“Rep. John Bel Edwards, D-Amite, attempted to interject the dispute over Louisiana’s hospital privatization plan into a discussion of the current year’s state budget financing Thursday (May 22). Edwards tried — but failed to convince — the state House of Representatives not to use $38 million that comes from hospital lease payments to help fill a gap in the state financing plan for the current year. The Democrat requested that the money be set aside in an escrow fund until the federal government makes a decision about whether to approve the Louisiana’s financing plan for the privatization of six state-owned hospitals.” – NOLA.com

“With incumbent U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu watching from afar, and with a united Democratic Party in her corner, the fight to get the GOP officially behind Congressman Bill Cassidy is gaining just as much momentum as it is hushed controversy.” – LAPolitics.com

“The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly Thursday to approve a House-Senate agreement on a water projects bill that includes several billion-dollar undertakings in Louisiana.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“St. Tammany Parish Council Chairman Reid Falconer has written a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers objecting to the issuance of a wetlands permit for Helis Oil & Gas Co. in connection with its proposal to drill a well near Mandeville. Falconer announced on Twitter: ‘Mine is in; have you written yours?'” – NOLA.com

“Bob Marley’s estate and Raising Cane’s have resolved their legal dispute over the fried chicken finger chain’s use of the slogan ‘One Love,’ which also happens to be the title of one of the late Jamaican reggae star’s biggest hits.” – WWL-TV

“The state Contractor’s Licensing Board revoked an upscale homebuilder’s license, after a host of complaints from clients who complained about unfinished work, shoddy workmanship, and unpaid subcontractors.” – WBRZ

“Two things seem clear about the abortion law that Louisiana just adopted: Whether or not it was intended to limit access to abortion services, it’s likely to do so quite dramatically. And any chance of overturning it in the courts is extremely uncertain.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Veteran Louisiana lawmaker Sen. Danny Martiny of Kenner will seek treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for what tests have indicated is melanoma. Martiny, a Republican who has served for 20 years in the Louisiana Legislature, said on Thursday (May 22) that he learned of the melanoma after his dermatologist ordered a biopsy on a growth that was removed last week from his leg.” – NOLA.com

“The kissing congressman might have announced his retirement from Congress, but don’t say goodbye to him just yet. Rep. Vance McAllister isn’t sure he’s leaving politics permanently.” – POLITICO

“U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy said the controversy surrounding the Veteran’s Administration was ‘maddening,’ and someone needed to be held accountable.” – KPEL