After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana – is back. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. David Grubb has more on the newest entry into the gaming market…
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If you have a SNAP EBT card you can now purchase groceries online. Brooke Thorington has more on the big announcement.
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After a year off due to COVID, Mardi Gras – and its economic impact on Louisiana – is back. Merchants, hotels and restaurants are more than ready for the dollars the next 6 days will bring. LSU economics professor Dr. Dek Terrell says New Orleans alone can expect to rake in over a half-billion in sales. He says where Orleans Parish goes, the state follows…:
Cut 4 (08) “…state of Louisiana.”
Terrell says all indications are that visitors from all over the world will flock to the Crescent City between now and Fat Tuesday. He says Louisiana’s other cities also get a big fiscal boost from Mardi Gras…:
Cut 5 (13) “…was $22-million.”
So, will Mardi Gras 2022 be a bona fide financial success? Dr. Terrell says we’ll have to wait and compare it to figures from 2020 (which was a record for revenue generated). He says this first post-pandemic Mardi Gras may fall a bit short…:
Cut 6 (10) “…reluctant to travel still.”
Louisiana could see over $1-Billion in sales directly related to Mardi Gras and Carnival events.
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Among the bills pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session is New Orleans Representative Candice Newell’s (New-elle) effort to lay the groundwork for 10 cannabis production facilities to operate in Louisiana. Currently, only two are allowed to grow in the state and they supply medicinal cannabis.
House Bill 125 authorizes the State Department of Agriculture and Forestry to issue licenses and a portion of those fees go towards background checks on operators and supervision. If the bill passes Newell says she will add a tax component in the next session and earmark where those funds would be dedicated.
Cut 8 (07) “…childhood education.”
Newell says during the pandemic when so many staples to the state’s economy, like hospitality, and the oil and gas industry, were halted other states who have legalized cannabis were still able to collect revenue from the industry.
The bill also requires licensees to have ownership that is at least 51-percent Louisiana residents.
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As sports betting continues to evolve, Louisiana remains at the forefront. After the successful launch of mobile wagering in January, the state will welcome sports wager trading next year. Sporttrade operates much like Robinhood or Coinbase, except with sports instead of stocks. CEO Alex Kane says that brings a completely new dimension to the betting landscape.
Cut 10 (13) “…a sports outcome.”
Sports trading is new to the U-S but has been active in the UK where betting exchanges account for nearly 10 percent of all wagers. Kane says it’s a concept that easy to understand and utilize because bettors no longer have to deal with point spreads or money lines.
Sporttrade made its commitment to Louisiana prior to the launch of mobile betting, based on a number of factors. The record-setting debut last month only served to reinforce the company’s decision to set up shop here.
Cut 12 (11) “…beyond our expectations.”
Sporttrade launches in New Jersey and Colorado this summer with a narrow focus on pro and college football and basketball, Major League Baseball, and pro golf.
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EBT cardholders in Louisiana can now purchase groceries online. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Marketa Garner Walters says this is a game-changer for recipients to purchase food online a convenience that was highlighted during the height of the pandemic.
In addition to DCFS gaining approval for EBT cardholders, food vendors also must apply to the USDA also. Walters says so far, the only approved online vendor in Louisiana is Walmart.
Cut 14 (07) “…pretty quickly.”
In addition to convenience Walters says the benefit is life-changing for those who have limited transportation, however, EBT funds cannot be used to pay delivery fees.
For more information visit dcfs.louisiana.gov
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LSU football Coach Brian Kelly introduced his new defensive coordinator to the media on Wednesday. Matt House was the D-C at the University of Pittsburgh, F-I-U, and Kentucky. The past three seasons he was the linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and helped them win a Super Bowl. Kelly on why he hired House…
Kelly says he wants multiple looks defensively…
House says he hasn’t decided if LSU will be a four-three defense or a three-four. He says he’s still learning about the personnel before he develops a scheme…
Cut 18 (19) “ …we can become.”
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The Saints have named defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen and secondary coach Kris Richard as co-defensive coordinators. Current head coach Dennis Allen was the team’s D-C and will continue to call plays. NFL and Saints analyst Mike Detillier says New Orleans’s defense will operate much like it did when Allen was the defensive coordinator…
Saints analyst Bobby Hebert says despite the reshuffling of coaches, he expects the Saints defense to carry this team again next year…
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