“Hey, I get that they distrust the federal government (and the U.S. Department of Education, which needs to be gotten rid of), but setting standards is different. It is important for schools and children, and we can’t repeat our mistake and stick our heads in the sand. We can’t continue to believe that Louisiana is an island unconnected to a larger—and in some cases global—economy. Louisiana, more than most economies, is significantly involved in the world beyond its borders, and we must prepare our children to live in that larger context.” – Rolfe McCollister/Baton Rouge Business Report

“A trip on the proposed passenger train between Baton Rouge and New Orleans would take about an hour and 35 minutes with seven stops on the way, a recently released feasibility study says.” – NOLA.com

“Well u know what they say…If you dont have anything nice to say…go ahead and talk about David VItter” – Edwin Edwards/Twitter

“Perhaps more difficult for people to understand is why an octogenarian, just three years out from an eight year stint in prison, would want to get back in the ring and run for the open congressional seat in Louisiana’s 6th District. The answer is simple: Edwards has got the bug.” – Daily Caller

“A Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday reported legislation favorably with amendments that would prevent minors from buying electronic cigarettes.” – Lake Charles American Press

“A proposal to add new restrictions on abortion providers in Louisiana gets its first legislative hearing, before the House health care committee. Rep. Katrina Jackson, a Democrat from Monroe, is sponsoring a bill that would require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. It’s similar to a controversial restriction recently passed in Texas.” – Shreveport Times

“As funeral costs continue to rise and cultural attitudes change, more Louisianans are opting to donate their bodies for medical education and research.” – Houma Courier

“The Louisiana Senate voted 34-0 Wednesday to make it easier for students to apply to college. Currently, students who want to apply to multiple Louisiana colleges and universities are required to fill out separate applications for each school. Senate Bill 62, sponsored by state Sen. Conrad Appel, R-Metairie, would require the state’s higher education institutions to collaborate on what’s known as a common application.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Lawmakers are familiar with Economic Development Secretary Stephen Moret’s talking points about Louisiana’s fantastic job growth and Gov. Bobby Jindal’s success in attracting new business to the state. They just want to know when the state’s economic victories are going to start generating some extra revenue for Louisiana’s cash-strapped budget.” – NOLA.com

“That’s why a recent crime in the area has neighbors on edge. Police say a 30-year-old woman visiting New Orleans was drinking at a bar with friends Friday night when they got separated. She went looking for them, but got lost. The woman made her way to the 700 block of Royal Street when a man came up and asked if she was lost, said police. That’s when the unthinkable happened.” – WWL-TV