 | By DREW BROACH | Deputy metro editor |
COOLING OFF: At a time when the most obvious challenge to New Orleans area house buyers might seem to be rising mortgage rates, real estate agents say multiple issues are threatening to cool what has been a hot market. It’s not just mortgage rates but also property and flood insurance premiums.
POST-ROE LOUISIANA: By the numbers, Louisiana is among the most difficult places in the country to bear and raise a child. And with most abortions now outlawed in the state, thousands more kids could be born here each year. People on all sides of the abortion debate are promising to do more to support mothers and children, but whether the state should put more resources toward pregnant women and kids – and what that might look like – is far from settled.
DID YOU SEE THAT? In a sense, the entirety of the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture’s opening night at the Caesars Superdome was a surprise. Contrary to major music festival norms - and to 26 years of Essence precedent - the producers did not publicize the performance times in advance, so it was something of a jolt whenever anybody started and stopped their set on the main stage on Friday night. It was even more amazing when these unannounced performers showed up to sing.
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Thanks for starting your Sunday with us. Catch the latest news all day at NOLA.com. D.B. | 
