The slow pace of New Orleans garbage collection, peak time in the tropics and weekend attractions

By DREW BROACH | Deputy metro editor​ ​ ​

WASTE WORK: Garbage collection in New Orleans has been lagging since well before Hurricane Ida struck almost a year ago. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration reduced service in most neighborhoods to one day per week, but is close to completing new contracts for about half of the city and now is considering new contracts for the other half.

TROPICS WATCH: Speaking of hurricanes, we’re in the peak period for tropical weather in the Atlantic basin. Forecasters are tracking two disturbances now, one moving toward the Caribbean Sea and the other emerging from the west coast of Africa. It’s too early to say whether either will reach the continental United States, but it’s never too early to start considering your plans for evacuating or hunkering down.

WEEKENDERS: From a mid-summer Mardi Gras-type parade to Lil Wayne’s WeezyAna Fest to a sunset concert at Faubourg Brewing Co., here are 10 things to do this weekend.

Thanks for starting your Friday with Morning Headlines. 

D.B.