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Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength 

Watches are in effect from Louisiana to Florida.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tropical Storm Isaias" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/06/invest92l-gulf-forecast-hurricane-louisiana-isaias" data-vars-content-id="57637ff6-3850-4f01-ab57-fdd365813cdc" data-vars-headline="Isaias expected to strengthen to near Category 3 strength " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/06/invest92l-gulf-forecast-hurricane-louisiana-isaias" target="_self">Tropical Storm Isaias</a> is rapidly strengthening in the Gulf and is expected to be nearly a Category 3 hurricane before making landfall this weekend near the Alabama-Florida state line.Why it matters: Hurricane and tropical storm watches are in effect from Louisiana to Florida.

Louisiana "committed" to continuing executions, Landry says

Landry made the comment after Tennessee's failed execution attempt.

Politics

Gov. Jeff Landry remains &quot;committed&quot; to Louisiana&#x27;s death penalty despite Tennessee&#x27;s recent failed execution attempt, he told <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="132eb997-c905-4cbe-b93b-084ee30e8e0c" data-vars-headline="Louisiana &quot;committed&quot; to continuing executions, Landry says" 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">Axios New Orleans</a> in an exclusive interview.Why it matters: Tennessee death row <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inmate Christa Pike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/06/tennessee-christa-pike-awake-failed-execution" data-vars-content-id="132eb997-c905-4cbe-b93b-084ee30e8e0c" data-vars-headline="Louisiana &quot;committed&quot; to continuing executions, Landry says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/10/06/tennessee-christa-pike-awake-failed-execution" target="_self">inmate Christa Pike</a> is awake and talking despite being administered two doses of lethal injection drugs. Louisiana also conducts executions using lethal injection.

Gulf system expected to become season's first hurricane

Residents from Louisiana to Florida should be on alert.

A tropical depression in the Gulf is expected to become the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first hurricane" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/15/hurricane-season-atlantic-historic-no-storms" data-vars-content-id="72644985-cee6-4036-8698-0bb41da9e928" data-vars-headline="Gulf system expected to become season&#x27;s first hurricane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/15/hurricane-season-atlantic-historic-no-storms" target="_self">first hurricane</a> of the Atlantic season.Why it matters: It could bring heavy rain, gusty winds and coastal flooding to the Gulf Coast, but it&#x27;s too early to tell how much <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans" data-vars-content-id="72644985-cee6-4036-8698-0bb41da9e928" data-vars-headline="Gulf system expected to become season&#x27;s first hurricane" 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> could see.

Hurricane Isaias forms, expected to rapidly intensify in Gulf

Landfall is forecast overnight Friday near the Alabama-Florida state line.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hurricane Isaias" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/07/tropical-storm-isaias-hurricane-strength-track-louisiana" data-vars-content-id="8b6ee3ff-e530-494d-a2b2-faf5b9616f5d" data-vars-headline="Hurricane Isaias forms, expected to rapidly intensify in Gulf" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/10/07/tropical-storm-isaias-hurricane-strength-track-louisiana" target="_self">Hurricane Isaias</a> is expected to rapidly intensify in the Gulf and become nearly a Category 3 storm before making landfall late Friday near the Alabama-Florida state line.Why it matters: New Orleans is now outside the storm&#x27;s cone, but NHC says residents from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle should monitor Isaias closely.

First look: Hut 8's under-construction Louisiana data center

The project should come online in early 2027.

Business

<figure><img alt="An excavator digs into a pile of dirt, viewed from afar. Behind it, a large under-construction steel-frame building." height="450" id="96c715a6-9c8f-4932-ac12-33bba6495f27" src="https://images.axios.com/fJkyOjkml6Z2u6BDawZxtm3UGOc=/2026/10/06/1791306256202.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Hut 8&#x27;s River Bend data center under construction Oct. 5. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hut 8" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/19/jazz-museum-to-get-1-1m-revamp" data-vars-content-id="68e5399f-c3b4-43cb-b465-c9c8c19cd987" data-vars-headline="First look: Hut 8&#x27;s under-construction Louisiana data center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/12/19/jazz-museum-to-get-1-1m-revamp" target="_self">Hut 8</a> brings its West Feliciana Parish data center online early next year, the scale and size of the project will make it unlike anything Louisiana has seen. Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of four in-the-works <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/data-center" data-vars-content-id="68e5399f-c3b4-43cb-b465-c9c8c19cd987" data-vars-headline="First look: Hut 8&#x27;s under-construction Louisiana data center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/data-center" target="_blank">data center projects</a> touted by Louisiana Economic Development and, though it appears on track to be the first to turn the lights on, it&#x27;s not the largest.

