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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.

New Orleans delays Lafitte Greenway expansion, other projects 

The city cut $35 million in infrastructure projects for the year.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lafitte Greenway expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/06/lafitte-greenway-extension-supernova-bond-proposition" data-vars-content-id="e5cf36ba-4a1e-41a6-8056-fbd11e37e37e" data-vars-headline="New Orleans delays Lafitte Greenway expansion, other projects " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/11/06/lafitte-greenway-extension-supernova-bond-proposition" target="_self">Lafitte Greenway expansion</a> is on hold after New Orleans officials cut $35 million for infrastructure projects due to the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fiscal crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/05/how-new-orleans-might-fill-its-110m-budget-gap" data-vars-content-id="e5cf36ba-4a1e-41a6-8056-fbd11e37e37e" data-vars-headline="New Orleans delays Lafitte Greenway expansion, other projects " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/08/05/how-new-orleans-might-fill-its-110m-budget-gap" target="_self">fiscal crisis</a>.Why it matters: The cut further delays the expansion along with other long-awaited neighborhood improvements as the city tries to shore up its finances.

How Louisiana government agencies are using AI

It is being used to monitor prisoners, manage traffic and more.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Louisiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="3d860d87-22cb-4251-96b2-16e339094a2f" data-vars-headline="How Louisiana government agencies are using AI" 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">Louisiana</a> government agencies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence as a &quot;force multiplier.&quot;Why it matters: AI is helping officials respond to emergencies, monitor prisoners, manage traffic and fight crimes.

Mercy Hospital demolition begins in New Orleans

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

Business

<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.

New Orleans launches city budget dashboard

The dashboard offers a department breakdown on spending.

As New Orleans continues to pinch pennies in the face of more than $100 million in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget shortfalls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/29/fiscal-crisis-emergency-fund-caesars" data-vars-content-id="d9a63a63-6382-4525-af94-4a3cb12678a4" data-vars-headline="New Orleans launches city budget dashboard" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/29/fiscal-crisis-emergency-fund-caesars" target="_self">budget shortfalls</a>, Mayor Helena Moreno&#x27;s administration released a new tool to offer citizens a closer look at the city&#x27;s finances.Why it matters: New Orleans&#x27; budget problems are far from over.

The South is the new political center, Landrieu says

His new docuseries, "Long Play," is now streaming.

Politics

A new docuseries co-hosted by former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="b592d904-18f0-4880-8be2-4f281327024e" data-vars-headline="The South is the new political center, Landrieu says" 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> Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mitch Landrieu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/08/landrieu-joins-biden-campaign-2024" data-vars-content-id="b592d904-18f0-4880-8be2-4f281327024e" data-vars-headline="The South is the new political center, Landrieu says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/08/landrieu-joins-biden-campaign-2024" target="_self">Mitch Landrieu</a> contends that the South is &quot;new epicenter of American politics and culture.&quot;Why it matters: Something&#x27;s happening to give some Southern Democrat candidates real chances at statewide office, he tells Axios New Orleans, and it&#x27;s bringing real political power southward.

Political campaigns will need to disclose deepfakes

AI has already proven troublesome in state campaigns.

A new Louisiana law went into effect Aug. 1 that requires disclosures when artificial intelligence is used in political ads to depict <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates for office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/election" data-vars-content-id="c98c19ac-a3fd-40f6-ac7e-276dc0e1ae56" data-vars-headline="Political campaigns will need to disclose deepfakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/election" target="_self">candidates for office</a>.Why it matters: AI-manipulated campaign content was already an issue in the recent Senate primary.

New Orleans City Hall begins sweeping SWBNO overhaul

The current governance is a "systematic failure," says Councilmember Aimee McCarron.

The New Orleans City Council begins overhauling the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sewerage and Water Board" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/03/18/sewerage-water-board-fix-pipes" data-vars-content-id="224363be-aa89-469c-a3fa-ef175f2c1363" data-vars-headline="New Orleans City Hall begins sweeping SWBNO overhaul" 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">Sewerage and Water Board</a> this week, with Councilmember Aimee McCarron calling the current governance a &quot;systematic failure.&quot;Why it matters: It&#x27;s a once-in-a-century restructuring of who governs one of the city&#x27;s most important agencies.

SWBNO's top jobs under scrutiny

Councilmembers say they want to redirect more money toward infrastructure.

The New Orleans City Council wants the Sewerage and Water Board to consider consolidating its top two leadership jobs, which have a combined salary of about $750,000 annually.Why it matters: Councilmembers say they want to redirect more money from executive leadership toward infrastructure and front-line employees.

Canal Street revival plan starts with fixing the basics

Canal Street is one of the city's most prominent commercial corridors.

<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="0bc30740-f399-44d2-9dce-3fbd4dd86995" data-vars-headline="Canal Street revival plan starts with fixing the basics" 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 if City Hall can get the basics right on Canal Street, private investment will follow.Why it matters: Canal Street is one of the city&#x27;s most prominent commercial corridors, and its condition often shapes how residents and visitors view downtown.

Politics 🇺🇸

Louisiana National Guard to end New Orleans deployment

New Orleans delays Lafitte Greenway expansion, other projects

How Louisiana government agencies are using AI

Louisiana governor says he won't talk personally with New Orleans mayor

Mercy Hospital demolition begins in New Orleans