| By Bob Warren Today we can tell you that the new Saints coach is . . .well, we can’t tell you because we don’t know. There's lots of speculation of course. And now that Sean Payton has announced his departure, finding a new leader is task No. 1. (Here's some background about why Payton is taking a breather. And here's where to find all of Saints and Payton coverage.)
It's a mystery: Did you hear it last night, too? There was some sort of boom that sent people across New Orleans to social media with reports that it shook their homes. Spoiler alert: It was still a mystery Wednesday morning.
COVID decline? We’re seeing some evidence that the worst of COVID’s omicron surge might be in the rearview – at least in some of our parishes. Schools in Orleans and Jefferson reported much lower numbers recently. Schools on the north shore, well, the case numbers were still on the rise.
Music on the Boulevard: The music lineup for Family Gras in Jefferson Parish was announced this morning. Headliners include Marie Osmond, Sister Sledge, Lauren Alaina and Ann Wilson of the band Heart. The free shows are Feb. 18-20 on the Veterans Boulevard neutral ground and wrapped around the parades along the Metairie route that weekend. (And here's lots more Mardi Gras reading...)
Supreme Court justice leaving: Finally, here's a story sure to command the national news cycle in the coming days: Justice Stephen Bryer is retiring from the U.S. Supreme Court, and President Joe Biden will nominate a replacement.
Hope you enjoyed Lunch Line today. Thanks for taking a break with us. BW | 
