with Bob WarrenSeniors have been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic – they account for 40% of Louisiana’s deaths. But efforts to keep them safe have, unfortunately, also increased the isolation some already feel. There's some good news today: The feds have lifted the ban on in-person nursing home visits. There are caveats, of course. But the news is certain to cheer seniors and their families, who for the past six months have had to conduct visits by phone, computer, or, in some cases, heart-breaking conversations through nursing home room windows. Faimon Roberts has that story. On the tropical weather front: We officially ran out of storm names this morning when Tropical Storm Wilfred was declared in the Atlantic. Be nice if we could end the season once the names are exhausted, right? Yeah, ain’t happening. Now we move on to the Greek alphabet, Carlie Wells tells us. Meanwhile, Hurricane Sally sure left a mess along the Alabama and Florida Panhandle Gulf coasts this week. Long cherished as a haven for beach getaways, the region’s communities and residents hold a special place in our hearts. Our continued prayers are with them. Reporter Bryn Stole and photographer Sophia Germer spent some time on the coast and have this report. In other news, Tony McAuley has the latest in the massive First NBC fraud case; Michelle Hunter has a story about the death of a Kenner hotel owner attacked three months ago in a parking lot; and sports writer Amie Just writes that the Saints’ trip this weekend to Las Vegas is no gambling junket. No blackjack or craps this trip, guys. Those stories and more in today's Lunch Line. As always, thanks for adding us to your menu. BW |