Louisiana
These 8 Towns in Louisiana Have Bustling Main Streets
New Orleans, often called the “Big Easy,” is famous for its vibrant live music scene, round-the-clock nightlife, street parties, parades, and fiery Southern cuisine along Bourbon Street. However, the real charm of Louisiana lies in its towns, each offering a unique and intriguing experience. From a shopping mecca in the heart of downtown West Monroe to Mardi Gras celebrations in New Roads to the rich Zydeco music scene in Opelousas, these towns have bustling main streets waiting to be discovered.
Natchitoches
The historic town of Natchitoches is tucked away along the picturesque Cane River. Along Front Street, in downtown Natchitoches, is Kaffie Frederick General Mercantile, Louisiana’s oldest general store, selling everything from home goods to gifts. For something to eat, Mayeaux’s Steak & Seafood offers a delightful experience with premium steaks and seafood in addition to the finest wines. Head to Mama’s Oyster House for a laid-back dining atmosphere and live music. Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, famous for its signature meat pies, is a short walk away. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum along Front Street are two incredible museums you will want to check out. For more nearby exploration, take a relaxing riverboat ride on the Cane River Queen. Residents and visitors retreat downtown for annual events like the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival and the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, offering festive fun during the holiday season.
New Iberia
Main Street is one of the most bustling areas in New Iberia. It is home to the Bayou Teche Museum, a beautiful attraction with interactive displays highlighting local industries and culture. Another must-visit place to explore is Shadows-on-the-Teche, a historic plantation open year-round for tours. Books Along the Teche, an independent bookstore on Main Street, allows book lovers to discover rare books and more. The Sliman Theatre for the Performing Arts, housed in a beautifully restored Art Deco building, is the perfect place to see a show. Downtown New Iberia has many excellent places to eat and drink, too. Grab a coffee at Church Alley Cafe & Bistro, order delicious burgers at Bambino’s Burgers, have an elegant dinner at Amalfi, enjoy Japanese dishes at Bojangles Sushi, or sip on cocktails while listening to live music at Napoleon’s Bar. New Iberia hosts several community events at Bouligny Plaza, located along Main Street, hosts events, such as the World Championship Gumbo Cookoff, Teche Area Farmers Market, New Iberia Spanish Festival, and Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival.
West Monroe
West Monroe’s downtown, known as Antique Alley, has evolved to offer a unique and exciting shopping experience. The streets of Antique Alley are lined with trendy boutiques and unique stores selling everything from fashionable clothing and leather goods to gourmet spices and teas. After a day of shopping, enjoy a meal at nearby restaurants with beautiful views of the Ouachita River. With its signature Cajun specialties, Trapp’s is a popular dining destination. For a taste of New York-style pizza and craft beers, head to Flying Heart Brewing & Pub. West Monroe’s Main Street is the central hub for major events like the Twin Cities Mardi Gras Kickoff and the Downtown Gallery Crawl, adding to the city’s unique charm.
Covington
With multiple blocks of stores, galleries, boutiques selling apparel, and the well-known Covington Farmers Markets on Saturdays, there are many things to see and do in downtown Covington. While there, explore the renovated Southern Hotel after stopping by the St. Tammany Art Association to see exciting exhibits and art displays. Museums like the Covington Trailhead Museum and HJ Smith & Sons General Store & Museum are also must-visit attractions downtown. Buster’s Place Restaurant is a great dining option with its extensive menu of fresh seafood and Cajun dishes available for lunch or dinner. The Green Room, a vibrant bar on Boston Street, provides the perfect setting for a fun evening with pool tables, karaoke, live music, and a DJ. Boston Pub is another lively spot to drink and hear jukebox tunes. Enjoy live music at Columbia Street Landing, which hosts free concerts during the spring and fall. It is also the site of the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival.
