“While many of the matters tucked away in bills are not new to the Louisiana Legislature, they’ve rarely been plated alongside each other with so much anticipation. From the loosening of marijuana laws to gay rights to environmental causes, this spring’s agendas sparkle with controversy.” – Jeremy Alford/LAPolitics.com

“As an opponent of Common Core since its inception, I feel the need to share some of the reasons why Common Core is a bad idea for our state.” – Rep. Brett Geymann/Monroe News-Star

“If oversleeping is taking control of your life, the New Orleans Pelicans are doing everything they can to help you get it back. Sit through one game at the Smoothie King Center, and you’ll never go to sleep again.” – Bleacher Report

“In the latest ‘LaPolitics Newsmaker’ to be published Wednesday, John Georges, The Advocate’s new publisher, talks politics and more in a question-and-answer session. And that includes speculation that he might run for governor next year.” – LAPolitics.com

“Officials said a new bubbling site has been discovered near the massive sinkhole in south Louisiana.” – WAFB

“The energy boom that has North Dakota boasting the country’s lowest unemployment rate — and skyrocketing real estate prices — could soon do the same for the Gulf Coast.” – Fox News

“A legislative auditor’s review of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast operations in Louisiana — requested by some legislators — found no indication that the group has recommended abortions or billed Medicaid for anything other than allowed family planning services.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“A small but high-profile group of south Louisiana politicians met with federal transportation officials last week about the possibility of starting passenger rail service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. State House Speaker Pro Tem Walt Leger, D-New Orleans, and Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden, among others, talked to the Federal Railroad Administration on Thursday about potential funding sources for the project. Leger said Andy Kopplin, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s chief administrative officer, and John Spain, Baton Rouge Area Foundation’s executive vice president, also attended the meeting in Washington.” – NOLA.com

“By the end of a town hall meeting Saturday at Baton Rouge Community College, state Rep. Katrina Jackson vowed not to accept any further funds from payday lending lobbyists. Jackson is the chair of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, the organization that hosted the town hall event.” – LSU Reveille

“There is no justification, including economic hardship that will make a direct or indirect relationship with Planned Parenthood, or any abortion provider, acceptable. Additionally, affiliation or support of Planned Parenthood by Catholics is a matter of serious scandal.” – Archbishop Gregory Aymond/Clarion-Herald