“Lawmakers approved a $24.6 billion budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year that begins July 1. It will increase spending on services for the disabled, higher education and public schools, and give pay raises to rank-and-file state workers and state troopers.” – WBRZ

“‘It is no secret it’s something I am thinking about, but right now I am focused on winning the war of ideas and also focused on winning these [mid-term] elections in 2014,’ Jindal told the reporters over breakfast.” – The Lens

“More than half the oil and gas wells in Louisiana were not inspected within a three-year guideline set by the state, and more than 2,800 orphaned wells in the state has not been plugged as of July 2013.” – The New Orleans Advocate

“A batch of big-budget films is set to be shot in Louisiana over the summer as the state’s investment in a tax credit program draws cost-conscious producers.” – Fox News

“The Louisiana Legislature spent more time focusing on educational, energy and social issues than the state’s government spending or financial health in its 2014 lawmaking session, a change from recent years.” – NOLA.com

“A Beechcraft Bonanza plane crashed in theMcDonald’s parking lot in the 8000 block of DeSiard Street Tuesday morning, according to airport manager Ron Phillips, who was on scene.” – Monroe News Star

“In a challenge to Gov. Bobby Jindal, state Superintendent of Education John White said Tuesday morning that teachers deserve clarity on Common Core test plans rather than having the issue “tossed about in the morning headlines” on whether they will be scrapped.” – The Advocate

“A last-ditch effort to create a special riverfront taxing district in New Orleans collapsed in the final hours of the legislative session Monday. Mayor Mitch Landrieu had pushed the idea as a way to raise revenue for the cash-strapped city.” – The Lens

“A New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward revitalization plan goes to Louisiana voters for approval Nov. 4. The Louisiana Legislature gave final legislative approval to the proposed constitutional amendment before its 2014 session ended Monday.” – The New Orleans Advocate

“Louisiana policy and business leaders have only just started to review the Obama’s administration’s plan to reduce carbon emissions from the nation’s power plants by 30 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. But the 645-page proposal is already drawing mixed reaction as to how it will impact the state.” – NOLA.com