“Rep. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero, has authored two bills in the current Legislative session aimed specifically at preventing CDI from doing so. House Bills Nos. 808 and 848 would require the company to dedicate a portion of the Fair Grounds’ slot machine revenue for capital improvements at the track and give the Louisiana Racing Commission more leeway to hold Churchill Downs Inc. accountable if it doesn’t improve the conditions at the track.” – NOLA.com

“Helis Oil & Gas, a New Orleans-based independent energy company, plans to drill in the St. Tammany Parish portion of the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Wilfong is referring to several smoke and novelty shops on Hewwood Avenue and O’Neal lane that sell synthetic compounds advertised as aroma therapy.  Some of the mixtures are legal and branded not for consumption on the packaging but Wilfong says left over wrappers near the stores are proof they are being smoked in the area and that he believes has led to increased crime in the Wedgewood neighborhood.” – WAFB

“On a day Gov. Bobby Jindal was criticized for not taking a detailed position on Common Core, the governor said he would make his thoughts known as he worked through the issues with individual sponsors of bills that would revamp the standards for public school students to achieve.” – New Orleans Advocate

” Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, once a supporter of Common Core State Standards but lately stepping away from the issue, sidestepped giving any direct answers Thursday when asked by reporters whether he supports bills to take Louisiana out of the multistate agreement.” – Shreveport Times

“Colonel Maness is exactly the kind of leader we need in Washington,” said Schlafly. “He understands the high cost of freedom and is dedicated to defending strong pro-family values, individual liberty, and our national security.” – Eagle Forum

“With spring elections around the corner and a high-profile U.S. Senate race in November, Schedler is making rounds throughout northern Louisiana to spread the word about the tools voters have at their disposal.” – Monroe News-Star

“If you live in New Orleans, people are going to come visit you (as they completely should!) — whether you like it or not — and you’re inevitably going to have to try and rectify their horrendous misconceptions. Helping you do that, here’s a primer on the things you’ll need to explain.” – Thrillist

“Twelve days are left to sign up if you want coverage for the rest of 2014. So U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius is traveling to 25 cities with a high rate of uninsured people. New Orleans is one of those cities.” – WWL

“Seeking to restore public trust after allegations made in a recent state audit of its graduation records, the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board voted unanimously Thursday to direct Superintendent Bernard Taylor to find an outside group to conduct yet another, more extensive audit.” – Baton Rouge Advocate