The state’s new tax that raises the tax on a pack of cigarettes from 36 cents to 86 cents goes into effect today. The American Heart Association’s Louisiana Advocacy Director Stasha Rhodes pushed for the tax increase and says the money generated from the additional tax will go to health care in Louisiana…

cut 6 (08) “tobacco illness”

Those against the tax say it could hurt business.

During a debate at the Farm Bureau Convention, the four candidates for Governor were asked what is the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced in their personal life. Jay Dardenne says while he was a candidate for Lt. Governor he was diagnosed with prostate cancer…

cut 9 (12) “you need to do that”

The gubernatorial primary is October 24th.

Governor Bobby Jindal says he will not back down from a lawsuit filed by the Louisiana ACLU and others who are challenging his religious freedom executive order that seeks to protect those who oppose same-sex marriage. Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson, who is an attorney, says all the executive order attempts to do is protect religious liberty…

cut 16 (10) “executive order does”

The order prohibits state agencies from taking adverse action on a person, business or non-profit if they make a decision based on their religious belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.

The American Automobile Association projects nearly 42 million Americans will travel for the 4th of July holiday, the most since 2007. AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says the fact that Independence Day falls on a weekend helps but that’s not the only reason people are out on the road…

cut 12 (05) “this summer”

Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.55.