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Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment

Troops have been in New Orleans for eight months.

News

The Louisiana National Guard&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eight-month deployment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/02/national-guard-to-stay-in-new-orleans-six-more-months" data-vars-content-id="d6edce0f-a3fd-4b5d-bb28-e45330b2d312" data-vars-headline="Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/02/national-guard-to-stay-in-new-orleans-six-more-months" target="_self">eight-month deployment</a> in New Orleans is coming to an end, Mayor Helena Moreno confirms.Why it matters: The federal deployment became a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political flash point" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/02/mayor-helena-moreno-donald-trump-national-guard-meeting" data-vars-content-id="d6edce0f-a3fd-4b5d-bb28-e45330b2d312" data-vars-headline="Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/02/02/mayor-helena-moreno-donald-trump-national-guard-meeting" target="_self">political flash point</a> over who deserves credit for New Orleans&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="falling crime rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/01/06/violent-crime-murder-capital-improvement-statistics" data-vars-content-id="d6edce0f-a3fd-4b5d-bb28-e45330b2d312" data-vars-headline="Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment" 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">falling crime rate</a>.

Second-line season returns to New Orleans

Brass band-led parades are one of the city's best traditions.

Culture

<figure><img alt="A boy wears a plaid suit as he dances in a crowded street." height="450" id="8a30616a-beb9-4b41-a20c-a88380b1a232" src="https://images.axios.com/WZ8lRbDSoFVPHrcPzEH4pK4a8S0=/2026/08/18/1787080911890.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Second-lines are often family affairs. Video: Mario Tama/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Second-lines are back this week after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="f8e30a18-4321-4611-a688-a707814faba6" data-vars-headline="Second-line season returns to 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>&#x27; annual pause, when social aid and pleasure clubs bypass some of the worst summer heat. Why it matters: The season will begin without any of last year&#x27;s hubbub over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potentially costly new rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/04/second-line-clubs-new-orleans-fees-increase" data-vars-content-id="f8e30a18-4321-4611-a688-a707814faba6" data-vars-headline="Second-line season returns to 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/2025/08/04/second-line-clubs-new-orleans-fees-increase" target="_self">potentially costly new rules</a> for how the parades operate.

How Flock cameras are used in New Orleans metro

Flock cameras are just part of the surveillance in New Orleans.

Public Safety

Activists and citizens across the political spectrum are pushing back against license plate readers made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="9c7664b8-1568-4682-b9ba-2b0b2eee1d11" data-vars-headline="How Flock cameras are used in New Orleans metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock and similar companies</a>, fueled by privacy concerns and suspected police misuse.Why it matters: Though touted as a boon to public safety, Flock cameras are suddenly emerging as the next big target of populist anti-tech, pro-privacy sentiment.

LSU dorm rooms get Instagram-ready makeovers

Social media is fueling a push for fancy dorm design.

Dorm rooms are tiny. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dorm decor economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/26/dorm-room-moving-taskrabbit" data-vars-content-id="4f9222f4-adf0-4c57-acd6-c5bc10b03901" data-vars-headline="LSU dorm rooms get Instagram-ready makeovers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/colorado-springs/2026/06/26/dorm-room-moving-taskrabbit" target="_self">dorm decor economy</a> is not.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College dorms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/dorm-decorations-kids-parents" data-vars-content-id="4f9222f4-adf0-4c57-acd6-c5bc10b03901" data-vars-headline="LSU dorm rooms get Instagram-ready makeovers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/02/dorm-decorations-kids-parents" target="_self">College dorms</a> are becoming customized, social-media-ready micro-apartments thanks to growth within the &quot;designer dorm&quot; industry and viral TikTok dorm tours and hauls.

Charle Bateman hits 50 years at Pat O'Brien's

Business

Charlie Bateman hits a 50-year milestone working at Pat O&#x27;Brien&#x27;s this weekend.Why it matters: That&#x27;s impressive! And the iconic Bourbon Street bar is throwing a public party to celebrate.

What's next for New Orleans' troubled Plaza Tower 

Two people have died in falls from the blighted building since 2023.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plaza Tower" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/29/new-orleans-worst-blighted-properties-plaza-tower" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2023/11/29/new-orleans-worst-blighted-properties-plaza-tower" target="_self">Plaza Tower</a> remains vacant with no definitive redevelopment timeline as New Orleans officials grapple with how to keep the troubled skyscraper safe.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Two people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox8live.com/2023/04/24/man-dead-after-falling-plaza-tower-new-orleans-police-say/" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox8live.com/2023/04/24/man-dead-after-falling-plaza-tower-new-orleans-police-say/" target="_blank">Two people</a> have died in falls from the blighted building since 2023, including a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Belle Chasse teen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BelleChasseHS/posts/1552546576663962?ref=embed_post" data-vars-content-id="ad28254a-6e6a-48ff-805a-4883e3320c67" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for New Orleans&#x27; troubled Plaza Tower " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BelleChasseHS/posts/1552546576663962?ref=embed_post" target="_blank">Belle Chasse teen</a> last weekend.

Amtrak marks a year of Gulf Coast service

Transit

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amtrak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/10/photos-amtrak-mardi-gras-train-tickets-cafe" data-vars-content-id="8d2f84f2-1e2f-43fe-95cf-5e6e44df8a3c" data-vars-headline="Amtrak marks a year of Gulf Coast service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/07/10/photos-amtrak-mardi-gras-train-tickets-cafe" target="_self">Amtrak</a> marks a year of service Tuesday for its Mardi Gras rail line that connects New Orleans to Mobile.Why it matters: Passenger numbers have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doubled expectations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/08/amtrak-mardi-gras-service-train-passenger-numbers" data-vars-content-id="8d2f84f2-1e2f-43fe-95cf-5e6e44df8a3c" data-vars-headline="Amtrak marks a year of Gulf Coast service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/08/amtrak-mardi-gras-service-train-passenger-numbers" target="_self">doubled expectations</a>, though multiple fatal crashes have raised safety concerns along the route.

