BY VICKI FERSTEL | Staff writer Near the southern end of Louisiana’s Highway 1, a short drive from Grand Isle, lies a stretch of beach and marsh known as the Caminada Headland. Much of the funding to restore the site has come from the 2010 BP oil spill settlement. But those monies will dry up, leaving officials worried the headland may disappear without additional restoration efforts. Staff writer Mike Smith explores the issue here. As homeowners insurance costs skyrocket, many Louisianians are forgoing policies, or getting large-deductible policies. As staff writer Sam Karlin reports, many of these homeowners may not be able to afford to rebuild if the worst happens this hurricane season. The scenario could involve Habitat for Humanity foreclosing on recipients of low-cost home loans, retirees being pushed back into the workforce, white-collar professionals leaving the state, and homes languishing on the market. Read more about this dire situation. Speaking of hurricanes, forecasters are keeping an eye on two disturbances, one in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and another in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Our online staff will keep you updated. |