👋 Carlie here. One of my favorite "grandma" hobbies is puzzling with friends.

Why it matters: Puzzling's shift from solo to social mirrors a bigger trend as people turn analog hobbies into in-person communities.

The big picture: Puzzle swaps and speed competitions are popping up across New Orleans metro.

• I went to a recent swap in Metairie. Some were for sale, but many were leave-one, take-one, like a Free Little Library.
• I prefer 300- to 500-piece puzzles, but another woman was only hunting 1,000-piece puzzles. She said she does a new one daily.
• The New Orleans Public Library has a free community puzzle exchange, and most library branches in Jefferson Parish have puzzles. There's also a puzzle sale in Metairie next week.

Why I like it: I'm a social puzzler who loves sorting pieces (the best part!) while catching up with friends and family.

• It's a low-stress, screen-free activity we can do while we talk. The Butts on Things series has been a hilarious hit with my parents.

Zoom out: Speed puzzling is not my thing, but plenty of people love it.

• Nationally, there were 151% more puzzle competitions from August 2024-July 2025, compared to the previous year, according to an Eventbrite report.
• Urban South and Alice and Amelia regularly host puzzle nights. The brewery's next one is Aug. 10.

How it works: Typically teams of two or four gather around tables, each with a mystery puzzle sealed in a bag. After a countdown, they open it and race to finish.

• First one to shout "Done!" collects prizes.
• Events are "especially great for people that aren't super athletic but are very competitive, which is me," says Sarah Schuler, a professional jigsaw puzzler and puzzle host known as Sarah Does Puzzles.

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Libraries are about much more than books these days.

Why it matters: Library leaders in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish say they've been adapting for years to the needs of their communities.

The big picture: Sure, you'll find thousands of printed books, but these days, you'll also find vegetable seeds, kitchen equipment, board games and dozens of free events each month.

• Plus, the digital collection gives patrons access to movies, music, e-books and more. There are also free passes to local museums and state parks.
• Participation in the in-person classes and events has climbed in recent years, especially with people in their 20s and 30s, said Jessica Styons, the library director for Jefferson Parish.
• "I think we spend so much time on our computers at work or for whatever we're doing that it's nice to get out and have some engagement with other people," Styons says.

Zoom in: New Orleans' library has a long history of nontraditional collections. In the 1950s and 1960s, it had dolls, records and framed paintings you could check out.

• "The library is for everyone, readers or not, so we want our collection to reflect that and offer a little something for everyone," says Emily Painton, the executive director of the New Orleans Public Library.

Zoom out: Both systems have been expanding their museum passes and their "Library of Things," which lets patrons check out nontraditional items.

• Jefferson Parish items include metal detectors, American Girl dolls and crawfish pots.
• New Orleans offers wheelbarrows, cake pans and Audubon Zoo passes.
• The items are free with a library card.

What's next: Jefferson Parish's Makerspace should be finished later this year, Styons says.

• It will host free crafting classes.

Vintage library photo

🏈 Alvin Kamara is sticking around with the Saints for another year. The star running back will earn $6 million for the 2026 season. (NFL.com)

🚧 A new, city-run map tracks New Orleans infrastructure projects and their expected completion dates in real time. Check it out.

🌪️ Could Louisiana use a statewide tornado siren system? Some advocates and elected officials think so after Tropical Storm Arthur brought 14 tornadoes to town. (Verite)

🚰 The contractor installing Jefferson Parish's new smart water meters is back in business after a brief pause prompted by a state board's cease-and-desist letter. The contractor, Pedal Valves, says it was related to an administrative issue. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

👀 50 Cent shared on Instagram some apparent frustrations with Shreveport, where he's previously announced plans for a film studio and venue. It's not yet clear what led to the post. (KTAL)

🏆 The James Beard Awards are looking for a new home for 2029-2033. We'd bet New Orleans will make a run at hosting. (Axios)

Jefferson Parish Library receipts now include the dollar amount you saved during each visit.

Why it matters: It's a creative way to quantify perks that are often taken for granted.

The big picture: The computer system tallies what the library paid for the books a patron checks out and prints that amount at the bottom of the receipt.

• Read e-books or participate in kitten yoga? Try this calculator that estimates the value.

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It seems New Orleans is taking Gov. Jeff Landry's latest dig in stride.

Catch up quick: "New Orleans thinks they're so special," Landry wise-cracked as part of his ongoing spat with city leadership.

Yes, but: New Orleans is special.

• Dirty Coast has already turned the zinger into a T-shirt, and Mayor Helena Moreno wants one.
• Plus, influencer Aubrey Avocado has an Instagram video reclaiming the title.