“Two weeks ago Steve Scalise was an obscure member of the rank and file in Congress. Last week he made the successful ascent to the top three of the Republican leadership.  The five-year representative from the First District in Louisiana won a first ballot election to become the House Whip.” – Forbes

“The Louisiana Board of Regents told college and university leaders Monday that teacher training should continue to include Common Core standards despite Gov. Bobby Jindal’s move last week to shelve the academic guidelines.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Col. Rob Maness (USAF, ret.), the conservative candidate running against Mary Landrieu for the United States Senate announced on Facebook that he has now raised over $1 million in his bid to unseat Landrieu in the 2014 Senate race.” – Dead Pelican

“Louisiana remains the state with the most cost-competitive tax structure for small and mid-sized cities, with Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport ranking first, second and third, respectively, among U.S. cities, according to a study released Tuesday by KPMG International.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Lawmakers didn’t follow the Louisiana Constitution in authorizing Gov. Bobby Jindal to close the LSU-run public hospital in Pineville, a judge ruled Monday, but the judge is not requiring the Jindal administration to stop plans to shutter the facility next week.” – NOLA.com

“A casual inner tube float along the Amite River turned deadly Sunday afternoon when two men fell into the water and never resurfaced, raising concerns about the safety protocols — or lack thereof — in place for the popular summertime leisure activity along the river.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“The Louisiana Supreme Court has unanimously agreed to review the lawsuit filed by teachers protesting post-Katrina mass layoffs by the Orleans Parish School Board and state Department of Education. New Orleans district and appeals courts have ruled in favor of more than 7,000 employees who were laid off after the 2005 storm.” – NOLA.com

“Nearly 170 children in the United States were freed from sexual slavery last week, three of which were found in Louisiana.” – Shreveport Times

“Former legislator and newspaper owner Woody Jenkins said Monday that the recent annexation of the Mall of Louisiana and Baton Rouge General Medical Center into the city of Baton Rouge flagrantly violates both state and local rules, further demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law for the sake of political gain.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“In a shocking move, BP has decided to shut down its internal oil spill claims program, taking away an avenue for more than 10,000 claimants who have opted out of the oil giant’s controversial settlement agreement or others who are not covered by it.” – WWL-TV