Louisiana is still not recognizing same-sex marriages despite Friday’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. State Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says the Court’s decision has no mandate or order that makes it final. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says this statement sends the message Louisiana intends to fight the federal government over a civil rights issue…

cut 15 (06) “perhaps baffling”

The Jindal Administration has said they are waiting on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to rule on a case involving Louisiana’s same-sex marriage ban.

Louisiana Radio Network’s sixth question in our Governor Q&A asked the four major gubernatorial candidates if elected, would you propose a budget keeping funding levels for the Department of Agriculture and the LSU and Southern AgCenters at least at their current level? Democratic Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says he’s committed to maintain funding. He says, since 2008, state funding for the LSU AgCenter has been cut 23-percent and Southern’s AgCenter funding has dropped by 30-percent…

cut 5 (10) “state’s economy”
According to a UCLA Williams Institute study, same sex marriages in Louisiana could mean a 28 million dollar boost to the economy over the next three years. Study author Lee Badgett says many small businesses will thrive if this estimate proves true…

cut 11 (11) “and florists”

Badgett says there are about 4,000 gay couples living in Louisiana and it is expected that half will get married within the next three years.

Louisiana has the second most lightning strikes a year in the nation, according to a report by Yahoo. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisianians spend most of their time hunting, fishing, and participating in other outdoor activities which increases vulnerability to lightning strikes. He also debunks a myths about what happens when lightning hits…

cut 9 (09) “by lightning”

According to State Farm, Louisiana ranks 4th in the nation for lightning claims.