Spotted: Waymo in Metairie

There are about a dozen Waymo vehicles (with human drivers) in the region.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a blue Waymo SUV driving through a parking lot." height="450" id="584e5ac1-b261-415c-85d3-071f01a09f35" src="https://images.axios.com/_8sTRafViGVg8Wj6fQrOmekxfXY=/2026/08/12/1786562936088.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>This Waymo SUV pulled into a Metairie parking lot before taking off down Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/15/waymo-testing-regulations-louisiana-city-council" data-vars-content-id="0ff07310-aeb8-46c8-a495-d783c34c6f70" data-vars-headline="Spotted: Waymo in Metairie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/06/15/waymo-testing-regulations-louisiana-city-council" target="_self">Waymo</a> continues to test its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="self-driving vehicles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/25/fully-dressed-waymo-on-the-road" data-vars-content-id="0ff07310-aeb8-46c8-a495-d783c34c6f70" data-vars-headline="Spotted: Waymo in Metairie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/02/25/fully-dressed-waymo-on-the-road" target="_self">self-driving vehicles</a> in metro New Orleans. Why it matters: The company hopes to eventually offer robotaxi services in southeast Louisiana.

Mercy Hospital demolition begins in New Orleans

The Mid-City building has been vacant since Hurricane Katrina.

<figure><img alt="Image shows heavy equipment tearing down a wall." height="450" id="c07dffad-ee6f-460a-baab-dc5f81bc6a46" src="https://images.axios.com/km_i5lWQ4CcD0WSYSS9y0HBZ8KM=/2026/08/11/1786480036430.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Workers began demolition Tuesday on the former Mercy Hospital. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios</figcaption></figure>Long-blighted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mercy Hospital" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/02/plaza-tower-mercy-hospital-blighted-properties" data-vars-content-id="b7f75302-1e65-4081-9507-88d438794962" data-vars-headline="Mercy Hospital demolition begins 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/2026/03/02/plaza-tower-mercy-hospital-blighted-properties" target="_self">Mercy Hospital</a> is finally coming down, clearing the way for a project designed to help reduce flooding in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b7f75302-1e65-4081-9507-88d438794962" data-vars-headline="Mercy Hospital demolition begins 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>&#x27; Mid-City neighborhood.Why it matters: The basement of the building, also known as the Lindy Boggs Medical Center, will be converted into an underground cistern to hold millions of gallons of rain during storms.

What New Orleans homeowners do for a living

Some careers offer a much clearer path to homeownership.

Business professionals and technical workers are most likely to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="aabc731d-a529-4581-8c7b-cfbceeacfa2e" data-vars-headline="What New Orleans homeowners do for a living" 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">own homes</a> in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="aabc731d-a529-4581-8c7b-cfbceeacfa2e" data-vars-headline="What New Orleans homeowners do for a living" 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>, according to an analysis shared exclusively with Axios.Why it matters: Some careers offer a much clearer path to homeownership than others.

New Orleans farmers see rush for local lettuce

But it's the end of the local lettuce season.

New customers are hitting up the Crescent City Farmers Market as the lettuce-linked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cyclosporiasis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/24/louisiana-cyclosporiasis-rates-rise" data-vars-content-id="ac56b4a7-f383-41aa-9279-23ed37c0c1e0" data-vars-headline="New Orleans farmers see rush for local lettuce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/24/louisiana-cyclosporiasis-rates-rise" target="_self">cyclosporiasis</a> continues to churn headlines and bellies.Why it matters: The outbreak is bad for Big Lettuce, but might turn out to be pretty good for local farmers as both households and commercial businesses rush to find safer sources for their leafy greens.

Need your pants hemmed? Bring them to the bar

Cathy Dickey started a sewing pop-up last fall.

If you&#x27;ve got a pair of pants with a missing button or a hem that needs to get taken in, you might try bringing it to The Kingpin on a Wednesday night.Why it matters: That&#x27;s where you&#x27;ll find Cathy Dickey, who started a sewing pop-up at the Uptown bar last October.

How to get the best New Orleans restaurant deals

Participating restaurants offer set-price meals for lunch, brunch and dinner, according to COOLinary organizer New Orleans & Co.

Food and Drink

The annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COOLinary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/01/new-orleans-coolinary-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="d7b43fbc-afe8-4f27-9f42-2101c9c864b3" data-vars-headline="How to get the best New Orleans restaurant deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/01/new-orleans-coolinary-restaurants" target="_self">COOLinary</a> promotion is back in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="d7b43fbc-afe8-4f27-9f42-2101c9c864b3" data-vars-headline="How to get the best New Orleans restaurant deals" 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>.Why it matters: This is the time to try the city&#x27;s best restaurants at a generous discount.

Monster forces New Orleans coffee shop's latte name change

The Swamp Monster is now known as the Bayou Beast.

The most popular drink at CR Coffee Shop has a new name thanks to a series of cease and desist letters from Monster Energy, shop owner Kevin Pedeaux says. Why it matters: It&#x27;s a David vs. Goliath story that ends with David laughing off the whole thing — well, mostly.

Business 🏦

Charle Bateman hits 50 years at Pat O'Brien's

What's next for New Orleans' troubled Plaza Tower

Amtrak marks a year of Gulf Coast service

Inc. 5000 list includes 50+ Louisiana companies

Spotted: Waymo in Metairie