| BY DREW BROACH | Staff writer |
RELENTLESS: New Orleans’ alarming pace of gun violence accelerated with the killings of three men in 15 hours at an apartment complex in the East, another in Central City and the fatal wounding of a toddler in Hollygrove. BAKED: How hot is it? On the second day of summer, Louisiana was already experiencing life-threatening temperatures that are causing an increase in illnesses driven by unbearable heat. BONANZA: New Orleans bounce music diva Big Freedia stands to reap a financial windfall, as well as a publicity bonanza and national cred, from his appearance on Beyonce’s new “Break My Soul” single. Here’s how it happened. Thanks for starting your Thursday with us. Check the latest news all day on NOLA.com. D.B. | 