hour from 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/2024/06/21/buc-ees-louisiana-locations-when-open-mississippi" target="_self">Buc-ee&#x27;s</a> opens its massive travel center Monday in Mississippi just off Interstate 10 in Pass Christian.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the popular chain&#x27;s closest location to New Orleans (it&#x27;s about one hour away) as it works on building its first two stores in Louisiana.

Travel

New TSA tech aims to speed up lines at MSY

Checking off your North Carolina bucket list

Security lines improve at New Orleans airport

Trump to pay TSA workers amid increasingly long security lines

ICE shows up at MSY as problems pile up in New Orleans