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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.

Restaurant R'evolution is a Coolinary deal worth trying

The upscale French Quarter restaurant has a $58 dinner.

Food and Drink

You&#x27;ve got another week to try Restaurant R&#x27;evolution at a substantial discount.Why it matters: The upscale French Quarter restaurant has a discounted dinner option as part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Coolinary promotion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/03/new-orleans-restaurants-coolinary" data-vars-content-id="dd2630fc-f4ed-40b2-8908-b4e361a0329a" data-vars-headline="Restaurant R&#x27;evolution is a Coolinary deal worth trying" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/03/new-orleans-restaurants-coolinary" target="_self">Coolinary promotion</a> in August.

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.

Imperial Woodpecker opens in City Park, plus more food news 

Imperial Woodpecker opened a snoball stand in City Park on Thursday near City Putt.Why it matters: A handful of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new food and drink options" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="3eb8358b-8ae9-4d66-b2f9-d1b175cc1253" data-vars-headline="Imperial Woodpecker opens in City Park, plus more food news " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/food-and-drink" target="_self">new food and drink options</a> have popped up across New Orleans in recent weeks.

Star sushi chef to open Kira Omakase in New Orleans

Yoshi Okai is an influential master sushi chef.

A star sushi chef is opening a new omakase <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="ef7c6b1c-c478-4d5f-9a18-e8bede90b95e" data-vars-headline="Star sushi chef to open Kira Omakase 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/food-and-drink" target="_self">restaurant</a> in the Warehouse District on Thursday. Why it matters: Chef Yoshi Okai choosing New Orleans for his new Kira Omakase is a big vote of confidence in the city&#x27;s growing sushi scene.

Shang Kitchen opens on Magazine Street

Shang Kitchen offers a new way to explore Chinese food in a growing stretch of Magazine Street with great examples of the cuisine.Why it matters: Housemade soup dumplings! Need we say more?

Witches Brew Coffee serves potions and pastries in Mid-City

It has coffee, pastries and loose-leaf teas.

Witches Brew Coffee is a new-ish, whimsical <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coffee shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="875cf67f-8326-4d2a-af00-b5d16fa62189" data-vars-headline="Witches Brew Coffee serves potions and pastries in Mid-City" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/food-and-drink" target="_self">coffee shop</a> in Mid-City.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a delicious destination beyond Summerween.

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.

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.

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.

Sweet Handkraft's latest viral treat: Japanese nama donuts

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sweet Handkraft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/05/08/sweet-handkraft-metairie-asian-desserts-tanghulu-sandos" data-vars-content-id="7e95daa2-b51c-48ba-9899-2e6a7e6d8380" data-vars-headline="Sweet Handkraft&#x27;s latest viral treat: Japanese nama donuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/05/08/sweet-handkraft-metairie-asian-desserts-tanghulu-sandos" target="_self">Sweet Handkraft</a> continues to pull me in with viral snacks and creative drinks. The latest siren call: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Japanese nama donuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbJ3bPZGrus/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="7e95daa2-b51c-48ba-9899-2e6a7e6d8380" data-vars-headline="Sweet Handkraft&#x27;s latest viral treat: Japanese nama donuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbJ3bPZGrus/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1" target="_blank">Japanese nama donuts</a>.The big picture: Sweet Handkraft is an ice cream and coffee shop with Asian flair on Severn Avenue in Metairie.

Food and Drink 🍽

Restaurant R'evolution is a Coolinary deal worth trying

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

Imperial Woodpecker opens in City Park, plus more food news

Star sushi chef to open Kira Omakase in New Orleans

Shang Kitchen opens on Magazine Street