WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Thursday, the "pro-peace, pro-Israel" J Street organization will wrap up its first national conference here with a political extravaganza on Capitol Hill. Three days in, there have been some successes and some awkward moments. Full Article at Haaretz

Stephen Bell: Bell, also a Louisiana native, is the new press assistant. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a journalism degree. Bell previously interned for Rep. Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.). Scalise gets three new hires Rep. Full Article at The Hill

According to several GOP lawmakers, the leadership is split over how to proceed in terms of unveiling an alternative to the final Democratic bill that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) intends to unveil as soon as this week. Full Article at The Hill

LAFAYETTE — The University of Louisiana at Lafayette honored U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany and Charlie Melancon, as well as photographer Denis Reggie, as outstanding alumni during homecoming activities during the weekend. Full Article at 2TheAdvocate.com

George and an Internal Revenue Service official testifying before a House Ways and Means Committee subcommittee stressed that many of the questioned claims may eventually be found to be legitimate after further examination. Full Article at Kentucky.com

SALISBURY, Md. Nutria are pudgy, semi-aquatic rodents who aren't native to Maryland but have made their presence known because of their appetite for wetland plants. Full Article at The Delaware News Journal