Fire ants are chewing up New Orleans traffic lights

Officials are trying to make the lights stop flashing in the rain.

Fire ants are partially to blame for flashing traffic lights 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="4c63ffe3-b168-4534-83bf-93bf2c4250a0" data-vars-headline="Fire ants are chewing up New Orleans traffic lights" 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>, a city leader said Monday.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s destructive critters were just one revelation from Monday&#x27;s three-hour budget meeting.

New Orleans garbage rate hike starts Oct. 1 

Low-income seniors can apply for a discounted rate.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a woman dumping recycling items into a blue recycling cart." height="450" id="24308891-02ca-4e78-95d2-6265dbf29acc" src="https://images.axios.com/qqkMxzLebKtsm4ewyHiP_iIakCM=/2026/09/24/1790274279679.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>New Orleans residents can get two garbage carts and one recycling cart for free. Image: Chelsea Brasted/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="garbage rate hike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/04/trash-fees-increased-monthly-council-vote" data-vars-content-id="4ad4d95d-d02f-48f3-8f87-74c45331e743" data-vars-headline="New Orleans garbage rate hike starts Oct. 1 " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/04/trash-fees-increased-monthly-council-vote" target="_self">garbage rate hike</a> goes into effect Thursday, marking the first increase in 15 years in New Orleans.Why it matters: Leaders say they can no longer afford to subsidize sanitation service from the city&#x27;s coffers.

Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions

The governor says he won't talk with the mayor in person, though.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Jeff Landry told WBOK" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/local-politics/it-was-a-start-landry-opens-door-to-talks-with-new-orleans-leaders/289-ffabe522-4dd6-4852-b124-a8081fe47d55" data-vars-content-id="995755f7-7c45-472f-8e9a-9996e9a95600" data-vars-headline="Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/local-politics/it-was-a-start-landry-opens-door-to-talks-with-new-orleans-leaders/289-ffabe522-4dd6-4852-b124-a8081fe47d55" target="_blank">Gov. Jeff Landry told WBOK</a> on Wednesday that he met in person with Councilmember Eugene Green in Baton Rouge and plans to reach out to Councilmember Lesli Harris.Why it matters: Green and Harris were the two council members who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voted against a motion" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDUvMTIvbG91aXNpYW5hLXNwZWNpYWwtZWxlY3Rpb25zLWNvbmdyZXNzaW9uYWwtbWFwLXRvd24taGFsbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5B051f8eae" data-vars-content-id="995755f7-7c45-472f-8e9a-9996e9a95600" data-vars-headline="Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDUvMTIvbG91aXNpYW5hLXNwZWNpYWwtZWxlY3Rpb25zLWNvbmdyZXNzaW9uYWwtbWFwLXRvd24taGFsbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5B051f8eae" target="_self">voted against a motion</a> to hold a special election for a clerk of court.<ul><li>The measure, which passed, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kicked off a domino effect" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY2FsdmluLWR1bmNhbi1saXotbXVycmlsbC1pbmRpY3RtZW50LWNsZXJrLWNvdXJ0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5B34358ada" data-vars-content-id="995755f7-7c45-472f-8e9a-9996e9a95600" data-vars-headline="Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY2FsdmluLWR1bmNhbi1saXotbXVycmlsbC1pbmRpY3RtZW50LWNsZXJrLWNvdXJ0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5B34358ada" target="_self">kicked off a domino effect</a> that eventually led to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AG Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY2FsdmluLWR1bmNhbi1saXotbXVycmlsbC1pbmRpY3RtZW50LWNsZXJrLWNvdXJ0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5C34358ada" data-vars-content-id="995755f7-7c45-472f-8e9a-9996e9a95600" data-vars-headline="Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47621640.104/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL25ldy1vcmxlYW5zLzIwMjYvMDcvMDcvY2FsdmluLWR1bmNhbi1saXotbXVycmlsbC1pbmRpY3RtZW50LWNsZXJrLWNvdXJ0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/643ffb61050ac3162bf0e2a5C34358ada" target="_self">AG Liz Murrill&#x27;s indictment</a>.</li></ul>

New Orleans budget proposal cuts 152 positions

Some of the cuts could be offset by higher property taxes.

