Crime Numbers Drop in New Orleans Amid National Guard Debate

In New Orleans, crime rates are actually going down, despite recent talk of bringing in the National Guard. The city's police say they're seeing fewer killings and other crimes compared to last year. This comes as Louisiana's governor asks for up to 1, 000 National Guard troops to help with crime in several cities, including New Orleans. The governor says crime is up in places like Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, but local police disagree. They point to numbers showing fewer homicides and other crimes so far this year. Still, the idea of having National Guard troops around has people talking. Some worry it might disrupt local traditions, like the famous brass band parades called "second-lines. " Meanwhile, other cities are dealing with their own issues. In Chicago, tensions are high after a federal immigration crackdown. Police there say federal agents have been using aggressive tactics that put residents at risk. And in Portland, Oregon, state leaders are trying to block the National Guard deployment, saying it's not needed. The debate continues about whether bringing in the National Guard is the right move. Some say it could help fight crime, while others worry it might cause more problems than it solves. As the discussion goes on, New Orleans keeps seeing its crime numbers drop, raising questions about whether the National Guard is really necessary.