St. Francisville
The lovely historic downtown St. Francviile has dozens of enjoyable eateries and shops to discover along its bustling main streets. On Commerce Street, dine on Neapolitan pizzas at Big River Pizza Company or French dip po-boys at Magnolia Café. Birdman Coffee & Books, also located on Commerce Street, offers an inviting atmosphere with coffee and baked goods on the menu alongside live music. There is also a restaurant and bar inside the charming St. Francisville Inn. Stroll down Ferdinand Street to get close views of historic churches, homes, and attractions, like the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum. Continue down the street to reach the Backwoods Gallery, District Mercantile, and The Oyster Bar, a beautiful waterfront dining destination. The roads in downtown St. Francisville get lively with annual events like the Tunica Hills Music Festival & Jam, Yellow Leaf Arts Festival, and Christmas in the Country.
New Roads
New Roads, known as “Little Carnival Capital,” is a huge mecca for parades and parties on Main Street during Mardi Gras season. Large crowds also retreat downtown for wine, shopping, and live music at the annual Wine Down on the False River event. New Roads offers ample shopping opportunities for those needing retail therapy in the heart of its downtown district. A stop at the New Roads Antique Mall is a must for rare finds and collectibles. The Pointe Mercantile & More is another ideal place to browse handcrafted artisan items and gifts. There are also fabulous places to eat in the area. Morel’s Restaurant offers seafood dishes, Southern hospitality, and beautiful views of the stunning False River. For other dining options, Ma Mama’s Kitchen and Hot Tails Restaurant serve up Louisiana-style fare in a casual atmosphere. Explore the art and cultural scene at the Julien Poydras Museum & Arts Center. Make plans to attend an art show, film screening, or a concert there.
Opelousas
Downtown Opelousas offers an authentic Louisiana experience deeply influenced by Cajun and Creole traditions. The Le Vieux Village Heritage Park & Museum is a noteworthy destination, as the historic area has early 19th-century houses, shops, and a fascinating museum. The Zydeco Music Exhibit in Le Vieux Village provides information about the origins of Zydeco music in Opelousas. The Creole Heritage Folklife Center, a short drive away, is a landmark that honors Creole heritage. Local eateries offer gumbo, shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. Local eateries offer gumbo, shrimp Creole, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. You will also find some establishments known for specialties like boudin stuffed chicken wings or handmade yam country pies.
Breaux Bridge
Nestled among the picturesque banks of the Bayou Teche, Breaux Bridge is a charming town just two hours west of New Orleans. Stroll downtown to find dining establishments like Tante Marie on the corner of Main Street and Bridge Street. You can order everything from build-your-own-breakfast plates and beignets to bold burgers and Cajun dishes. Coffee lovers can also find Irish coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos on the menu. On the weekends, live music fills the room while you dine. Chez Jacqueline has seafood gumbo and crawfish étouffée, while Angelle’s, a few steps down, serves up old-fashioned hamburgers. Buck & Johnny’s, another option, offers eclectic Italian dishes with Cajun flair. Shop for antiques and collectible items every Friday and Saturday at Silver Screen Vintage Market on Main Street. You will also find stylish attire at Bayou Blush Boutique and Once Upon A Wing. The town’s lively side is on display at the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of May.
You may have had New Orleans on your travel bucket list for quite some time due to its scenic views, history, and fantastic music. However, after reading about West Monroe, New Roads, Opelousas, and the five other Louisiana towns on this list, you will soon want to visit them to experience each of their bustling main streets and everything they have to offer, including great food at local restaurants.
GOP-led states sending hundreds of additional National Guard troops to DC
Three GOP governors have pledged to send hundreds more National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to aid Trump’s federalization of the city.
Straight Arrow News
Louisiana National Guard soldiers have returned to Washington, D.C., on a second deployment as part of President Trump’s continued crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital.
Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington nine months ago to trigger deployments of states’ National Guard troops to the capital.
Republican Gov. Jeff Landry first sent a contingent of Louisiana soldiers to Washington in August 2025. Lt. Col. Noel Collins told USA Today Network on May 13 that all of those soldiers returned to Louisiana by the end of December.
Landry’s latest deployment of Louisiana soldiers includes about 125 who began assisting other soldiers and local police May 12.
Louisiana’s soldiers won’t make arrests, but they will patrol high-traffic areas while playing a supporting role for the D.C. National Guard and local police.
