Today, the Saints return to Da Dome for a showdown with Kansas City, a huge second line rolls through Central City and Lewis Black rants at Mahalia Jackson Theatre. On this day in Louisiana history, 1,712 students enrolled at the then-new LSU campus in Baton Rouge (1925) and JazzFest co-founder and Professor Longhair's manager Allison Miner was born (1949). Now for the rest of today:

There's no doubt in any Who Dat's mind that the Saints need a win against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. With two straight weeks of losses, the whole city could use the pickup - especially since it's a home game. Walking around this week, there's been a little more dread surrounding the Saints than we've experienced in recent years. 5-Star and T-Bone can feel this mood. The hip-hop duo that have taken it upon themselves to chronicle the entire Saints season in song return with a hook that was desinged to pump us up in "Chop the Chiefs."

Saints fans are proud to flaunt the Black and Gold on gameday. But for the league, there is a limit to that pride. ESPN reports one of the NFL's replacement refs got the hook from the sideline for today's game against Carolina after it was discovered he had broken that most heinous of crimes: being a Saints fan. Brian Stropolo, who was slated to work as a side judge today in Carolina, was found to be wearing Black and Gold in Facebook photos, and was immediately yanked after ESPN called the league about the pictures. 

Today, the Saints return to the field for a win against the Panthers, a second line makes the rounds Uptown, DJ Soul Sister celebrates her birthday with DAM-Funk and a benefit raises money for a house for the homeless. On this day in Louisiana history, guitarist and Subdudes leader Tommy Malone was born (1957), the Beatles played City Park Stadium for $5.00 a ticket (1964) and  Hurricane Edith made landfall (1971). Now back to today:

The Saints got off to a rough start, but tomorrow is a new game day Sunday. Bars all over town are running specials for the Saints vs. Panthers game at noon, and Who Dats can wake up early for a mimosa or frozen Irish coffee at Erin Rose before they settle into their game day haunts. As 5-Star & T-Bone so aptly put it in Here Kitty Kitty, a black cat can’t mess wit’ a WHO DAT! So grab a black n’ gold pint and cheer the Saints on as they go 1-1.  

After all the lawsuits and Tweeting, Jon Vilma and Roger Goodell are set to meet face-to-face. According to ESPN, the Saints linebacker who saw his suspension overturned Friday is planning to meet with the NFL commissioner sometime next week. Goodell said he would meet with any of the quartet of players who were suspended for their alleged roles in Bountygate, and Vilma is taking him up on the offer. Vilma's last meeting with Goodell over the suspensions came in New York City over the summer. The Black and Gold defensive captain walked out of the meeting, calling it a "charade."

For years now, the owners of Terranova's Supermarket have been making predictions on the seasonal performance of our beloved Saints and more often than not, they're pretty accurate. NOLA Defender had a chance to sit down with Benjamin "Benny" Terranova, owner of the market/butcher shop, to discuss the nature of his predictions and of course - how he thinks the Saints will do in the 2012-13 season.

For the past eight months, there wasn't any football on the field, but the Saints gave us plenty of moments to remember. The WhoDat Nation will never forget where they were when they first started spitting bile at Roger Goodell, or the first time they heard that Sean Payton was playing bongos with Jimmy Buffett. Fortunately, one hip-hop duo has been there at every moment to chronicle this tumultuous time. So, as the Saints kick off the season against the Washington Redskins, let's allow 5-Star and T-Bone - who've penned no fewer than five songs about the Saints - to show us where we've come, and where we're going.

After LSU’s big win last night, Who Dats are faithfully awaiting the Saints season opener against the Washington Redskins. After the game, check out weekly gigs from artists from Tip’s to the Howlin’ Wolf, or check out an early punk rock matinee at the Big Top. Happy Birthday to local bounce artist DJ Jubilee! Jerome Temple turns 47 today, so brush up on all your moves to “Get it Ready,” and have a dance off in his honor!  

Just in time for the Black and Gold's first knocks, NoDef's Chief Puzzler Paolo Roy brings you another themed New Orleans-themed crossword. The WhoDat Nation has been lifted up by the overturninig of the Bounty suspensions. To celebrate, give your brain a little stimulation with this Saints'-themed crossword puzzle: