Amtrak trains start rolling on the Gulf Coast in a few short weeks and we got an early look at them.

Why it matters: Amtrak hasn't operated this line between New Orleans and Mobile since Hurricane Katrina.

The big picture: Amtrak's new Mardi Gras Service starts Aug. 18 with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.

How it works: One-way tickets start at $15 but fluctuate based on demand, Amtrak vice president Nicole Bucich says.

• Weekend trips we checked from New Orleans to Mobile were $30 for coach and $75 for business class.

Behind the scenes: The trains are promoted as an easier way to travel for Mardi Gras, Saints games, beach trips and other adventures.

• It takes about four hours to do the full line, which is about two hours slower than driving. But you don't have to worry about traffic on I-10.
• Officials at the kickoff last week talked about the possibility of using trains during hurricane evacuations. They didn't have many answers yet about how that would work.

Between the lines: This route is partially funded by Louisiana, Mississippi, the City of Mobile and grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

💭 Carlie's thought bubble: Amtrak was a convenient option for my husband when he broke his foot and needed to get to Birmingham. I'm interested in trying the Gulf Coast route.

💭 Chelsea's thought bubble: I can totally see taking the Amtrak for a Mississippi beach day trip, especially because it would be easier to entertain a toddler while traveling on a train than in a car.

More photos

A daily train connecting New Orleans and Baton Rouge is at least two to four years away, says John Spain, vice chair of the Southern Rail Commission.

The big picture: The tentative plan includes stops at Gonzales, LaPlace, two Baton Rouge locations, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, the Southern Rail Commission says.

• The route would take 75 to 90 minutes, according to the Reveille.

Between the lines: Five of the six proposed stops require new train stations.

Catch up quick: Then-Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a service development agreement in 2023, according to the AP.

• When he signed, Edwards said the goal was to reduce traffic congestion on I-10 and increase tourism and job opportunities in communities along the route.
• Passenger train service ended on this line in 1969, according to the AP.

By the numbers: The infrastructure is expected to cost at least $260 million, according to a feasibility study.

More about a proposed Shreveport train

⚜️ The Saints unveiled new alternate helmets yesterday, and we think they're prettyyyyyy pretty cool. What's your take?

🗳️ We're off to the races: New Orleans' mayoral hopefuls are making it official this week and getting on the ballot. Qualifying ends Friday. We'll have more on the candidates next week, but The Times-Picayune has a running list.

👀 City Council is considering changing the rules to formally allow NOPD to use Project NOLA's facial recognition system. The controversial method was paused earlier this year when a Washington Post story publicized the department's use of the tech. (WDSU)

"I am not convinced that the federal government is not going to be there when we need it."

The FEMA Review Council is meeting in New Orleans this week as part of its research into the agency's future.

Meanwhile, the president's nominee to lead NOAA, which oversees the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, laid out his plans for forecasting. Go deeper.

🥐 Alliance Française hosts its annual Bastille Day Fête tomorrow with French music, food, wine and family-friendly activities. Details.

😍 Pedro Pascal lookalike contest? We'll be there. Second Line Brewing hosts it tomorrow. Details.

🪐 GalaxyCon begins tomorrow. It's a celebration of all things comic books, pop culture, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, cosplay and wrestling. Details.

🛼 The Running of the Bulls and its post-run fiesta take over the CBD on Saturday morning. Details.

🌸 Stronghold Studios, maker of house floats, is holding a yard sale Saturday and Sunday to offload float flowers, art, ceramics, giant sculpted props, fabric and more stuff useful for Carnival enthusiasts. Go deeper.

🛞 Hot Wheels brings "Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire" to the Smoothie King Center on Saturday and Sunday. Details.

Live theater and more things to do

Our managing editor, aka our boss' boss, was in town this week to chat strategy.

Why it matters: Mike has a company credit card, and we have restaurants we like.

We asked y'all for ideas on where to take him to dine out. You had some great ones (Morris Bart suggested HerbSaint!), so we thought we'd share where we ended up.

• For lunch, we landed at Liuzza's by the Track for Carlie's favorite BBQ shrimp poboys.
• And for dinner, we snagged tables at Manolito and Saba, as William M. suggested.
• Before he leaves, Mike does have one request — beignets at Café du Monde — and who are we to say no?