| By Bob Warren
Parade routes changing: Sure seems like we'll have Carnival parades to enjoy in 2022. But folks can expect some route changes, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and other officials said at a news conference this morning. Biggest change: There won't any parades along Magazine Street. (And please check back with NOLA.com for more on this later today.)
Please, not again: Stop me if you've heard this before. COVID cases are on the rise – again. A dreaded fifth wave? Looks more and more like it. And here are some other COVID-related stories you might find interesting. Stay safe, everybody.
Venue change sought: Cardell Hayes, the man convicted of fatally shooting former Saints player Will Smith in 2016, is scheduled to be retried in April. But if Orleans Parish prosecutors have their way, the trial won’t happen in New Orleans.
Levee ruling: A state appeal court has ruled that nearly 400 acres of private land can be expropriated for the construction of the $760 million West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Levee to protect St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. Here's the latest.
Bad night for Tom (and why Saints fans love it): In the two seasons that Tom Brady has been quarterback of the Tampa Bay Bucs, he’s sure become a guy Saints fans love to rag on. And after the Saints' huge shutout of Brady’s Bucs Sunday, they have a LOT of new ammo. There's this. And this. And, of course, this. Enjoy!
Finally, Christmas is fast approaching. Looking for a last-minute gift? How about this great offer from NOLA.com and The Times-Picayune?
Hope you enjoyed the Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us today. BW | 
