| By DREW BROACH | Deputy metro editor |
WIRED: Louisiana, which ranks 40th in the United States for residents with broadband internet access, is one of the first four states to receive broadband infrastructure improvement aid under the American Rescue Plan. The Treasury Department on Tuesday announced how much money Louisiana is getting and how many households and businesses will be helped. HATS OFF: Some of the possessions that made Chris Owens - well, Chris Owens - are going up for auction. Think diamond-studded watches, a belt made from $20 gold coins, custom-made Easter bonnets, fox stoles, Versace Champagne flutes and an alluring coffee table in which the glass tabletop is supported by a reclining bronze woman. Hankering for the French Quarter entertainer’s space-age, 1950s hair dryer? Here’s how to get in on the bidding. CLOUD GAZER: The new director of the National Weather Service knows quite a bit about the weather in the New Orleans area. That’s because he got his start here, and ran the local office for 10 years. Learn more about Ken Graham’s latest promotion. (Stay up to date on hurricane season by subscribing to our Hurricane Center newsletter.) Thanks for starting your Wednesday with us. Check the latest news all day on NOLA.com. D.B. | 