A 50 cent tax increase for a pack of cigarettes starts today. Emelie Gunn finds out how people in the state feel about this….

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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AAA expects 42 million people traveling for Independence Day, the most since 2007. Scott Carwile has more….

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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The state legislator who authored a religious freedom bill comes to the defense of Governor Bobby Jindal who faces a lawsuit from the ACLU. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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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”

Bailey says the legislature also increased taxes on e-cigarettes and vapor products.

Cut 5  (11)  “down the road”

The American Heart Association’s Louisiana Advocacy Director Stasha Rhodes pushed for the tax increase and she says the money generated from additional tax will go to health care in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (08)  “tobacco illness”

Rhodes says she originally wanted the tax above one dollar because many studies show that could get around 36-thousand people to quit smoking. She says she proposed the higher tax because often times tobacco companies and stores can find ways make up for the raised prices.

CUT 7 (11)  “health impact”

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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” 

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”

Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says his biggest challenge in life was when he was in Ranger School in the Army…:

Cut 10 (10) “what my limits are”

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says the biggest challenge in his life was telling his mother he’d witnessed his sister die in a fatal crash as he was following her home from school…:

cut 11 (11)  “19-years-old”

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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, which is significantly cheaper than it’s been in the past 5 years and that certainly helps the family budget.

Cut 13 (09)  “year ago”

Redman says most people will travel by car to get to their destination and over 4 million people in our region. He advises drivers to plan ahead to avoid the crazy traffic.

Cut 14 (09) “as well”

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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. 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 a man and a woman.  Johnson, who is an attorney, says all the executive order attempts to do is protect religious liberty

Cut 16  (10)  “executive order does”

Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says this order goes beyond the scope of a governor’s constitutional power, because it creates a class of citizens who are protected, which only the legislature can do. Johnson calls the lawsuit frivolous

Cut 17 (07) ” unfortunate it” 

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There is some concern that the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage in the United States could potentially lead to lawsuits against churches. Scott Carwile has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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A study ranks Louisiana 5th in the country more the most couch potatoes per capita. Emelie Gunn has more on why we ranks so high…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Same sex couples are showing up at clerks of court offices across the state to get their marriage license. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There is some concern that the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage in the United States could potentially lead to lawsuits against churches. Louisiana Baptist Convention President Steve Horn says it’s his understanding that the ruling gives protection to churches and pastors. But he says that doesn’t mean the issue could not come up in the future…

cut 4  (11)  “in that regard”

He says, as he reads the ruling, lawsuits are not something that should overly concern churches. But Horn says the Supreme Court ruling sort of negates ultimate protection for churches who refuse to perform or host same-sex marriages due to their religious beliefs…

Cut 5  (12)  “right now”

But Horn, who pastors at First Baptist Lafayette, says the four dissenting Supreme Court Justices seemed to be concerned about lawsuits against churches when they wrote their dissent.

Cut 6 (04)  “of concern”

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One of the first same-sex marriage licenses in the state went to Scott Kirkland and Kenneth Parker. They arrived at the East Baton Rouge Clerk of court’s office shortly before 2 PM on Monday. Louisiana was the last state to start issuing licenses and Kirkland says it was frustrating when they couldn’t get one after the Supreme Court ruling on Friday

CUT 7 (09)  “enough it did”

The Louisiana Clerks of Court initially advised parish clerks to wait 25 days before issuing the licenses, but many parishes starting issuing them on Monday, knowing that it was unlikely for the nation’s highest court to reverse its decision that legalized gay marriage. Kirkland says it was important for them to get a license in Louisiana

Cut 8  (09)  “ceremony and party” 

Sarah Jane Brady, executive director for the Forum for Equality, is thrilled that clerks of court around the state are allowing same sex couples to get married

Cut 9 (09)  “good actions of people”

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According to a study by Estately.com, Louisiana comes in number 5 for the states with the most couch potatoes per capita.  Lead blogger Ryan Nickum says they came up with this ranking by calculating 8 different factors, including hours per day watching TV and Laz-E-Boy retailers per capita.

