Here's what Edwin Edwards did for New Orleans

The Front Page: Farewell to a governor, the 'moveable middle' and the spelling champ's parade

By Drew Broach | Deputy metro editor

FAREWELL: No governor has ever done more for New Orleans than Edwin Edwards. During his record four terms, he played a key role in constructing the Louisiana Superdome, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the Smoothie King basketball and concert arena and the Harrah’s New Orleans casino. He also provided an infusion of money that allowed the 1984 world’s fair to get underway. Sure, there were more voters in the New Orleans area, but he also believed that helping New Orleans was good for the state overall.

On Saturday, his admirers, mourners and others paid their last respects at the Louisiana Capitol to Edwards, who died Monday at age 93.

'THE MOVEABLE MIDDLE': Louisiana’s COVID-19 vaccination rate, at around 39% of residents with at least one shot, is one of the lowest in the country and far below what is needed to provide a blanket of protection from infection across the state. But the initially reluctant are still trickling into vaccination sites, indicating to public health experts that many may yet be persuaded to accept the shot. Here's why.

WHIRLWIND WEEK: After being interviewed on national television news and talk shows, performing on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and fielding congratulatory tweets from the first lady, a former president and the mayor of New Orleans, Zaila Avant-garde will be feted at a hometown celebration Sunday. The 14-year-old home-schooled student is to be the center of attention at a drive-by parade in Harvey.

All this and much more are in today’s Front Page and on NOLA.com. Thanks for starting your day with us.

D.B.