Updated LRN PM Newscall May 14. Corrected the text prior to cut 13

Legislation allowing St. Tammany residents to vote on whether a casino should be built on the water in Slidell is approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 1 (33) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________________

An LSU legend has retired from playing basketball. Brooke Thorington looks back at the career of future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy says news of the revised CDC guidelines that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face masks or socially distance is long overdue. Cassidy voiced his frustration publicly at a hearing in DC this week and the physician believes the federal agency is behind the curve.

Cut 3 (11)  “…most Americans” 

Cassidy says when various studies show that fully vaccinated individuals are unable to transmit the virus to others it is past due to change recommendations and he doesn’t understand the CDC’s delay.

Cut 4 (05) “…American people. 

Cassidy says this is another valid reason for individuals to get fully vaccinated. He says this should be a relief for parents who are now able to now have their teenagers vaccinated and no longer worry if they are masked or not.

Cut 5  (11)  “…vaccinated”

The state department of health says approximately 30-percent of Louisianans are fully vaccinated.

__________________________________________________

The House approves legislation that would allow St. Tammany voters the chance to vote on whether or not a waterfront casino should be built just outside Slidell.

The bill was brought by Slidell Representative Mary DuBuisson who quoted recent survey results indicating local support for the right to vote on the issue.

Cut 6 (10) “…reality”

The casino would be constructed at the foot of the twin spans on Lake Ponchartrain just outside Slidell city limits.

DuBuisson says a 2009 Gaming Control Board study shows Louisiana loses about 3.2 million people per year to Mississippi casinos.

Cut 7 (11) “…Louisiana.”

DuBuisson says approving this project would also help cut down on casino oversaturation in the Bossier City market. The current proposal by P2E would result in the closure of DiamondJacks in Bossier and the relocation of that license to St. Tammany Parish.

Opponents argue the casino would result in increased human trafficking and immoral behavior in Slidell. Covington Representative Mark Wright addressed those concerns…

Cut 8 (12) “…a vote”

The final vote was 63-28 in favor, but a similar bill in the Senate has not received approval from the Senate Finance Committee.

_________

Gas prices in Louisiana continue to rise as AAA spokesperson Donal Redman says the statewide average is 2.72 a gallon for regular gasoline, which is up eight cents in the last week.  While other parts of the country are impacted by the temporary shutdown of the Colonial pipeline, Redman says that isn’t the case for Louisiana.

Cut 9 (09) “…pipeline”

Redman says there’s enough gasoline to meet the increasing demand for fuel. He says a big issue at the moment is distribution…

Cut 10 (11) “..truck drivers.” 

Redman expects gas prices to inch up a few more pennies as we get closer to the first big holiday weekend of the summer, Memorial Day…

Cut 11 (08) “…June”

___________________________

Baton Rouge high school basketball sensation, LSU legend and WNBA superstar Seimone Augustus has retired at the age of 37. Augustus received national attention when she was in the sixth grade and the voice of the Lady Tigers Patrick Wright says Augustus became a household name during an All-American career at LSU

Cut 12 (08)   “…of Baton Rouge” 

Augustus led LSU to a 121-19 record from 2002 to 2006, including three straight final four appearances. The Lady Tigers also went to the Final Four two straight years after she left. Wright says Augustus went on to win four WNBA titles…

Cut 13 (09)“…way around”

Wright says Augustus was a phenom that lived up to the hype

Cut 14 (12) “..did it” 

Augustus played 15 seasons in the W-N-B-A and will now serve as an assistant for the Los Angeles Sparks.