New Orleans City Council Moves Toward Data Center Ban Amid Community Concerns
New Orleans, LA — January 30, 2026 — The City Council is considering a ban on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities following public opposition to a proposed project…
City Council Considers Data Center Ban
The New Orleans City Council is moving toward implementing a ban on data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, and server farms. This action follows public opposition to a proposed data center in New Orleans East, particularly concerns about high energy and water consumption. Residents voiced these concerns during a recent Council meeting. City officials acknowledged that current zoning laws lack specific definitions for data centers, leading to regulatory loopholes. Councilmember Morrell expressed a desire to avoid repeating the city’s past struggle with short-term rental regulations. The proposed data center in question, introduced by MS Solar Grid Data, was slated for the Little Woods area near I-10 and Read Boulevard. Mayor Helena Moreno publicly opposed the project, aiming to block similar developments in city neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Meta is moving forward with a $27 billion data center in north Louisiana. The City Planning Commission is expected to present a report and hold a public meeting within two months to further discuss the issue.
Extreme Cold Weather Advisory Issued
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Watch for southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi, effective from midnight Friday night through 10 AM Sunday. Residents are advised to prepare for dangerously cold wind chills ranging from the single digits to the mid-teens. These conditions could result in significant damage to unprotected pipes and sensitive agricultural crops. Authorities recommend taking precautions to protect vulnerable populations and pets during this period.
Power Outages Persist in Northern Louisiana
Over 50,000 households and businesses in northern Louisiana remain without power following Winter Storm Fern. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with some customers not expected to have electricity restored until January 31. Governor Jeff Landry has requested a federal disaster declaration to assist with recovery efforts. Residents are urged to exercise caution and stay informed through official channels regarding power restoration updates.
City Seeks DJs for Mardi Gras 2026
The City of New Orleans is seeking qualified DJs to provide music services for the 2026 Mardi Gras parade season at the city’s official Mardi Gras stands at Gallier Hall. DJs will be compensated in accordance with the city’s musician pay ordinance, which guarantees at least $200 per hour. Due to the city’s fiscal crisis, DJs will be paid through private donations. The Greater New Orleans Development Foundation is serving as the fiscal agent receiving donations from businesses and organizations and will directly fund DJs to perform at Gallier Hall. The city said more than $40,000 has been pledged to date, and any funds not used for Mardi Gras will be directed to fund musicians at other city events.
French Quarter Expands Mardi Gras Bead Recycling
The French Quarter Management District is expanding its Mardi Gras sustainability efforts by partnering with downtown hotels to recycle thousands of pounds of discarded beads, an initiative that more than doubled its collection totals last year. FQMD announced it will provide free bead recycling services to 16 French Quarter hotels during the 2026 Mardi Gras season. The program, now in its third year, is operated by New Orleans–based recycling company Glass Half Full. In 2025, the program collected 10,705 pounds of Mardi Gras beads, more than triple the 3,346 pounds collected the previous year, according to FQMD. Recycling bins began appearing in participating hotels on Jan. 19, with collection continuing through Mardi Gras Day on Feb. 17. Hotels are hosting 64-gallon bead recycling stations in lobbies, guest floors, and utility areas, encouraging visitors to drop off lightly used beads rather than discard them. “The bead recycling partnership helps protect the historic streets, sidewalks, and drainage infrastructure of the French Quarter by reducing post-Mardi Gras debris, ensuring that one of Louisiana’s most treasured cultural districts remains clean, walkable, and visually intact,” said FQMD Executive Director Michelle Courseault.
Upcoming Mardi Gras Parades and Events
This weekend in New Orleans promises a lively lineup of Mardi Gras festivities, headlined by the return of the provocative and humorous Krewe du Vieux parade, rolling through the French Quarter on Saturday at 6:30 PM. The weekend parade schedule kicks off with Krewe Bohéme on Friday at 7 PM and includes Sunday parades from the Krewe of Nefertiti, Mystic Krewe of Scissors and Glue, and ‘tit Rex. In addition to parades, the city offers a variety of cultural events. The Ogden Museum features a new exhibition of Herman Leonard’s photography, and the New Orleans Museum of Art debuts a showcase of work by local artist Hayward L. Oubre Jr. Fans of ‘The Originals’ can enjoy a themed convention and ball, while creative types can make their own LEGO floral arrangements at a pop-up bar. Music lovers can attend Rockin’ 1000, a massive concert featuring 1,000 musicians and singers, making its U.S. debut Saturday at the Caesars Superdome.
