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New Orleans built key piece of NASA's Artemis II rocket

Aerospace

New Orleans plays a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starring role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/05/artemis-space-launch-system-michoud-built" data-vars-content-id="81a45adb-8ea4-4e89-a6bf-d77ef7a4f5aa" data-vars-headline="New Orleans built key piece of NASA&#x27;s Artemis II rocket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/05/artemis-space-launch-system-michoud-built" target="_self">starring role</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NASA&#x27;s Artemis II mission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/04/01/artemis-nasa-space-moon-huntsville" data-vars-content-id="81a45adb-8ea4-4e89-a6bf-d77ef7a4f5aa" data-vars-headline="New Orleans built key piece of NASA&#x27;s Artemis II rocket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/04/01/artemis-nasa-space-moon-huntsville" target="_self">NASA&#x27;s Artemis II mission</a> — a high-stakes crewed test flight marking America&#x27;s return to the Moon.Why it matters: Florida may get the glory for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosting the launch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" data-vars-content-id="81a45adb-8ea4-4e89-a6bf-d77ef7a4f5aa" data-vars-headline="New Orleans built key piece of NASA&#x27;s Artemis II rocket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/03/30/mosi-to-host-artemis-ii-watch-party" target="_self">hosting the launch</a> on Wednesday, but New Orleans built a significant part of the rocket that will take the crew to space.

Louisiana's 4 richest residents, according to Forbes

Todd Graves more than doubled his net worth in the past year.

Business

Louisiana is home to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four billionaires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/15/louisiana-richest-residents-billionaires-forbes" data-vars-content-id="39700f1d-15a9-437d-b0a8-9b7648859d11" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s 4 richest residents, according to Forbes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/15/louisiana-richest-residents-billionaires-forbes" target="_self">four billionaires</a>, according to Forbes&#x27; 2026 list of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world&#x27;s richest people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/" data-vars-content-id="39700f1d-15a9-437d-b0a8-9b7648859d11" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s 4 richest residents, according to Forbes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/billionaires/" target="_blank">world&#x27;s richest people</a>.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s wealthiest residents reflect the industries that power the Bayou State — restaurants, sports, liquor and offshore energy.

President Trump credits feds for "safest Mardi Gras" in decades

The National Guard has been deployed in New Orleans since December.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="1a5b1310-b8d1-4d59-bbfa-d9cef38312d3" data-vars-headline="President Trump credits feds for &quot;safest Mardi Gras&quot; in decades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a> says he spoke recently with Gov. Jeff Landry about crime rates in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

Will Wade returns to LSU, as Master P leaves UNO

It's been a busy week in Louisiana basketball.

It&#x27;s been a busy week for Louisiana basketball.Driving the news: Will Wade is back at LSU. The former men&#x27;s head coach says he&#x27;s leaving North Carolina State University because &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it&#x27;s a chance to go home" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/CoachWadeNCSU/status/2037212313925628374" data-vars-content-id="f8147787-5d71-4398-aa31-b6ae60401393" data-vars-headline="Will Wade returns to LSU, as Master P leaves UNO" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/CoachWadeNCSU/status/2037212313925628374" target="_blank">it&#x27;s a chance to go home</a>.&quot;

New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common

Elmer's makes the popular seasonal chocolate treats.

Food and Drink

<figure><img alt="Image shows an Easter basket with candy in it." height="450" id="71d3ed3a-d338-4070-90e3-e62570e0ace1" src="https://images.axios.com/-LJBu9nglH963CACqTpeFTZqgVM=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/04/16/1744828446326.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Elmer&#x27;s is known for its candy eggs for Easter. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/17/elmer-chocolate-easter-candy-company-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="96243d0d-f9e0-4845-8e86-e884c26e1a52" data-vars-headline="New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/04/17/elmer-chocolate-easter-candy-company-louisiana" target="_self">Easter in New Orleans</a> isn&#x27;t complete without an Elmer chocolate egg in your basket.Why it matters: The longtime Louisiana company still anchors Easter traditions across the Gulf Coast, even after last year&#x27;s sale.

Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans

Renting is cheaper than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="owning a home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="0c01dd2d-ff20-4f5f-a8e3-1c3767158d88" data-vars-headline="Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">owning a home</a> in New Orleans, according to a new LendingTree <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" data-vars-content-id="0c01dd2d-ff20-4f5f-a8e3-1c3767158d88" data-vars-headline="Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: Housing costs have soared nationwide, with stubbornly high home prices and mortgage rates weighing on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="would-be buyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="0c01dd2d-ff20-4f5f-a8e3-1c3767158d88" data-vars-headline="Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">would-be buyers</a>.

Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign

Adler's made a custom key for Mayor Helena Moreno.

Politics

The key to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b8ac7a25-a40d-4bbf-b9c2-ba23af08c0af" data-vars-headline="Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign" 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> just got a redesign as one of local jeweler Adler&#x27;s final projects before closing.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LaToya Cantrell frequently gave out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/09/latoya-cantrell-key-to-the-city-new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b8ac7a25-a40d-4bbf-b9c2-ba23af08c0af" data-vars-headline="Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/09/latoya-cantrell-key-to-the-city-new-orleans" target="_self">LaToya Cantrell frequently gave out</a> ceremonial keys when she was mayor. This is how Helena Moreno is putting her stamp on the tradition.

