NATIONAL

“Technically, Obama’s vacation began on August 9. It is scheduled to end on Sunday, August 24. With the exception of a two-day interlude in D.C., it has been two weeks of golf, jazz, biking, beach going, dining out, celebrating, and sniping from critics, not all of them conservative, who are unnerved by the president taking time off at a moment of peril.” – Matthew Continetti/Washington Free Beacon

“In the past several months there have been three incidents that have solidified for me that my faith and my politics are starting to collide. While I am a firm believer in the idea of a conservative populism, I see a dangerous trend within the mix of unfortunate shrillness and hostility. That trend is playing out in the comments here at RedState and on social media.” – Erick Erickson/RedState

“Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Friday issued an apology for cracking two Asian-themed jokes during a speech Thursday night at the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce.” – The Hill

“It can work. The Islamic State is overstretched. It’s a thin force of perhaps 15,000 trying to control a territory four times the size of Israel. Its supply lines are not just extended but exposed and highly vulnerable to air power.” – Charles Krauthammer/National Review

“The current ‘pause’ in global warming that has baffled climate scientists could last at least another decade because of oceanic cooling cycles, according to a new report.” – Daily Caller

“Aides said the golf game did not reflect the depth of his grief over Mr. Foley.” – Hot Air

“The ‘Taliban Five’ for Bergdahl trade, sans mandatory Congressional notification, was not legal. But the Obama White House executed it anyway, over the objections of the intelligence community:” – Townhall

“Ralph Peters, the iconoclastic author and military strategist has been very vocal of late regarding US national security policy and the growth of the global jihadist movement.” – Breitbart

“Turning once again to what the sociologists call ‘coping mechanisms’: there is marijuana and then there is alcohol. They are increasingly the civilized options.” – Bob Tyrrell/American Spectator

“The sudden accuracy of Israeli attacks on Hamas leadership didn’t escape the notice of those who have survived the latest round of retaliatory air strikes after Hamas violated yet another cease-fire. After three top commanders got killed in Gaza, Hamas went on a mole hunt … and executed 18 accused ‘collaborators.’ Seven of them were killed outside a mosque, in front of worshipers:” – Hot Air

 

LOUISIANA

“Louisiana’s gross domestic product increased by 5.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, the fourth-fastest pace in the nation, according to figures released Wednesday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Maness’ campaign had intended to qualify using signatures, but Maness paid with a check. Campaign officials insist he had the required number of signatures but could not get them certified in time.” – NOLA.com

“The National Hurricane Center warns of an ‘increase in Internet hype’ surrounding non-credible predictions popping up online.” – Fox 8 Live

“After being stuck in traffic and missing qualifying yesterday, U.S. Rep. Vance McAllister was waiting for the Secretary of State to open the front doors Friday morning to sign the paperwork, pay the fees and officially begin his reelection campaign.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Rep. Vance McAllister, R-Swartz, didn’t mince words about his feelings toward Gov. Bobby Jindal when he arrived for qualifying in Baton Rouge on Friday.” – NOLA.com

“Superintendent Harrison issued his charge to his new commanders and the NOPD, to engage the community more. This comes on top of hiring more officers and dealing with a very strict consent decree.” – WWL-TV

“At least one member of the Southern University System Board of Supervisors is calling for the resignation of President Ronald Mason, ahead of a planned discussion on the renewal of Mason’s contract this weekend.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise qualified for the 1st congressional district race Thursday, seeking his 4th term representing the New Orleans area. The state’s first congress member to hold the leadership post since Hale Boggs in 1971, Scalise says he’s now positioned to do more in Washington for his home state.” – WWNO

“A state appellate court denied on Thursday a request to review an Aug. 15 lower court decision that upheld a nine-member redistricting plan which shrinks the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board by two seats.” – Baton Rouge Advocate

“Preservation Hall received major exposure this week, and it is about to get even more in the coming weeks. The iconic jazz venue is getting rock star treatment thanks to the band Foo Fighters and an upcoming HBO series.” – WWL-TV