| By Bob Warren
Investing in power: After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the government spent billions to repair and design new levees to protect much of south Louisiana. Will Hurricane Ida be the impetus to finally modernize and storm proof the electrical grid? And for the latest on power restoration, please check with NOLA.com. We're posting updates as we get them.
Important FEMA stuff: A lot of folks are no doubt asking what help FEMA might be able to provide them right about now. Our friends over at The Lens and Southerly report that power outages, not just damage, could open the way for some financial aid.
Stronger than Ida: St. Charles Parish was one of the hardest-hit places around metro New Orleans. It’s an absolute mess. But the people who live there are stronger than any hurricane, our Michelle Hunter reports today.
Fortress against the storm: Tiny Manchac was one of those coastal communities right in Ida’s bullseye. But a bright spot? Middendorfs, the off-the-beaten-path fried seafood hub that has drawn crowds for decades, fared much better, thanks to some fortifying by its owners, our restaurant guy Ian McNulty reports.
The pizza blob: Speaking of food, a growing blob of dough in the trash outside a north shore pizza place has become a bit of a social media hit. Check it out.
Thanks for taking a break with the Lunch Line today. Stay safe. BW | 
