“Louisiana lost more than $71 million in taxpayer money on a failed sugar cane mill in Jefferson Davis Parish that was sold for scrap late last year, according to an audit released Monday.” – Washington Times

“The reported four-year, $40-million deal with $21 million guaranteed makes Graham the highest paid tight end in NFL history and compares favorably to the contracts of elite wide receivers in the NFL.” – NOLA.com

“The leadership of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and Superintendent John White have offered to Gov. Bobby Jindal a compromise they hope eases some of his opposition to a nationally comparable test.” – Shreveport Times

“Then, Jindal apparently took an indirect swipe at New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Miller had asked about Christie — Jindal’s potential foe in the 2016 Republican presidential primary — and the Louisiana governor said he thought the next national election should be about more than personalities. Christie, more so than other Republican presidential hopeful, is defined by his strong personality.” – NOLA.com

“State regulators let payday lenders slide on more than 8,000 ‘major violations,’ according to the Louisiana legislative auditor, a lapse that had at least one lawmaker Monday formally requesting a joint legislative investigation.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Phase one is underway at the Louisiana State Capitol on a $4.37 million project to make security improvements to the buildings, grounds and surrounding areas.” – WAFB

“Landrieu says her initiative includes the ‘Bank on Students Emergency Loan Act’ with student loans to refinance those loans at 3.86%.” – KPEL

“Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Rob Maness told a Baton Rouge audience Monday that he plans to take a tool chest with him to Washington, D.C., if he is elected to the U.S. Senate in November.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“In an appearance Monday before the Press Club of Baton Rouge, Maness blasted career politicians in Washington and opposed the White House’s $3.7 billion emergency spending request on illegal immigration.” – NOLA.com

“Baton Rouge-based specialty chemicals maker Albemarle Corp. will pay $6.2 billion in cash and stock for a New Jersey firm that produces the lithium and lithium compounds used in batteries for smartphones and hybrid and electric vehicles.” – Baton Rouge Advocate