The White House has said its capital crime task force has made more than 12,000 arrests since August and seized thousands of illegal guns.
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – A new report shows Louisiana students are making some of the biggest gains in the country, with state education leaders celebrating the progress.
The newest national report card now ranks Louisiana 32nd in the nation, a jump from 49th in 2019.
“Louisiana is no longer about Louisiana simply believes, but for K-12 education, Louisiana achieves,” said state Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley.
The jump comes mainly from improved reading and math scores, making Louisiana the only state that has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Gov. Jeff Landry said the achievement comes at an opportune time for the generation to capitalize on economic developments coming to the state.
“These young men and women are going to get an opportunity we have never had. These kids get to grow up in a new Louisiana at a time when they are getting the education they need,” Landry said.
Brumley said the focus is now on attendance, more tutoring, higher teacher pay, and job readiness.
“Tutoring for every kid to get a little extra help if they need it; differentiated pay so we can target pay in a very precise way to those teachers doing great work for kids; and in the elevation in career and technical education,” Brumley said.
While leaders are celebrating, Brumley said the real work is keeping that momentum.
“Louisiana doesn’t have to be last. Indeed, we can be number one. We will continue to see great results,” Brumley said.
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Louisiana
As Louisiana’s Senate election nears, carbon capture becomes a big issue. Here’s what to know.
In a campaign that has focused more on President Donald Trump than the issues, government regulation of carbon capture and sequestration has emerged as a key fault line in Saturday’s Senate primary.
State Treasurer John Fleming has made his forceful opposition to the new process a key driver of his campaign, saying it threatens to poison waterways and strip landowners of property rights.
That has made him the target of attack ads broadcast by two outside groups associated with Gov. Jeff Landry and financed at least in part by oil and gas companies that want to inject the carbon dioxide deep in underground wells.
Fleming has counterattacked by saying that U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, who has Landry’s support, actually supports the industry because her fiancée, Kevin Ainsworth, is a major lobbyist for carbon capture and sequestration companies in Baton Rouge. Letlow has called that accusation “a low blow.”
Letlow has said she favors letting local communities decide whether to allow the process.
“If a project is not safe, if it’s not transparent and if it does not have community buy-in, it should not move forward,” she said in a radio debate on May 5.
But in a separate interview, Letlow refused to be pinned down on how a community would decide to give a green light.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy on Tuesday said he agrees with Fleming that oil and gas companies should not be able to exercise eminent domain to build pipelines and storage facilities without landowners’ approval.
Cassidy also said he supports the moratorium that Landry has imposed on new carbon capture and sequestration projects. Letlow also backs that moratorium.
Cassidy said allowing parish governments to block carbon capture and sequestration projects “is an acceptable option.”
Where the race stands
Fleming and Letlow are trying to unseat Cassidy this year in the Republican election campaign. Saturday is the primary, where the top two Republican finishers, if no one wins above 50%, advance to a runoff on June 27.
All three candidates are predicting they will win one of the two spots in the June 27 runoff. Polls indicate that Letlow has the best chance.
But political analysts note that the new semi-closed primary election system and recent seismic events – including a U.S. Supreme Court decision that nullified Louisiana’s congressional map and Landry then canceling the House elections – make prognosticating Saturday’s results a challenge.
Three Democrats are vying in their own primary to face the Republican Senate nominee in November. They are Nick Albares, a policy analyst in New Orleans; Gary Crockett, a business owner in New Orleans; and Jamie Davis, a soybean, cotton and corn farmer in northeast Louisiana.
Albares said on Tuesday that he sides with Fleming and Cassidy in not allowing companies to use eminent domain to build carbon capture and sequestration projects on private land.
Davis called for “binding consent from the people who live there, not a public comment period that gets ignored” before any injection wells are permitted.
Crockett said, “I’m totally against it.”
Trump dominates election
Trump has been a dominant topic in the campaign because each of the three Republicans is claiming to be the candidate best aligned with the president. Letlow has his endorsement.
The three Democrats have been scathing in their criticism of Trump.
