| By Bob Warren Even worse? Nobody would argue that Hurricane Ida didn’t pack quite the punch. But it could have even been worse. Had the hurricane’s path jogged just a little bit to the east . . . well, Mark Schleifstein has the story.
Manson, Putin . . . Strain: Jack Strain, the former top Tammany lawman turned convicted sex offender, is already serving a life prison sentence for a raft of state sex crimes. This morning, a federal judge in New Orleans tossed even more jail time his way. It prompted one heck of a quote from Strain's attorney.
Chris Owens vigil: Chris Owens, the legendary French Quarter entertainer who died Tuesday, will be celebrated with a candlelight vigil tonight on Bourbon Street, her home for decades. Doug MacCash has the latest. (And here’s some background worth reading. And be sure to check out the photos over the years.)
Best bar? Speaking of the French Quarter, our food guy Ian McNulty catches up on plans today to bring a New York City bar named the “world’s best” to a location on Conti Street. “The Dead Rabbit,” a Manhattan mainstay, will open sometime next year.
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 | 
