“Recent state polls put Maness in the single digits when pitted against Landrieu and Cassidy, but in the example of Cruz and other successful tea party insurgents who seemingly came out of nowhere to seize their party’s senate nomination, Maness sees a path to victory.” – Yahoo! News

“I long ago decided to keep my opinion on this subject to myself, unless and until Edwards actually stepped back in the ring.  Since I believe he was telling Al Hunt the truth, he is back in the ring.  Now, no one who really cares what becomes of Louisiana should keep quiet, no matter how little we want to further embarrass the man.” – Elliott Stonecipher/Forward Now

“In a sharp turnaround, a commission that advises the governor on criminal sentencing issues backed legislation Thursday to reduce penalties for simple possession of marijuana.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“A three-judge panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected BP’s attempt to get the entire appeals court to review its expensive settlement with private businesses affected by its 2010 oil spill.” – WWL-TV

“House GOP leaders are putting the final touches on legislation that would significantly weaken a recently enacted overhaul of the much criticized federal flood insurance program, easing many premium increases and allowing below-market rates to be passed on to people buying homes with taxpayer-subsidized policies.” – Lake Charles American Press

“They may have been preaching to the choir, but Common Core opponents at a Baton Rouge event Thursday railed against the new education standards, painting them as a liberal political ploy and a ‘mediocre’ curriculum that won’t properly prepare students.” – NOLA.com

“A state district judge sentenced Livingston Parish School Board President Malcolm Sibley to a suspended 90-day jail term Friday after Sibley pleaded no contest in a June 15 fatal hit-and-run crash in St. Helena Parish.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“The Federal Emergency Management Administration on Thursday declared the New Orleans area levee system accredited, clearing the way for the improved storm surge protection to be incorporated into National Flood Insurance Program flood maps, which should eventually lead to reduced flood insurance rates.” – NOLA.com

“According to the Department of Justice, a Louisiana man faces up to life in prison for allegedly creating websites that collected and distributed child pornography, taught users how to coerce young boys and also taught users how to avoid law enforcement.” – WAFB

“The price of oil fell slightly but remained above $102 on Friday, underpinned by demand stemming from the severe winter weather in the U.S.” – Shreveport Times