By Simon Isham and Maggie Cunningham–

The recent marriage of Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer will most likely affect the Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act.

Supreme Court hears same-sex marriage case

Edie Windsor married Thea Spyer in Canada after a 40-year romantic partnership. After Spyer’s death in 2009, Windsor was faced with $363,000 in federal estate taxes, since same-sex marriages were not recognized in their homestate of New York at the time of Spyer’s death. Her case, which she presented before the Supreme Court this week, is regarded as one of the cases which will most affect the court’s upcoming ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act.

 

Waverly Hills rezoning means possible renovations 

Charlie Mattingly bought the Waverly Hills Sanitorium in 2001 and since has bought surrounding acres and access roads. These purchases have culminated in his recent filing of a rezoning plan to turn the old tuberculosis ward into a hotel, convention center, restaurant and liquor bottling plant. The Sanitorium was most recently closed as the Woodhaven Geriatric Center in 1982 and is most recently used for ghost tours. Part of the fourth floor plans leave it as a museum for the old tuberculosis ward and would continue the ghost tours. Many other owners have presented plans for the building in the past including a prison and a large statue of Jesus on the roof, both of which never came through.

 

Ashley Judd announces she will not run for Senate

For several months, Ashley Judd has been meeting with Kentucky democrats and consultants appearing to be gearing up for a Senate run against Mitch McConnell. Judd recently announced via twitter however, that she will be choosing to spend the time on her family, rather running for the Senate Position. This comes after a divorce announcement in January.  While her potential candidacy was bringing national attention to the 2014 Kentucky Senate race, McConnell has been hoisting attacks on Judd, her Hollywood fame, and her Tennessee zip code. McConnell has already raised more than $7 million for his campaign, yet some polls have those opposing him outnumbering him two to one.

 

Industrial Hemp bill moves forward to Gov. Beshear

In the final minutes of the Kentucky legislatures regular session, an ammended bill to regulate industrial hemp production by farmers was passed. The bill will now be passed along to Governor Steve Beshear who had previously sided with the Kentucky State Police who opposed the bill until recent amendments. The State Police, along with Beshear and several other democratic leaders question the bills economic viability, as well as the possible harm it would cause on marijuana enforcement.The plants, although similar in appearance, have different levels of THC, hemp being far below average levels in marijuana. Another major concern is who will be in control of the hemp division if passed, the University of Kentucky, or the states agricultural department.

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Photo courtesy of Bayou Buzz