The latest buzz: A swarm of bees has taken over parts of downtown Baton Rouge, WBRZ-TV reports. Caution tape blocked off an area around Third Street, between Florida and Laurel, around lunchtime today. The bees may have come from a hive on the roof of a nearby building, the station reports. Read the full story.
Lagniappe: Gov. John Bel Edwards is hailing news that Louisiana has an estimated $300 million surplus from the last budget year, saying today the money stems from better-than-expected income personal and business tax collections and demonstrates an improving economy. Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras says he’s pleased with the surplus, but he questions whether the higher-than-predicted collections were driven entirely by economic conditions. Read the full story.
Rate change: Mortgage rates moved higher for the fourth week in a row and show no signs of abating, The Washington Post reports. According to data released today by Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate average climbed to 4.65% with an average 0.5 point. Points are fees paid to a lender equal to 1% of the loan amount. It was 4.6% a week ago and 3.83% a year ago. The 30-year fixed-rate average is just shy of the five-year high of 4.66 set in May. The 15-year fixed-rate average grew to 4.11% with an average 0.5 point. It was 4.06% a week ago and 3.13% a year ago. Read the full story.