In a weekly call with reporters Tuesday, Cassidy announced $150 million in additional federal money to build a replacement bridge on Interstate 10 over the Calcasieu River in Lake Charles.
In making the announcement, Cassidy slipped in a story about how he was riding on the ancient bridge with Trump in the presidential limousine nicknamed “the Beast” to an event in Hackberry in Cameron Parish in 2019. As they reached the top, Cassidy said, Trump wondered aloud, “Is this bridge going to hold us”?
Cassidy said the new bridge would be able to hold the Beast and is an example of how he delivers for Louisiana. He said the money came from the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act, a President Joe Biden-initiative that he supported, unlike the rest of Louisiana’s Republican delegation.
Fleming, meanwhile, speaking to a Republican luncheon Tuesday in Baton Rouge, highlighted a nine-page referral to the Department of Justice by a nonprofit group that accuses Letlow of filing false campaign finance reports to the Federal Elections Commission.
The Coolidge Reagan Foundation alleged that the Letlow Victory Fund raised money for two months without reporting it and then tried to conceal this later.
The foundation said it has filed previous complaints against Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee.
“With the FEC, you have to be very careful with your paperwork,” Fleming told the crowd at the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon.
Letlow’s campaign dismissed the allegation.
“Bill Cassidy voted to convict President Trump (on impeachment charges in 2021) and has spent over $10 million attacking Julia Letlow,” Letlow’s campaign said in a statement. “Now, in an attempt to distract from President Trump’s endorsement of Letlow, Cassidy’s allies are desperately trying to dress up routine FEC paperwork questions because they can’t defend Cassidy’s record. The Letlow campaign takes compliance seriously and has filed all required reports with the FEC.”
In recent days, Letlow has said that the defeat last week of five state senators opposed by Trump in Indiana bodes well for her campaign, since Trump wants to end Cassidy’s Senate career.
Outspent by Cassidy and Letlow, Fleming has said he is running a grassroots campaign. One example of that, he said in an interview, is that a majority of the members of the Republican State Central Committee have requested that the committee endorse him.
Derek Babcock, the party chair, didn’t respond to a text Tuesday asking how the party’s executive committee – which actually issues the endorsement – will respond.
Attack ads target Fleming
Landry has inserted himself into the campaign by raising money for two groups associated with him – the Accountability Project and MAGA Energy – to attack Fleming. Both groups are organized in a way that doesn’t require them to disclose their donors and are headed by two of his key campaign associates, Jay Connaughton and Jason Hebert.
Landry held an event at the Governor’s Mansion on April 20 with about 15 carbon capture and sequestration executives, said someone who attended the meeting but spoke on condition of anonymity. Landry warned the group that a Fleming victory would harm their industry. The executives then heard a pitch to raise $1.5 million to defeat Fleming, according to the source.
In a brief interview, Landry acknowledged holding the meeting but wouldn’t discuss it.
Fleming repeats his opposition to carbon capture and sequestration at every opportunity, telling the Reagan luncheon, “It’s just not good for Louisiana.”
In other appearances, Fleming has said the technology is unproven and dangerous, saying in a radio interview last month, “It’s stuffing toxic carbon dioxide in the ground and using your taxpayer money and stealing your land through private domain for profiteering.”
For a month, the Accountability Project and MAGA Energy have been attacking Fleming.
The Accountability Project has broadcast ads accusing Fleming of being a supporter of allowing illegal aliens across the Mexican border. Fleming called that a lie while speaking at the Reagan luncheon, saying he supports tough border restrictions.
MAGA Energy accuses Fleming of having voted for pro-carbon capture and sequestration bills while he served in the House. That, too, is a lie, Fleming told the Reagan crowd.
In a new line of attack, the Accountability Project is attempting to undermine a key part of Fleming’s pro-Trump biography by saying that Fleming never served as Trump’s deputy chief of staff during his final 10 months as president in first term.
In campaign appearances, Fleming has said his office was 10 steps from the Oval Office in the West Wing, and he told the Reagan luncheon that the accusation was “an absolute lie.”
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