Cut 10 (10) “video games”

Nickum says the state came in 5th for hours per day watching TV and saw a correlation with  watching TV and the obesity ranking throughout all states. He says this study could open people’s  eyes and push them to get up and moving.

cut 11 (10)  “at it”

Nickum says the Louisiana summer heat is a factor on why we have so many couch potatoes. He says his study found that people who live in colder climates, tend to get out more expect for Ohio who ranked number one for couch potatoes per capita.

cut 12 (08)  “air conditioning”

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Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law a bill that establishes a framework for the legal dispensing of medical marijuana. But state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it could be another two years before anyone can get a prescription for medicinal marijuana filled. Stain says that’s because numerous steps need to be accomplished first.

Cut 13 (13)  “of rules”

Strain says they must start with the Board of Medical Examiners creating a set of rules for the prescription, then the Board of Pharmacy has to adopt a set of regulations and a document that describes the production parameters. He says LSU and Southern’s AgCenter’s will have first opportunity to grow the weed that will turn into pill for medical purposes.

Cut 14 (11) “the product”

Strain says the purest and safest form of the drug will only be for people suffering from cancer, glaucoma and some forms of cerebral palsy. He says they are starting from scratch because rules need to be made to obtain seeds or get seeds from other states.

Cut 15  (10)  “being treated”

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Louisiana clerks of court who turn away gay couples seeking a marriage license could face lawsuits for refusing to do so. Eric Gill reports…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Eric Gill”

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An associate professor at LSU has been fired after using foul language and telling sexually-themed jokes to students. Jeff Palermo reports…

CUT 2 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana clerks of court who turn away gay couples seeking a marriage license could face lawsuits for refusing to do so. Chairman of the Forum for Equality, Chris Otten, says they have sent a letter to the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association putting them on notice…

CUT 3 (10)  “federal law”

The Jindal Administration has stated that they are waiting on a ruling from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Louisiana’s gay marriage law before complying with the Supreme Court’s decision. Otten is hopeful the court will rule soon and officials in all 64 parishes will immediately begin issuing licenses…

CUT 4 (11)  “significant problems”

He says if clerks refuse to follow the Supreme Court’s ruling, they could be sued for violating a civil rights protection statute under federal law. The Jefferson Parish clerk-of-court began issuing same-sex marriage licenses and several other parishes are doing the same.Sarah Jane Brady with Forum For Equality Louisiana says she hopes to see all parishes getting on board…:

CUT 5 (10)  “married”

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The US Supreme Court rules a controversial drug called midazolam can be used for lethal injections. Gary Clements, an anti-death penalty lawyer in New Orleans, is disappointed with the ruling, because the sedative did not perform like it should have in executions in Arizona, Ohio and Oklahoma

CUT 6 (10)  “lot of sense”

This case originated in Oklahoma over concerns that it violated the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Louisiana’s lethal injection protocol allows for midazolam, but has never used it. And Clements wonders if Louisiana ever will

CUT 7 (06) “other options”

Last week, a federal judge in Baton Rouge put on hold any execution in Louisiana until July of 2016, until the state determines how they will carry out a death sentence. Clements says despite today’s 5-4 decision, there is hope that one day any form of capital punishment will be prohibited

CUT 8 (10)  “unconstitutional”

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An associate professor at LSU has been fired after using foul language and telling sexually-themed jokes to students. Teresa Buchanan was terminated after school administrators stated her language and humor created a hostile learning environment. Professor Kevin Cope, LSU Faculty Senate President, says this incident stems from a false sense of the protection of students…

CUT 9 (09)  “to be productive”

Buchanan was dismissed even after a five faculty member committee in March recommended she keep her job. Buchanan taught elementary education at the school. Cope says there is a big difference in using bad language and targeting bad language. He says if you call someone a so-and-so, that’s something that would require discipline…

cut 10 (10) “matter, altogether” 

Buchanan says she will fight her termination in court. LSU has no comment pending potential litigation. Cope feels Buchanan has a strong case and a good chance of having this decision reversed. Cope says if the school is going to take this attitude on foul language, it should extend beyond the classroom…

cut 11 (04)  “of the coaches”

