The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals hears three cases regarding same-sex marriage bans in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi today. Tulane Constitutional Law Professor Keith Werhan says supporters will argue that the state has to have a legitimate reason in denying two adults who want to marry, the right to do so. He says opponents will argue on the strength of state’s rights…

cut 5 (09) “their state”

In September, Federal Judge Martin Feldman upheld Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage, but the ruling was appealed to the 5th Circuit.

D-plus is the grade for Louisiana public schools from Education Week as part of their annual report. The state’s public education system is also ranked 44th. House Education Chairman, Steve Carter of Baton Rouge, says it’s encouraging to see Louisiana move up in the rankings, because historically the Bayou State has ranked 48th or 49th when it comes to public education…

cut 14 (06) “to accomplish”

He says a series of reforms passed in 2012 will lead to better grades in the future.

Representative Tim Burns of Mandeville is introducing a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would restrict the use of cell phones to “hands-free” only on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. He says people who drive the Causeway seem more prone to be on their phones while behind the wheel which is a major problem…

cut 8 (11) “electronic device”

The bill would require people who drive The Causeway to use wireless technology if they want to talk on the phone.

A Calcasieu Parish grand jury did not indict a former LSU and NFL player Brandon Winey on an attempted second degree murder charge. According to authorities, Tahj Jones was shot once in the stomach by Winey during an altercation in April of last year. Winey’s attorney, Walt Sanchez, says he’s glad the grand jury agreed that the gun was fired in self defense…:

cut 11 (07) “right result”

Winey played at LSU from 1998-2000 and spent two seasons playing for the Miami Dolphins.