09-05-2025
The joy, the grief and the grind: A day in New Orleans
Thursday was a reminder to me of what it means to live in New Orleans: the highs, the lows and the daily grind.
Why it matters: It's not easy living here, but there are many reasons we call it home.
The big picture: I kicked off the morning at City Hall as Councilman Freddie King III declared it Cam Jordan Day.
The festivities captured the joy we know and love, with music, dancing, costumes and high-fiving.
Even Saints owner Gayle Benson got in on the fun, cracking a joke about Jordan's stellar stats against the Falcons.
Yes, but: Benson then rushed over in her red-soled Louboutins to Gallier Hall where the New Orleans Police Department was honoring officers who responded to the New Year's Day terrorist attack.
Talk about a vibe shift.
The award ceremony was solemn as Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick talked about the mental health toll on the responding officers.
The a cappela version of " My Tribute (How Can I Say Thanks)" brought me and others to tears. Same for my conversation with the grandmother of one of the officers who was first on the scene.
Then, it was time to pull myself together and head back to City Hall for a council meeting, where members were elevating concerns they heard from constituents.
The meeting wrapped in time for me to head over to Civil Court, where they were recounting the ballots for Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office millage, which passed by two votes.
My takeaway: We all have value. Whether we are leading the Saints to victory or taking down a gunman or casting a vote, we each have a role in this community.
I'm glad we are able to recognize our hardships, find our joy and then get back to handling our business.