New stores on the way to Lakeside Shopping Center

Three new stores are on the way to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lakeside Shopping Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/17/lakeside-mall-growth-mall-death-metairie" data-vars-content-id="ef6aa24e-446f-428b-be2a-4c6ecbd0bcda" data-vars-headline="New stores on the way to Lakeside Shopping Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/17/lakeside-mall-growth-mall-death-metairie" target="_self">Lakeside Shopping Center</a>.Why it matters: The Metairie mall continues to buck the trend of struggling shopping destinations.

Six Flags redevelopment hinges on $50M public ask

Bayou Phoenix is a $500 million youth sports and entertainment complex.

Developers of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former Six Flags location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/29/demolition-six-flags-master-plan-timeline" data-vars-content-id="e9ee8bd8-e8f6-4590-95b5-72e7d9e3f5f9" data-vars-headline="Six Flags redevelopment hinges on $50M public ask" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/01/29/demolition-six-flags-master-plan-timeline" target="_self">former Six Flags location</a> in New Orleans say they need at least $50 million in public money to transform the blighted property into a regional destination for youth sports, entertainment and shopping.Why it matters: They say private funds are covering 88% of the cost, and called on city and state leaders to invest in New Orleans East.

Exclusive: Bayou Boogaloo to scale back and relocate

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bayou Boogaloo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/27/spring-festivals-things-to-do-free-events" data-vars-content-id="d504e327-d817-431f-8ea5-ad4b5df37658" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Bayou Boogaloo to scale back and relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/27/spring-festivals-things-to-do-free-events" target="_self">Bayou Boogaloo</a> is ditching its signature floating free-for-all this year, with organizers telling Axios exclusively that they are moving the festival to new venues and overhauling the format.Why it matters: The 20th edition of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="d504e327-d817-431f-8ea5-ad4b5df37658" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Bayou Boogaloo to scale back and relocate" 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> festival will look nothing like the &quot;beautiful, chaotic scene&quot; that turned Bayou St. John into a floating party each May.

NASA's next lunar mission has deep New Orleans roots

Artemis II is scheduled to launch in April.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="cad93e16-eaac-4072-a86f-27dbdd5e7c21" data-vars-headline="NASA&#x27;s next lunar mission has deep New Orleans roots" 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> built the backbone of NASA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next Moon mission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/19/artemis-ii-core-stage-rocket-engine-moon-mission" data-vars-content-id="cad93e16-eaac-4072-a86f-27dbdd5e7c21" data-vars-headline="NASA&#x27;s next lunar mission has deep New Orleans roots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/19/artemis-ii-core-stage-rocket-engine-moon-mission" target="_self">next Moon mission</a>.Why it matters: Artemis II will mark NASA&#x27;s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years — and a major piece of the rocket was made in New Orleans East.

Plans advance for Plaza Tower and Mercy Hospital redevelopment

The Moreno administration says it is working with urgency.

Development

Redevelopment efforts are gaining traction at Plaza Tower, Mercy Hospital and several of the city&#x27;s biggest blighted buildings, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="0f2ec764-c170-4dc0-95fc-6911b7e33e04" data-vars-headline="Plans advance for Plaza Tower and Mercy Hospital redevelopment" 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> leaders told City Council recently.Why it matters: The buildings have sat vacant for years, dragging down surrounding neighborhoods and frustrating residents who have heard redevelopment promises before.

Louisiana's car insurance rates are falling

Car insurance prices dipped last year after a post-pandemic stretch of skyrocketing costs, a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Insurify report" data-vars-click-url="https://insurify.com/car-insurance/report/" data-vars-content-id="fefecea5-6cb1-43e1-aa0c-621f6c35ab84" data-vars-headline="Louisiana&#x27;s car insurance rates are falling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://insurify.com/car-insurance/report/" target="_blank">Insurify report</a> finds.Zoom in: Louisiana&#x27;s annual full-coverage premiums fell 15% between 2024 and 2025, Insurify says, outpacing a national average 6% drop.

Fully Dressed: 📺 WWL, WGNO changes

New Orleans TV stations brace for possible layoffs amid Nexstar-Tegna merger

😆 Don't get got

Clever April Fools' pranks in New Orleans

Axios What's Next

A chart showing the monthly median cost to rent or own by metro area in 2024 among the 100 largest metros. In all metro areas, it was cheaper to rent than it was to own a home. The national average rent price was $1,487 compared to $2,035 to own. In the New Orleans metro, the median rental cost was $1,262 compared to $1,972 to own.

Monthly median cost to rent or own by metro area

Data: LendingTree analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data; Note: Monthly costs include utilities, fees, and/or taxes; Median housing costs above $4,000 are recorded as "$4,000+" by the Census Bureau; Chart: Jacque Schrag/Axios

Business 🏦

New Orleans TV stations brace for possible layoffs amid Nexstar-Tegna merger

Clever April Fools' pranks in New Orleans

New Orleans Easter baskets have one thing in common

Louisiana's 4 richest residents, according to Forbes

Renting is cheaper than owning in New Orleans