Hogs for the Cause raises record $6.5 million at 2026 festival

🥳 It was a busy weekend. Recap:

• Hogs for the Cause raised a record $6.5 million for families fighting pediatric cancer. See the food winners.
• The Hondo Rodeo Fest had barrel-racing, bull-riding, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tyler Shough in a cowboy hat.
• Power boats raced in Lake Pontchartrain.
• The NOLA Pirate Gathering descended on Lafitte's.
• Giant puppets paraded. See them in action.

🙏 Loved ones mourned Michael Garcia with a second line in the Marigny. Police say the Marine Corps vet was killed in crossfire during a shooting last week. (WWL)

🍲Doson Noodle House aka Pho House is closed for good after nearly 30 years. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

• Chicken's Kitchen is also closed — for now. The restaurant is moving to a new location next month.