“Recently, the House of Representatives and the Senate passed my legislation, the ‘Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014,’ by an overwhelming margin. This legislation will provide immediate, long-term relief from the draconian rate increases that homeowners across Louisiana would have faced under the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012. The process to bring this critical legislation across the finish line was by no means easy and would not have been possible without the hard work and leadership of Rep. Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge.” – Rep Michael Grimm/NOLA.com

“Some Democratic legislators, along with groups representing the elderly, people on fixed incomes and the poor, have targeted the payday lending industry in the legislative session that runs through June 2.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Unusually cold temperatures in north Louisiana parishes are expected to have killed 90 percent of the salvinia weevils used to combat the invasive aquatic plant giant salvinia, which is clogging waterways across Louisiana, according to LSU AgCenter weed scientist Dearl Sanders.” – Monroe News Star

“At the hearing, Honore and the Green Army will be joined by local environmental activists, including members of Mossville Environmental Action Now; Wilma Subra, a chemist and microbiologist who has represented Mossville residents since the late 1970s; and Michael Tritico, president of Restore Explicit Symmetry to Our Ravaged Earth.” – Lake Charles American Press

“The Louisiana House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee smothered a bill that would ban handheld cell phone use while driving.” – NOLA.com

“Two bills will go before a committee to determine how municipal governments handle drivers who speed. Some Louisiana lawmakers are hoping to put the brakes on speed traps in the state.” – WAFB

“Despite massive hurdles, Baton Rouge-area state lawmakers are trying to launch a toll road around Baton Rouge that would ease traffic tie-ups without taking countless years to build.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“No one can accuse the Saints of having a boring offseason thus far. Whether it’s cuts or signings, New Orleans has stayed busy.” – Donaldsonville Chief

“An Orleans Parish Juvenile Court judge indicted on charges that she lied about where she lives pleaded not guilty Monday (March 24). Juvenile Judge Yolanda King was released on her own recognizance after entering her plea in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Arthur Hunter’s courtroom.” – NOLA.com

“The issue presents a delicate balancing act for some governors. Bobby Jindal’s Louisiana and Scott Walker’s Wisconsin initially adopted the new standards. Now both men — possible presidential candidates — must watch as GOP lawmakers in their states push anti-Common Core bills. Jindal, who was an NGA member during Common Core’s development, told the Baton Rouge Press Club earlier this year that he’s “absolutely for rigorous standards” but ‘absolutely against any kind of federal takeover.’ Before Wisconsin lawmakers convened, Walker announced support for rethinking Common Core. In both states, however, the anti-Common Core legislation appears stalled, as neither governor has made repeal a priority.” – ABC News