| By Bob Warren
Carnival and COVID: Carnival 2022 is in full swing, making a return after COVID canceled the party last year. But can it come off safely? Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Dr. Jennifer Avegno, meanwhile, held forth this morning on the city's plan -- look for that story later today on NOLA.com.
No love for Eli: Seems like a good chunk of south Louisiana was solidly behind the Bengals in last night’s Super Bowl. (Joe Burrow, amirite? And let's not even go here...) But it's probably safe to say a lot of locals weren't so solidly behind Bengals defensive back (and former Saint) Eli Apple. Apple had some rough plays, and local social media reflected it.
Vaxxed and counted: Students in New Orleans public schools were required to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Feb. 1. Spoiler alert: They didn't all meet the deadline.
Coming home: Cavan closed its doors after Hurricane Ida. Now, restaurant writer Ian McNulty reports, the Uptown property has a new owner, Chris Dupont, who is returning home from an impressive run in Birmingham.
Hope you enjoyed Lunch Line today. Thanks for taking a break with us. BW | 
