| By Bob Warren
'Impossible burden': When Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a public health emergency in the face of surging COVID cases two years ago, it triggered a statute making it harder to successfully sue health care providers. Two cases out of St. Tammany Parish argue that the emergency law was unconstitutional, with an attorney calling it an "impossible burden."
Giving thanks: On Tuesday, a deadly tornado tore across Arabi, knocking down homes and turning lives upside down. On Sunday, the community took a break from digging out of the rubble to gather in churches and worship together.
Carnival and COVID: Wondering if the Carnival season produced a bumber crop of new COVID cases? Tune in to our town hall this afternoon to find out. We'll have a panel of experts holding forth on all things COVID. It starts at 1 p.m. Here's how to join in.
Pels big win: The Pelicans won a BIG game Sunday night at the Smoothie King Center. The Pels came from behind – 23 points – to knock off the Lakers. Very important game for the Pels’ playoff hopes, friends. Scott Kushner says the young Pelicans are becoming the team we all hoped they’d become. Speaking of . . . columnist Jeff Duncan says that blockbuster trade that sent then Pelicans' superstar Anthony Davis to those very same Lakers is looking better and better.
Landslide: Heading into Saturday’s election, some Jefferson Parish politics watchers thought Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn’s re-election bid was on the ropes. Turns out they were right. Kenner voters overwhelmingly voted to move the city in another direction, and challenger won a race that wasn’t remotely close.
Hope you enjoyed today’s Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us. And of course, be sure to check out NOLA.com for more news throughout the day. BW | 
