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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;

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.

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 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.

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.

The world's largest fish collection just got a little bigger

The scientific library's use is growing all the time.

Environment

<figure><img alt="A video pans down metal shelves of jars with preserved fish inside. " height="450" id="113cb3ee-733e-4142-b4f0-f5db885e20ff" src="https://images.axios.com/jphUzXtKncl2nREbhbi8hE8cAgI=/2025/12/19/1766173485694.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Royal D. Suttkus Fish Collection is stored inside World War II-era ammunition bunkers in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Video: Chelsea Brasted</figcaption></figure>The world&#x27;s largest collection of fish specimens, which is housed in World War II-era ammunition bunkers outside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b95f8eb9-5ea4-47b5-96c9-e77874498ced" data-vars-headline="The world&#x27;s largest fish collection just got a little bigger" 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 little bigger.Why it matters: The collection allows scientists to explore 75 years of biodiversity at a level of specificity its creator likely never even dreamed possible when he first started sticking fish in jars.

No quick fix for New Orleans water main breaks

The projects will cost millions to complete.

At least one thing is clear in the Sewerage &amp; Water Board of New Orleans&#x27; new plan to prevent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more main breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/11/grossly-unacceptable-council-blasts-swbno-over-pipe-failures" data-vars-content-id="44693622-75eb-4190-8a04-7d250bff0a8a" data-vars-headline="No quick fix for New Orleans water main breaks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/11/grossly-unacceptable-council-blasts-swbno-over-pipe-failures" target="_self">more main breaks</a>: None of the fixes will be quick or cheap.Why it matters: Residents are demanding action after a<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" string of water main breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/13/another-uptown-water-main-breaks" data-vars-content-id="44693622-75eb-4190-8a04-7d250bff0a8a" data-vars-headline="No quick fix for New Orleans water main breaks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/13/another-uptown-water-main-breaks" target="_self"> string of water main breaks</a> in recent months.

New Orleans loves St. Patrick's Day, but it's not very Irish

Here's a map of each parish and its Irish ancestry.

Despite the city&#x27;s big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/17/st-patricks-parade-block-party-corned-beef" data-vars-content-id="d2809280-f997-41fc-8756-b539f68c2e24" data-vars-headline="New Orleans loves St. Patrick&#x27;s Day, but it&#x27;s not very Irish" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/17/st-patricks-parade-block-party-corned-beef" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day</a> celebrations, only a small share of New Orleanians report Irish ancestry.The big picture: About 6% of residents say they have Irish roots, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.

News 🗞

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