Four legislative committees met this week to discuss the state’s auto insurance crisis. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the industry is simple at its core in the sense that it’s dollar in, dollar out and if they pay more than a dollar going out, rates must increase.
Cut 4 (08) “…injuries.”
Temple says there needs to be tort reform for both auto and property insurance.

The Humane Society of Louisiana has issued a heat advisory alert for pets and they are urging animal owners to provide shade and water for pets and farm animals. Director Jeff Dorson says do not walk your pet on hot cement or sidewalks and never leave pets in cars or crates outside, as that basically amounts to a death sentence…
cut 9 (10) “…110 to 20 degrees”
Dorson says failure to properly take care of an animal could result in criminal charges.

Mortgage rates have dropped to a 15-month low and that’s not just good news for today’s house hunters, it could bring significant savings to homeowners who have higher rates. Guild Mortgage Company Area Manager, Richard Allen, says homeowners are taking advantage of the rate drop, and depending on the loan type, savings go beyond interest rates…
Cut 10 (11) “…to pay.”
Allen says calls have increased from homeowners seeking to refinance.

Construction has started on phase two of the Houma Navigational Canal Lock Complex, which will limit saltwater intrusion. Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District President Tony Alford says the HNC Lock Complex will also distribute freshwater within the Terrebonne Basin, which help foster thousands of acres of wetland and fisheries…
cut 14 (08) “….tributaries”
The HNC Lock Complex will also close one of the remaining gaps of the Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection System