 BY VICKI FERSTEL | Staff writer Skyrocketing premiums, less-than-ideal coverage and fewer options: Experts worry that Louisiana's property insurance crisis could dampen the state's housing market. As staff writer Sam Karlin notes, that could put home ownership out of reach for some residents. Read how that, in turn, could affect the state's economy.
Strong winds and heavy rains are expected to affect western and southwestern Louisiana as Tropical Storm Beryl makes its way toward the Texas coast. Parts of Louisiana could see 1 to 4 inches of rain, with the worst rain threats today, as rain bands associated with the storm move across the region. Keep checking back for updates. In the meantime, here's the latest.
OK, enough doom and gloom. Let's focus on the sweet, simple gifts of summer: fireflies and flowers, lots and lots of ice cream, and a favorite of the late, great Smiley Anders: deliciously sloppy tomato sandwiches. Read contributing writer Danny Heitman's summertime reverie here. | 
