| By Drew Broach | Deputy metro editor
SAINTS SUCCESSION: For almost four decades, the New Orleans Saints have been owned by a Benson, first Tom then, since his death in 2018, his wife, Gayle. But at some point, the Benson reign will end, as Gayle Benson, 74, has no heirs. At that point, the Saints will be sold and the proceeds - likely billions of dollars - will be given away through charities to benefit the people of New Orleans, according an exclusive report from The Times-Picayune and WVUE. Related: - On the immediate horizon, is what to name the team's newly merged group of cheerleaders, sign wavers and other fan engagement employees. The temporary name, Saints Cheer Team, is awfully bland, but you can suggest better ones through Oct. 8.
- What does a Swedish singer know about New Orleans music and the New Orleans Saints? As it turns out, quite a lot. Pär Stenhammar leads a Stockholm-based, New Orleans-style band called Louisiana Avenue, and just in time for the Saints home opener at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, Louisiana Avenue has released “Who Dat,” a tribute to the Black and Gold.
PARADE PORTENT: The Krewe of BOO! parade is not one of New Orleans bigger processions nor one of its oldest; it first rolled in 2008. But it's going to make a small bit of history Oct. 23 when it becomes the first conventional float parade in the city since the coronavirus pandemic took hold 18 months ago. And in a hint at what might follow, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said permitting the Halloween-themed parade “is a step towards the return of Mardi Gras next spring."
REMOVAL RIFT: In a major change, Louisiana public school students will no longer be removed from classrooms if they have close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, schools Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said. The proposal to end mandatory quarantine for exposed students sparked an unusual, high-level public rift among Brumley, Gov. John Bel Edwards and state health officer Joseph Kanter, who blasted the move.
Thanks for starting your day with us. Find more stories all day on NOLA.com. D.B.
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