Governor Bobby Jindal says he will not back down from religious liberty. Jindal made the statement in reaction to a lawsuit filed by the Louisiana ACLU and others who are challenging an executive order signed by the governor back in May that seeks to protect those who oppose same-sex marriage. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson supports Jindal on this issue…

cut 15 (08) “completely unfounded”

Jindal’s executive order was signed, after Johnson’s religious freedom bill was defeated in a House committee.

A pack of cigarettes will cost you an extra 50 cents today as the state’s new tax of cigarettes goes into effect. The state legislature approved a law that raises the tax on a pack of cigarettes from 36 cents to 86 cents. Bill Bailey, owner of Smoker’s Paradise in Pineville, is concerned it could hurt his business.

cut 4 (10) “whatever reason”

Proponents of the tax increase say revenue generated will go to health care in Louisiana.

The four candidates for Governor were asked during a debate at the Farm Bureau Convention what is the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced in their personal life. Senator David Vitter made reference to his prostitution scandal that lead to him apologizing for a “serious sin.” He says it caused issues in his marriage many years ago…

cut 8 (09) “stronger”

Louisiana’s gubernatorial primary election is October 24th.

The American Automobile Association says almost 42 million Americans will hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday, which is the most in eight years. They say the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.55.