The House will hear a bill Tuesday that would restrict online fantasy sports playing to over-21 establishments. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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The Louisiana Department of Education seeks advice on installing silent alarms in schools across the Bayou State. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”
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Louisiana state parks are helping those with disabilities and special needs gain employment this summer. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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The online fantasy sports regulatory bill has an amendment on it that stipulates you can only play if you’re at card checking over-21 only establishments like video poker stops, bars, or casinos. Video poker lobbyist Alton Ashy advocated for the amendment and says legalizing the activity without restrictions provides no benefits to Louisiana businesses.
Cut 4 (09) “… of Louisiana.”
But fantasy sports advocates are sounding the alarm. Fairness for Fantasy Sports Louisiana spokesperson Ryan Berni says it subverts the intent of the 47 parishes that voted to authorize the activity.
Cut 5 (11) “…for any medium”
But Ashy says as it stands local business won’t only be missing out on the economic benefits of legalization, the proposed tax rate on online fantasy sports is so low, which is why the bill should be used to push more foot traffic into the high tax gaming houses…
Cut 6 (10) “…fantasy sports.”
Berni says the requirements are so unfeasible that it raises questions as to whether the amendment is just a bad faith effort to kill the activity, or cripple it in favor of local gaming…
Cut 7 (08) “…fantasy sports.”
The legislation will be discussed on the House floor Tuesday.
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The Louisiana Department of Education is requesting to get feedback on silent alarms in schools. The Louisiana Legislature has requested that D-O-E look to see how viable and cost-effective the safety measure would be. State Education Assistant Superintendent Erin Bendzily says they want to hear from school leaders and safety experts…
Cut 8 (12) “…technology.”
Bendzily says around a quarter of schools nationwide use the silent alarm systems but Louisiana only has a handful of schools that utilize the technology…
Cut 9 (06) “…aware of any.″
Bendzily says as the mother of a 10-year-old son she understands finding the most efficient way to keep kids in school safe is the top priority…
Cut 10 (12) “…critical”
The Department of Education wants to receive the information by June 14 to present to the Louisiana Blue Ribbon Commission on School Safety assembled by Governor John Bel Edwards.
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For the second year, Louisiana state parks will be partnering with the Workforce Commission to hire people with disabilities and special needs to fill jobs for the summer season. Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says the idea came from Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.
Cut 11 (11) “…the same time.”
Burris says the program was popular last year, and many of those that were hired for the summer season ended up staying on beyond the tourist season.
Cut 12 (05) “…with disabilities.”
If someone with disabilities or special needs is interesting in the summer work, Burris recommends contacting one of the twenty one state parks or eighteen historic sites around the state. He adds the information can also be found on the Louisiana Workforce Commission website.
Cut 13 (08) “…how to apply.”
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The House is set to consider a recreational marijuana regulation and decriminalization bill in the Criminal Justice committee before the end of the session. The bill would authorize 15 grower permits, and would place them under the Department of Agriculture.
Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says decriminalizing and taxing marijuana is a popular idea nationwide…
Cut 14 (06) “…leading.”
Nine states have legalized the purchase of regulated recreational marijuana.
Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says refusing to legalize weed won’t keep kids from getting their hands on untested street product.
Cut 15 (11) “program.”
Sales would be restricted to 21 and over.
James says pot is a safer choice than many currently legal substances you can get at the corner store…
Cut 16 (10) “…guessing”
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LSU baseball finished the regular season on Saturday with a tough extra inning loss to Auburn. Was that the final game at Alex Box Stadium or will LSU host a regional? Coach Paul Mainieri believes they have solid resume to be a Top 16 seed and host a regional
cut 17 (23) “great to come back”
Zack Hess gave up a game tying home run on Saturday in the loss to Auburn and then gave up the go-ahead run in the 11th inning. Mainieri says he still has confidence in Hess, even though he’s been victimized lately by the home run ball…
LSU enters the SEC Tournament as the 5-seed and they’ll play South Carolina in the late game in Hoover, Alabama on Tuesday night. The loss on Saturday ended a four-game winning streak, but Hess says Saturday’s loss shouldn’t disrupt the momentum they have entering the postseason
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Possible tornadoes caused damage in Iberia, Allen, Beauregard and Evangeline Parishes on Sunday morning. Governor John Bel Edwards toured storm damage in Ville Platte, where about 50 homes sustained damage. Edwards says three people suffered non-serious injuries and it might take awhile to get the power back on…