Mayor Helena Moreno on Tuesday proposed cutting 152 positions and shrinking city government in 2027.Why it matters: Some of the cuts could be offset by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new fees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/22/mayor-helena-moreno-budget-cuts-2027-proposal" data-vars-content-id="afccc3c4-cedf-4f3c-a83d-16aaa3564241" data-vars-headline="New Orleans budget proposal cuts 152 positions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/22/mayor-helena-moreno-budget-cuts-2027-proposal" target="_self">new fees</a> and increased property taxes if there&#x27;s public support.

New Orleans' budget debate begins Tuesday

Mayor Helena Moreno says there won't be employee furloughs.

Mayor Helena Moreno unveils her 2027 budget proposal Tuesday, which is expected to have at least <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$77 million in cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/11/budget-cuts-mayor-helena-moreno" data-vars-content-id="dca989a0-ff47-4d70-87aa-249c58aad475" data-vars-headline="New Orleans&#x27; budget debate begins Tuesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/09/11/budget-cuts-mayor-helena-moreno" target="_self">$77 million in cuts</a>.Why it matters: The proposal will set up a debate over whether residents should pay more to restore some of the cuts.

Moreno and City Council members subpoenaed over Murrill indictment 

The city attorney says she'll respond to "this harassment" in court.

New Orleans&#x27; top elected officials could be called to testify in the continuing legal fight over Attorney General Liz Murrill&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now-dismissed indictment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" data-vars-content-id="378c52b7-6908-4470-bceb-84566a70c7e1" data-vars-headline="Moreno and City Council members subpoenaed over Murrill indictment " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/07/liz-murrill-indictment-intimidation-court" target="_self">now-dismissed indictment</a>.Why it matters: The lawsuit could shed new light on what happened behind the scenes in the criminal case and whether New Orleans officials had any role in it.

New Orleans expects "pain" in 2027 budget 

Cuts will happen, but leaders say they don't want more furloughs.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Orleans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" data-vars-content-id="d3fa5234-2aa3-45fb-8084-216870c72fd1" data-vars-headline="New Orleans expects &quot;pain&quot; in 2027 budget " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/politics" target="_self">New Orleans</a>&#x27; upcoming budget proposal will include cuts and &quot;pain&quot; in order to preserve essential services, administration officials say.Why it matters: After relying heavily on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one-time money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/29/fiscal-crisis-emergency-fund-caesars" data-vars-content-id="d3fa5234-2aa3-45fb-8084-216870c72fd1" data-vars-headline="New Orleans expects &quot;pain&quot; in 2027 budget " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/04/29/fiscal-crisis-emergency-fund-caesars" target="_self">one-time money</a> this year, the city faces tough choices about how to balance its budget in 2027.

Essence Fest, New Orleans leaders weigh what's next after contract expires

Organizers say they want the annual event to remain in the city.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Essence Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/02/essence-fest-contract-negotiations-headliners" data-vars-content-id="65008e07-af3e-452a-831a-9ef5a3fa02b4" data-vars-headline="Essence Fest, New Orleans leaders weigh what&#x27;s next after contract expires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2026/07/02/essence-fest-contract-negotiations-headliners" target="_self">Essence Fest</a> organizers and New Orleans leaders are figuring out what comes next in their 30-year relationship.Why it matters: The festival&#x27;s multiyear contract with the city ended Friday, leaving its future in New Orleans up for negotiation.

Politics 🇺🇸

Louisiana "committed" to continuing executions, Landry says

First look: Hut 8's under-construction Louisiana data center

Fire ants are chewing up New Orleans traffic lights

New Orleans garbage rate hike starts Oct. 1

Gov. Landry meets with New Orleans council member amid tensions