Louisiana Legislature & Budget: Louisiana’s 2026 Regular Session adjourned after lawmakers passed a $47 billion balanced budget, including major K-12 and higher-ed funding, plus road and infrastructure investments and a teacher-pay path via a task force. Courts & Public Safety: A bill to cut Orleans Parish Criminal District Court judgeships from 12 to 9 heads to Gov. Jeff Landry, with court-watchers warning it could slow justice. Crime & Courts: A Baton Rouge man pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder after knocking for $10 and firing into a home when the resident refused. Community & Culture: A fire-damaged Old Hammond house is being transformed into the Jewish Cultural Center, with plans to turn it into a new community anchor. Violence & Neighborhoods: Baton Rouge residents are calling for more action as shootings keep hitting neighborhoods, saying community walks aren’t enough. Environment & Wildlife: LDWF and LDAF launched the Louisiana Forestry Initiative, a cost-share program for private landowners to improve forest health and wildlife habitat. Sports: LSU baseball’s Jaden Noot entered the transfer portal after a season that ended without an NCAA Tournament berth. Travel: Southwest is cutting some service options out of New Orleans, affecting flights to Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Food Deal: Popeyes is bringing back its $6 Big Box with chicken, sides, and a biscuit for a limited time starting June 1.