A three-judge panel at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. The law went into effect January 1st and is on hold in five parishes. Arguing for the state, Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ah-gheen-YAH-ga) said the posters were designed with Supreme Court precedent in mind.
Cut 10 (15) “…that exact concept.”
Representing the plaintiffs, Jonathan Youngwood said kids would be subject to constant religious indoctrination, whether they like it or not.
Cut 13 (09) “…every single day.”
The court will issue its ruling at a later date; it will undoubtedly be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The state is getting its first look at agricultural damages caused by the winter storm. Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says rye grass is likely lost, forcing cattle to rely on hay for grazing. Strain says some good news is the long term freeze likely killed the Pine Beetles.
Cut 4 (06) “…that are problematic.”
More and more roadways are reopening, now that the worst of the winter storm is behind us. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge on I-10 is now back open in both directions, which means people can once again drive from Baton Rouge to Texas or vice-versa. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says the sun has been a major ally in the thawing of our roads, but he also credits the extensive work done by DOTD crews…