| By Bob Warren
Another mass shooting: For the second time this week, someone opened fire on a group of people in New Orleans. Five people were shot Thursday night, one fatally, in Central City, police said. On Wednesday, a shooting Uptown claimed two lives and left two others with gunshot wounds. Check back with NOLA.com later today for more on this breaking story.
No proof required: That vaccine proof or a negative COVID test you needed to get into Tiger Stadium? No more. LSU announced this morning it's no longer needed and comes amid a “consistent and significant decline in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations” across Baton Rouge and Louisiana.
Mardi Gras maybe: Mardi Gras 2023? A big . . . maybe. It's too early to say if parades will be able to roll again at this stage. But our resident Mardi Gras fan Doug MacCash reports that the city is hoping COVID levels continue to fall, which will open the door to something resembling a normal Carnival season. Let's hope....
Up and down: Saints nation is still reeling a bit from last week’s loss to the winless Giants, what with the blown 11-point lead and all. But our Jeff Duncan says there’s still plenty to like about this edition of the boys in Black and Gold, despite their yo-yo-like early-season nature. The Saints play Sunday against Washington.
Billionaire band leader: Finally, not everyday you see a famous billionaire leading a marching band down the street. But there was Sir Richard Branson, he of the Virgin business empire (and British knight/astronaut) fame, in New Orleans to cut the ribbon at his new hotel, leading the St. Augustine High School Marching 100. And wearing a St. Aug band uniform to boot.
Hope you enjoyed the Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us today. BW | 
