Obama to make first visit to New Orleans as president

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- President Obama will visit New Orleans on Thursday for the first time since taking office, to address rebuilding efforts in the city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina four years ago.

During his trip, Obama will visit a charter school and host a town hall meeting to hear residents' concerns, the White House said.

The president's visit will focus on efforts to help rebuild the Gulf Coast, including cutting red tape and easing funding so residents can become self-sufficient.

"The president made a promise to come to New Orleans and wanted to fulfill that promise as soon as his schedule allowed," said Nicholas Shapiro, White House spokesman. [Read More]