| By Bob Warren
All that jazz: Three years is waaaaay too long between Jazz Fests. But hope springs eternal and after COVID scuttled hopes in 2020 and 2021, organizers have released the much-anticipated list of performers for the 2022 New Oleans Jazz & Heritage Festival later this spring. Look for The Who, Foo Fighters, Erykah Badu, Lionel Richie, Willie Nelson and lots more. (Speaking of music, Elton John finally played his long-delayed show at the Smoothie King Center last night. And from Keith Spera’s story, sounds like Elton was in fine form.)
Crime talk: Look for lots more crime talk today. The New Orleans City Council is holding the first of two special crime hearings, and it comes as the police chief and DA continue to point fingers over who is more to blame for increases in violent crime in recent years. Check back with NOLA.com this afternoon for meeting coverage.
It's the economy: The region’s economy was the topic of a forum we hosted this morning. There's optimism for 2022, but a lot depends on the shape of the pandemic and issues ranging from crime to supporting the city's workforce. If you missed it, you can catch the replay here.
Zion drama: Although the Pels have played well at times, there’s no doubt the team misses the scoring – and star power – of Zion Williamson. Williamson has yet to hit the court this season as he recovers from an offseason foot injury. Lots of drama there and our Pels writer Christian Clark checks in with the latest.
Hope you enjoyed Lunch Line today. Thanks for taking a break with us. BW | 
