| By Jerry DiColo
ZION: There was some unexpected news at the New Orleans Pelicans' media day, and it wasn't great. Zion Williamson fractured his right foot during a summer workout and needed surgery. But head of basketball operations David Griffin said he expects the star forward to be ready to go for the start of the regular season on Oct. 4.
CARNIVAL UPDATE: When will we know the plan for next year's Carnival? Doug MacCash reports that krewes are expecting to learn more next month when they get together with Mayor LaToya Cantrell as part of the Mardi Gras Task Force. But already, krewe leaders are discussing COVID-19 safety precautions -- including whether to require vaccines for riders.
BACK IN NEW ORLEANS: For the first time in nearly a month, the Saints have returned to New Orleans. The team has been practicing in Dallas since Hurricane Ida, but they flew straight home after their much-needed 28-13 win over the New England Patriots.
Thanks for reading. Check out the rest of our coverage on NOLA.com. JD | 
