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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.

Star sushi chef to open Kira Omakase in New Orleans

Yoshi Okai is an influential master sushi chef.

Food and Drink

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.

Benson Boone, Louisiana Vintage Fest and more things to do

Here are some options for New Orleans this weekend.

Things to Do

From vintage clothing shopping to the return of second-lines, there&#x27;s plenty <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="happening in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="cb4a7646-7d9d-4185-b42f-081f439ec219" data-vars-headline="Benson Boone, Louisiana Vintage Fest and more things to do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" target="_self">happening in New Orleans</a> this weekend.<ul><li>Want to beat the heat? Check out our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mega-list of indoor activities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/15/best-indoor-activities-new-orleans-air-conditioned" data-vars-content-id="cb4a7646-7d9d-4185-b42f-081f439ec219" data-vars-headline="Benson Boone, Louisiana Vintage Fest and more things to do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/07/15/best-indoor-activities-new-orleans-air-conditioned" target="_self">mega-list of indoor activities</a>.</li></ul>

Saints kick off preseason this weekend in New Orleans

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans Saints" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/sports" data-vars-content-id="c7f2b1ac-56c1-4cb7-8b8e-961526e4e688" data-vars-headline="Saints kick off preseason this weekend 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/sports" target="_self">New Orleans Saints</a> kick off the preseason this weekend at home. Plus, we&#x27;ve got other options for things to do in New Orleans.

Free swim lessons face expansion hurdle

NORDC pays a facility fee that is slowing swim lesson growth.

<figure><img alt="A group of about 8 women walk in a pool inside a natatorium with garage-style doors open." height="450" id="c5fa3f9e-78c2-48fb-a9f0-3635a06e2412" src="https://images.axios.com/LrDHmeAjxlPuPi6Xx4kVQhHo8p8=/2025/05/07/1746629912041.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A seniors&#x27; water aerobics class gets underway at the George V. Rainey Natatorium. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission has for years taught thousands of people to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swim for free" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/08/new-orleans-free-pools-public-nord-summer" data-vars-content-id="184bf694-3220-4fdf-abce-729d06b1b0c1" data-vars-headline="Free swim lessons face expansion hurdle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/05/08/new-orleans-free-pools-public-nord-summer" target="_self">swim for free</a> — but a facility fee from the American Red Cross stands in the way of the agency expanding that further, aquatics director Jezell Smith-Jones says.Why it matters: Louisiana has the third-highest drowning rates in the country, according to the CDC Foundation, and swim lessons are a proven way to reduce risk.

Red Dress Run returns this weekend in New Orleans

The run raises money for local charities.

The Red Dress Run is back, plus more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="things to do in New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="cb194555-2c91-4559-94b7-7b5cb08f6bc8" data-vars-headline="Red Dress Run returns this weekend 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/things-to-do" target="_self">things to do in New Orleans</a> this weekend.

White Linen Night and more things to do this weekend

In this brief moment before the school year begins, here are a few things to keep you busy.Zoom in: Here are our picks for what&#x27;s happening 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="6228c280-868e-4553-ae45-865c480f7433" data-vars-headline="White Linen Night and more things to do this weekend" 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> this weekend.

X Games bring elite action sports to New Orleans

The three-day event includes sports, music and a fan fest.

The X Games are heading 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="8228e63c-f972-4615-b142-0a7eb6c8c911" data-vars-headline="X Games bring elite action sports 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> this weekend, offering a rare chance to see elite-level competitive action sports. Zoom in: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three-day event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.xgames.com/events/new-orleans-2026/" data-vars-content-id="8228e63c-f972-4615-b142-0a7eb6c8c911" data-vars-headline="X Games bring elite action sports to New Orleans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.xgames.com/events/new-orleans-2026/" target="_blank">three-day event</a> includes Smoothie King Center concerts, a fan festival, and skateboarding, BMX and motocross competitions inside the Caesars Superdome.

Things to do in New Orleans this weekend

Our top picks for what's happening around town.

It might be hot as sin, but there&#x27;s plenty to keep you distracted 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="c54b8591-19ae-49ad-85f3-cf0934e9ec6a" data-vars-headline="Things to do in New Orleans this weekend" 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> this week.Zoom in: Here are our top picks of things to do.

New Orleans catches puzzle fever

Here's where you can find puzzle competitions and swaps.

Hi! I&#x27;m Carlie, and one of my favorite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;grandma&quot; hobbies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/07/needlepoint-grandma-hobbies-tiktok" data-vars-content-id="1435127f-1fb0-4624-87fb-45d895390a84" data-vars-headline="New Orleans catches puzzle fever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/07/needlepoint-grandma-hobbies-tiktok" target="_self">&quot;grandma&quot; hobbies</a> is puzzling with friends.Why it matters: Puzzling&#x27;s shift from solo to social mirrors a bigger trend as people turn <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analog hobbies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/analog-bag-screen-free-wellness" data-vars-content-id="1435127f-1fb0-4624-87fb-45d895390a84" data-vars-headline="New Orleans catches puzzle fever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/analog-bag-screen-free-wellness" target="_self">analog hobbies</a> into in-person communities.

Things to Do 🗓

Second-line season returns to New Orleans

Star sushi chef to open Kira Omakase in New Orleans

Benson Boone, Louisiana Vintage Fest and more things to do

Saints kick off preseason this weekend in New Orleans

Free swim lessons face expansion hurdle