By Bob Warren
Worst in U.S.: You knew COVID was back in the news. But did you know the outbreak we’re having in Louisiana is the worst in the nation? It is. (New numbers come out this afternoon - check NOLA.com for the latest.) Speaking of . . . Louisiana hospitals are dealing not only with surging cases, but also with employees who won’t get vaccinated. Same goes for Louisiana nursing homes, where residents have been vaccinated at a good clip – but the workers, not so much. Also on the COVID front, Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins said Sunday that he, his wife and son all have it.
Caesar's new palace: The Saints and Caesars Entertainment Inc. have signed a 20-year deal that sells Caesars the naming rights to the Superdome. The cost: $138 million. But Saints and Caesars brass said it'll more than just naming rights - they talked Monday of a partnership that will bring more events to the giant building. They also released some cool renderings.
Welcome to Heat Island: It’s hot in New Orleans. No secret there, right? But a new study out says that the Crescent City is the worst “heat island” of 159 cities measured across the U.S.
Latin Mass: The Roman Catholic Latin Mass has been in the news following the Pope’s restoration of some restrictions the church had placed on it. In the New Orleans area, there’s a small but growing community of Latin Mass-goers. Marie Fazio spent some time with them and wrote this story.
Big investment: An East Coast hedge fund with a $15 billion renewable energy portfolio is getting pretty deeply into the solar business in Louisiana. D.E. Shaw Investment will control nearly half of the 16 solar farms proposed across the state, Kristen Mosbrucker reports.
Also in the news: New Orleans police are investigating a drive-by shooting that left two people dead. And Ramon Vargas has more on the arrest of a man accused of murdering New Orleans teacher Liz Quackenbush. All this and much more in today’s Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us. BW | 
