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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;

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.

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.

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.

"Grossly unacceptable:" Council blasts SWBNO over pipe failures

The city has had at least three pipe breaks Uptown in the last three weeks.

<figure><img alt="A bald man in a blue suit and lavender shirt speaks at a press conference, surrounded by several microphones; empty auditorium seating in the background." height="450" id="8bab29c4-3a69-4150-8d68-75d3ba0c9161" src="https://images.axios.com/6YnmDxi0dw1bac1fbW2aHeUJUJc=/2026/03/10/1773177573690.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Randy Hayman, executive director of the New Orleans Sewerage &amp; Water Board. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Leaders of the New Orleans Sewerage &amp; Water Board acknowledged Tuesday under pressure from the city that they don&#x27;t have a plan to prevent more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive pipe breaks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/10/new-orleans-mayor-incredibly-frustrated-about-latest-water-main-break" data-vars-content-id="3c11f462-0cee-4578-83a5-3cde9369d0e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Grossly unacceptable:&quot; Council blasts SWBNO over pipe failures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/10/new-orleans-mayor-incredibly-frustrated-about-latest-water-main-break" target="_self">massive pipe breaks</a> and asked officials for more time.Why it matters: Residents are frustrated after multiple breaks Uptown have flooded homes and cars and left thousands across the East Bank under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boil-water advisories" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/24/french-quarter-uptown-under-boil-water-advisory-after-pipe-breaks" data-vars-content-id="3c11f462-0cee-4578-83a5-3cde9369d0e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Grossly unacceptable:&quot; Council blasts SWBNO over pipe failures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/24/french-quarter-uptown-under-boil-water-advisory-after-pipe-breaks" target="_self">boil-water advisories</a>.

New Orleans considers increasing trash fees

It would be the first increase in more than a decade.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleanians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="6ab5471b-6e91-43d9-b32f-f8e6149fc44c" data-vars-headline="New Orleans considers increasing trash fees" 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 Orleanians</a> may pay more for garbage collection for the first time in more than a decade.Why it matters: Mayor Helena Moreno says the fees residents pay don&#x27;t cover the cost of service.

City leaders explore Mardi Gras registry for banned riders

The council also wants parades to roll earlier.

Mardi Gras

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="08bc8df9-9540-457f-b6af-2187d2f0e83f" data-vars-headline="City leaders explore Mardi Gras registry for banned riders" 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> officials want to create a registry of people who have been kicked out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras krewes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/09/mardi-gras-parade-problems-city-council" data-vars-content-id="08bc8df9-9540-457f-b6af-2187d2f0e83f" data-vars-headline="City leaders explore Mardi Gras registry for banned riders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/09/mardi-gras-parade-problems-city-council" target="_self">Mardi Gras krewes</a> as a warning to others to think twice about their behavior.Why it matters: This past Mardi Gras was marred by complaints of racist behavior and aggressive bead throwing.

Helena Moreno looks to rebuild ties with state lawmakers

New Orleans needs the Legislature's buy-in on revenue and structural reforms.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana&#x27;s legislative session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/13/louisiana-lawmakers-passed-new-laws" data-vars-content-id="7d91955d-9db2-4e74-a3e5-471544165361" data-vars-headline="Helena Moreno looks to rebuild ties with state lawmakers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/13/louisiana-lawmakers-passed-new-laws" target="_self">Louisiana&#x27;s legislative session</a> starts Monday, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Helena Moreno" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="7d91955d-9db2-4e74-a3e5-471544165361" data-vars-headline="Helena Moreno looks to rebuild ties with state lawmakers" 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">Mayor Helena Moreno</a> is betting that collaboration, not confrontation, will deliver for New Orleans.Why it matters: The city needs the Legislature&#x27;s buy-in on revenue and structural reforms. Moreno is testing whether a softer approach in a GOP-controlled Capitol can deliver results.

Parade conduct in spotlight as council reviews Carnival

Several krewes are accused of racist behavior and aggressive throwing.

New Orleans City Council members on Monday will scrutinize what worked and what didn&#x27;t during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="d785571e-fb48-40fa-8e4b-fb7645bb8d77" data-vars-headline="Parade conduct in spotlight as council reviews Carnival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras season</a>.Why it matters: Carnival costs taxpayers about $1 million per day, Council President JP Morrell says, and the city expects a &quot;good party&quot; in return.

National Guard to stay in New Orleans 6 more months

The federal deployment was supposed to end Feb. 28.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Guard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/25/national-guard-exits-new-orleans-federal-deployment" data-vars-content-id="a300a76c-7971-43c6-a701-75a4d99b6a72" data-vars-headline="National Guard to stay in New Orleans 6 more months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/25/national-guard-exits-new-orleans-federal-deployment" target="_self">National Guard</a> isn&#x27;t leaving New Orleans anytime soon after Gov. Jeff Landry on Monday announced a six-month extension of the federal deployment.Why it matters: The move deepens federal involvement in local policing even as city leaders tout <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="significant drops in violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" data-vars-content-id="a300a76c-7971-43c6-a701-75a4d99b6a72" data-vars-headline="National Guard to stay in New Orleans 6 more months" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" target="_self">significant drops in violent crime</a>.

NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure

The New Orleans Police Department updated its decade-old immigration policy during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mardi Gras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" data-vars-content-id="1ce02cfd-996a-4650-9ad8-481291d336bb" data-vars-headline="NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/mardi-gras" target="_self">Mardi Gras</a>.Why it matters: Immigration enforcement has become a political flashpoint in Louisiana, with Attorney General Liz Murrill pressuring New Orleans leaders over so-called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary city" data-vars-click-url="https://lailluminator.com/2025/02/14/new-orleans-sanctuary/" data-vars-content-id="1ce02cfd-996a-4650-9ad8-481291d336bb" data-vars-headline="NOPD updates immigration policy amid state pressure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lailluminator.com/2025/02/14/new-orleans-sanctuary/" target="_blank">sanctuary city</a>&quot; policies and Mayor Helena Moreno issuing an order blocking formal ICE partnerships.

Politics 🇺🇸

Scoop: The key to New Orleans just got a redesign

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

ICE agents headed to airports as TSA shortages drive long lines

"Grossly unacceptable:" Council blasts SWBNO over pipe failures

New Orleans considers increasing trash fees