| BY BOB WARREN | Staff writer |
Cashless, not painless: Jazz Fest has gone cashless this year, a changeover that factored heavily into long lines on day one at the festival’s food booths. Cochon delay, our dining writer Ian McNulty called it. But the lines got quicker over the weekend and much smoother sailing is anticipated for week 2. . . . Sticking with Jazz Fest news, superstar Jon Batiste prepared for his headlining festival set this weekend by playing Tuesday night at a much more intimate New Orleans venue, Keith Spera writes. Homeless surge: The homeless population is growing across the region, with the number of people living on the streets or in shelters at its highest since 2016. Ben Myers tells us some of the reasons. Insurance fraud allegations: A Texas law firm and three of its partners have been slapped with a big fine for what Louisiana’s insurance commissioner calls insurance fraud and unfair labor practices. The firm signed up thousands of Louisiana clients in insurance cases linked to recent hurricanes, Alena Maschke reports. Selling sizzle: The Ruth’s Chris Steak House chain has been sold. The well-known New Orleans-birthed brand will join the company that runs restaurant giants Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and several others. (Literally) Breaking news: The city has closed a street running alongside the old Plaza Tower skyscraper over fears that once again parts of the derelict building might rain down on passersby, Chad Calder reports. Thanks for reading Lunch Line. If you're not a NOLA.com subscriber, check out this great deal. Bob | 