NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – Hurricane Gustav churned toward the Louisiana coast through the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico on Sunday with strength that could rival 2005′s Hurricane Katrina, prompting low-lying New Orleans to begin evacuation.

The world oil market’s reaction to the gathering threat of Hurricane Gustav will be tested in an extended trading session on Sunday afternoon.

ST. PAUL (Reuters) – Republican John McCain’s nominating convention suffered its first casualties from Hurricane Gustav on Sunday — both President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will be unable to attend.

KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Five Sudanese men accused of murdering a U.S. aid worker are religious extremists who plotted to attack foreigners at New Year’s Eve gatherings, Sudanese prosecutors told a court on Sunday.

President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will not attend the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, because of Hurricane Gustav, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Sunday.

On a cigarette break from washing dishes in the French Quarter, Michael Kennedy swung open the door of Café Maspero, and the briny smell of raw shrimp followed him outside.

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Britain said on Sunday it would seek a review of the European Union’s ties to Russia following Moscow’s intervention in Georgia, but Russia said European self-interest would temper the bloc’s response.