“BRAC says the results of a survey it recently completed with 405 likely voters who live within the proposed boundaries of the city of St. George show that most residents don’t see incorporation of a new city as the only way to get the quality schools they’re after.” – Baton Rouge Business Report

“Lawmakers have rejected a measure that would have made it illegal to refuse to sell or lease property to same-sex couples in Louisiana solely because they are gay, the latest setback for groups trying to advance gay rights legislation in the state. Three Democrats joined nine Republicans on the House Commerce Committee in rejecting the measure Monday 12-3. None said specifically why they voted against the bill.” – KATC

“The Louisiana Senate failed to pass Senate Bill 250 from State Sen. Rick Ward, R-Port Allen, which aimed to exempt certain big-cat owners from a state law banning exotic pet ownership. The law would apply to Michael Sandlin, who owns the 13-year-old Siberian-Bengal tiger named Tony, who has lived at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete for more than a decade.” – New Orleans Gambit

“The New Orleans Saints don’t intend to pick up the fifth-year option on running back Mark Ingram, according to CBS Sports.” – NOLA.com

“Race can be a tough issue to tackle. But Monday night, the city of New Orleans launched a new program aimed at starting a dialogue and taking action. ‘If we can come to trust each other we can do amazing and powerful things,’ said Susan Glisson, executive director of the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation. – WWL-TV

“Louisiana saw a record-setting 27.3 million visitors in 2013, thanks in part to the success of the Superbowl and other events held in the state last year. The travelers spent a total $10.8 billion while visiting Louisiana, according to a report produced by the University of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center.” – NOLA.com

“A Louisiana House committee Tuesday morning approved a bill that would give public schools and students an additional year to prepare for the national tests that go with Common Core.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Lawmakers in the House have taken their hand at crafting next year’s $25 billion budget.” – KPEL

“A Denham Springs company will spend two months trying to contain the feral hogs that are tearing up West Bank hurricane protection levees. Chad Kelly’s Hog Commander was chosen for the pilot project, which will expire June 25.” – NOLA.com

“The summary reported that the number of people employed in Louisiana’s civilian labor force reached another record high, exceeding two million for the first time in Louisiana history.” – Plaquemine Post South