| COVID's front lines: Across the state, health care workers are logging long, stressful hours as hospitals sag under the strain of the latest surge of COVID cases. We’ve had reporters and photographers in hospitals across south Louisiana – here’s what they’ve seen.
School quarantines: We’re getting a clearer picture of how this latest surge will impact the just-started school year – lots of students and staffers at metro area schools are quarantining. In New Orleans, more than 3,000 were quarantining. And check back back with NOLA.com later today for totals from other school districts. Speaking of COVID . . . another festival bites the dust. Or in this case, takes a powder. The Beignet Fest, which was canceled due to the pandemic in 2020, won’t happen next month. Sure hope we see y'all next year. . . . But “Shorty Fest,” Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews’ fundraiser is still on for October, albeit with smaller capacity and other safety protocols.
Hotel project revived: The New Orleans Convention Center is reviving its riverfront hotel project, although they've scaled back the proposal, Tony McAuley reports. See it here.
Here's the kicker: The Saints cut five players, including the kicker they brought on when starter Wil Lutz was hurt. So that means they’re in the market for a kicker – start warming up that leg! Hope you enjoyed the Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us. BW | 
