By Drew Broach | Deputy metro editor THE ULTIMATE TEST: After two years of drastic measures meant to contain the spread of coronavirus through five separate surges, Louisiana seems to have passed the ultimate coronavirus test: Mardi Gras 2022. Thousands of people gathered from all over, parading and partying their way through a dazzling, blue-skied Fat Tuesday, without any alarming increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Now, as vaccination requirements are dropped and masks are rarer indoors, the question is whether the New Orleans region can safely gather throughout the coming height of spring festival season, and what comes next? NAME AND SHAME: Complaints about the poor state of New Orleans' streets have been a feature of life in the city for so long that it was almost unimaginable to hear residents denouncing actual work to fix the roads. But with the latter outcry now into its second year, Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration - under pressure from the public and the City Council - has started a practice of naming and shaming the tardiest projects and contractors. KENNER'S NEW MAYOR: Kenner elected a new mayor on Saturday. Police Chied Michael Glaser, term-limited in his office, challenged incumbent Mayor Ben Zahn and won. It wasn't even close. Lots of elections across the metro area Saturday. THE MUSIC STOPS: Just weeks before the Foo Fighters were to headline the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, drummer Taylor Hawkins has died during a South American tour with the band. The Jazz Fest scheduling cubes are supposed to be released Tuesday. Thanks for starting your Sunday with us. Check out NOLA.com for more news throughout the day. D.B. |