 | By DREW BROACH | Deputy metro editor |
LAST RESORT: Louisiana’s property insurer of last resort wants to raise its already high prices by 63%, amid a dramatic increase in demand for coverage after eight private insurers collapsed and almost a dozen others exited the state. If approved by Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, the rate increase could generate as much as $158 million that Louisiana Citizens Insurance Corp. says it needs to cover its risk. (For more stories like this, subscribe to our free NOLA Business Insider newsletter, emailed weekday mornings.)
BEAT COPS: Consultants have recommended that the New Orleans Police Department shift 212 officers from detective and specialty squads to patrol duty, a move that could drive down distressingly high 911 response times but at the expense of solving major crimes. The advice has generated a stir among officers, but a spokesperson says the Police Department is mulling a shift of no more than 100 officers.
STREET ART: Crime and blight, two seemingly intractable features of New Orleans, come together in a bit of newly created graffiti in the French Quarter. Josh Wingerter’s work makes for sardonic commentary on both issues.
Thanks for starting your Wednesday day with Morning Headlines. Check the latest news all day on NOLA.com. D.B. | 
