Louisiana
Letters: Louisiana on wrong path to address insurance crisis
The increased threat of severe weather is driving Louisiana’s insurance crisis. There are no easy solutions, but state regulators should not make the situation worse. Unfortunately, this is precisely what Commissioner Tim Temple did during the 2024 legislative session.
Temple worked to pass legislation that makes it easier for insurers to cancel policies and harder for storm victims to file claims. His package does nothing to lower insurance rates. In fact, it allows insurers to raise rates more frequently.
The centerpiece of Temple’s package repeals Louisiana’s three-year rule, enabling insurers to non-renew tens of thousands of policies, which will result in more policies migrating to Citizens, the insurer of last resort. Louisiana won’t solve an insurance crisis that revolves around a lack of availability by forcing people to insure with “the last resort.”
Another part of Temple’s package allows rate increases to go into effect without prior approval from the Department of Insurance. It also allows more frequent rate changes. This follows Temple’s elimination of the cap on expected profits insurers file with the state. Temple’s push to deregulate the industry will lead to insurers raising rates on Louisiana policyholders more frequently.
Other bills in Temple’s package gut vital consumer protections and weaken laws that hold insurers who act in bad faith accountable. While Commissioner Temple advocated for these bills, he was sitting on the results of an investigation by his department that, according to the newspaper, found that after Hurricane Ida two companies “failed to pay claims on time in nearly a quarter of cases.” Temple kept his promise to the industry to be “a more friendly department,” choosing not to fine them.
Louisiana is facing a climate-fueled insurance crisis. Unfortunately, Commissioner Temple’s approach focuses more on Big Insurance’s profit margins than on providing relief for suffering homeowners and small businesses.
BEN RIGGS
executive director, Real Reform Louisiana
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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