By Bob Warren Flood insurance price hikes: We keep hearing that flood insurance rates across the region are going to skyrocket. Details are still painfully scarce, but reporter Mike Smith, who has been trying to track this story, offers some hints in his latest piece. Huge increases could be looming, friends. In a related story, Mark Schleifstein looks at some new estimates for damage storms might bring to our coastal communities. The list of the 10 most at-risk communities includes much of St. Charles and southern St. Tammany Parish. Pulling the plug: There was another development this morning in the city's controversial "smart city" plan. The private consortium pursuing an agreement to provide the city with expanded broadband access now says it's out. Matt Sledge has the latest. Keeping drunk drivers off the road: Anti-drunk driving groups in Louisiana have pushed for expanded use of devices that help prevent impaired drivers from being able to start their cars. But the effort might be more complicated than you'd think. Pelicans soar: The Pelicans …. OMG! Another thrilling win last night at the Smoothie King Center. They head to Phoenix now for Game 5 of their series against the heavily-favored Suns knotted at 2-2. Here’s the latest this morning. Guess what else last night’s win did? It sets up a crazy Thursday night, where the Pels will be in a playoff game at the same time the Saints are winning the NFL draft. A two-TV night for sure! Home movies: If you grew up in New Orleans, there's a good chance you became familiar with a neighborhood movie house. Time was when movie houses filled the landscape. Mike Scott writes today about the Fine Arts Theater. Enjoy! Let's be nice to each other: It's been a long couple of years. And as the city’s hospitality industry gets back on its feet we can expect some hiccups. Cut ‘em a little slack, our food guy Ian McNulty writes today. We can see every shortcoming as a slight, or “we can give each other the break we deserve.” Hope you enjoyed today’s Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us. And of course, be sure to check out NOLA.com for more news throughout the day. BW |