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The National Weather Service is now calling for the Red River in Shreveport to crest Tuesday at 31-feet. Hydrologist C.S. Ross says this revised forecast puts the crest a few inches lower than what was previously expected

cut 12 (06)  “this morning”

Ross says the projected 31-foot crest is six feet lower than the crest in mid-June. He says impact from flood waters will be minimal…

cut 13 (05)  “in Shreveport”

Ross says the Red River will likely fall back below flood stage on July 2nd, but remain high through the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

cut 14 (11) “late August”

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Yahoo reports Louisiana has the second most lightning strikes in the country right after Florida. Emelie Gunn has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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A UCLA Williams Institute study finds same sex marriages could bring millions into Louisiana. Scott Carwile speaks with the study author to find out how…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Scott Carwile”

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Louisiana appears to be the only state still fighting the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriages. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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In Louisiana Radio Network’s ongoing gubernatorial Q&A, we asked the four major candidates about agriculture. We asked, if elected, would you propose a budget that keeps funding levels for the Department of Agriculture and the LSU and Southern AgCenters at least at their current level? Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says it’s important to keep funding these entities because agriculture has a $12 billion economic impact on the state…

cut 4  (08)  “our culture”

Democratic Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says he’s committed to maintain funding to the AgCenters. 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”

US Senator David Vitter says it’s important to stabilize the budgets for these entities. He says since 2008, the number of full-time employees at the LSU AgCenter has decreased by 31-percent…

Cut 6 (12)  “reverse that” 2X

Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’s committed to continue funding at current or higher levels. He says as as goes Louisiana’s farming, in a lot of ways, so goes Louisiana’s economy as a whole…

CUT 7 (10)  “development plan”

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A report by Yahoo says Louisiana has the second most lightning strikes a year in the country.  Louisiana trails Florida but is just ahead of Mississippi. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we average about 827,000 strikes a year and lightning has caused 142 fatalities since 1959, or about 2.5 deaths a year.

Cut 8  (07)  “time outdoors” 

Keim says Louisianians spend most of our time hunting, fishing, and participating in other outdoor activities which increases our 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. In 2014, State Farm paid 6.5 million for more than 13-hundred insurance claims related to lightning stikes in Louisiana. Keim advises people to get in a car or go inside if lightning gets bad during a thunderstorm and no matter what, don’t hide under a tree. He says be careful when touching metal objects when lightning can be seen.

Cut 10 (07) “to be”

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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. She says they used the US census to calculate the economic impact these marriages could have on the state.

cut 12 (10)  “different factors”

Badgett says this will also increase the amount of jobs available in the wedding fields. She says the state government will find sales tax revenue from hotels and restaurant meals.

Cut 13 (11)  “and families”

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Despite a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, Louisiana is still not recognizing same-sex marriages. 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. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state is fighting an uphill battle…

Cut 14 (12) “marriage licenses”

Clerks of Court are holding off on issuing marriage licenses until a 25-day period concludes where Supreme Court decisions can be challenged. State Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says the decision has no mandate or order from the highest court that makes the decision final. Ciolino says this statement sends the message  Louisiana intends to fight the federal government over a civil rights issue…

Cut 15  (06)  “perhaps baffling”

Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that states must recognize same-sex marriage, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will likely move forward with its case on gay marriage. The ruling by the appeals court will most likely be a formality, and Ciolino says the state won’t have to wait long for its decision…

Cut 16  (03)  “days or weeks”

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According to 24-7 sports, LSU football’s 2016 recruiting class is ranked number one in the country. With national signing day still several months away, the Tigers have 17 verbal commitments, including two five-star prospects, cornerback Saivion Smith from Florida and St. Thomas Aquinas defensive tackle Edwin Alexander from Hammond. 24-7 sports, Shea Dixon, says Coach Les Miles has hired some great recruiters…

Cut 17 (17) ” in the country” 

Dixon says not only is LSU receiving verbal commitments from some talented football players, they are also filling positions of need, especially on the defensive side of the ball

Cut 18 (12) “outside linebacker”

Ten of LSU’s commitments are from Louisiana. Dixon says the Tigers are also doing the well in Texas, as four of their verbal pledges are from the Lone Star state

Cut 19 (20) “…Erick Fowler “