| By Chad Calder | Staff writer
OMICRON SURGE: The Louisiana Department of Health reported late Sunday that number the of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Louisiana doubled over the last seven days, the fastest weekly increase the state has seen since the pandemic began. The rare weekend reporting of the numbers signals concern among health officials that the omicron variant is surging during a popular time for social gatherings. We have the details here.
COVID STALKS THE SAINTS: The Saints are still in playoff contention, and the first of their three final games of the season is tonight, at home against the Miami Dolphins. Of course, figuring out exactly who can play is a day-to-day affair, with four more players and a coach testing positive for COVID-19 Sunday. Drew Brees will not be coming to save the day, so Blake Bortles will back up Ian Book at quarterback. You'll find all the latest here.
ELECTRICAL UPGRADE? Louisiana is well positioned to get a sizable chunk of the $27 billion set aside in the federal infrastructure bill for transmission structures, “smart grid” technology and storm hardening. The state's needs, highlighted by black outs caused by extreme weather events over the last few years, are far greater than it's likely to get money for, but Sam Karlin has a loook at efforts to sort out what can be done.
TUTU'S NEW ORLEANS VISIT: Archbishop Desmond Tutu died Sunday at age 90, and John Pope has a look at the Nobel Peace Prize winner's visit to New Orleans almost 40 years ago, when he spoke to a local Episcopal church.
Thanks for starting your day with us. Keep up with all the latest news on NOLA.com. CC | 
