| BY BOB WARREN | Staff writer |
Navy base conversion: Construction on a long-awaited plan to convert the old military base in the Bywater to apartments could begin soon. Business writer Tony McAuley has the latest on that project, which has been in the planning stages for years. Soft drink ban: Louisiana is preparing to join the ranks of states banning the purchase of soft drinks with SNAP benefits. Emily Woodruff reports that the soda ban is part of the larger effort to reshape food policy led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Hog wild: If the amount of money raised is any indicator, this weekend’s Hogs for the Cause barbecue cookoff was a big success. Ian McNulty tells us which teams took the taste trophies and who raised the most money. Speaking of food, and Ian, check out his look at the growth of the dining scene across the Gulf Coast. Maybe some fodder for your next trip. Did you get this newsletter forwarded from someone else? Sign up here. And if you're interested in becoming a NOLA.com subscriber, here's a great offer. Stay spectacular, Bob | 