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The state’s top gambling regulator confirms that three riverboat casinos are interested in expanding their operations on land, which is now legal as a result of legislation passed during the regular session. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Jones spoke at the Baton Rouge Press Club…

Cut 3 (09) “for them.”

The gaming control board estimates nearly 22,000 jobs are tied to the riverboat casino industry in the state.

Jones says legislation from the spring regular session is the biggest change in riverboat casino law in two decades, and allows the “boats” to expand on to land within 1,200 feet of their current “dock”. Jones says that’s got many of the license holders excited and ready to make some substantial investments.

Cut 4 (10) “existing buildings”

The legislation also allows gaming houses to change the way they calculate how many machines and tables they can have, by shifting the measurements from square feet of gaming space to total gaming units.

Jones cautions that just because the laws have been relaxed, not every riverboat casino will look to move onto land.

Cut 5 (10)  “they are” 

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Edwin Edwards turns 91 today. The former four-term governor says he’s in good spirits and health, and looking forward to spending many more years with wife, 39-year-old Trina Edwards and their five-year-old son Eli. Edwards says he couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the morning.

Cut 6 (12) “be happier”.

In 2001, Edwards was convicted on corruption charges and sentenced to ten years in jail. After getting out, he married Trina Scott, who five years ago gave birth to Edwards’ son Eli Wallace Edwards’. Edwards’ says little Eli is ready to continue his father’s legacy.

Cut 7 (07) “2053.”

And despite his advanced age, Edwards says he expects he’ll be around for a while longer.

Cut 8 (10) “my family”

Edwards was interviewed on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

 

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The search continues for a missing boater in Lake Pontchartrain. 32-year-old Sadie Thibodeaux turned up missing on Sunday after an unmanned sailboat was found in the water. New Orleans Police Department Third District Commander Jeff Walls says at this point it’s a missing person’s case, but homicide unit detectives are assisting in the investigation…

Cut 9 (08)  “…involving foul play.”

Thibodeaux recently moved from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. It’s believed she was on a boat with 43-year-old Michael Lee Farley, who was rescued Monday morning.  Police questioned and released Farley yesterday afternoon.  Walls confirmed Farley and Thibodeaux had been dating, but foul play is not suspected at this time…

Cut 10 (07) “…how we’ll investigate it.”

The search continues on the south shore of the lake.  Walls explains all agencies involved are being very thorough with the investigation.

Cut 11 (11) “…best we can for Sadie.”