A proposal to legalize sports betting in Louisiana received the approval of the House Criminal Justice Committee, which is a panel that has several anti-gambling lawmakers on it. Albany Representative Sherman Mack expressed concern that college athletes, who need money, may get involved in throwing games in order to earn money. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says they can already do that…
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The measure received approval on a 10-6 vote and still needs full House approval.

A Senate panel agrees to legislation that extends the New Orleans Harrah’s land-based casino license for 30 years. Caesar’s Regional President of the South Dan Real says this deal gives them the confidence to invest in hundreds of millions into the property, which will generate more revenue for the state.
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Once the deal is finalized, the state will receive an immediate payment of 17.5 million dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards is promising a better Ruston as the state has begun the process of seeking federal assistance to help Louisiana Tech, businesses and homeowners rebuild from last month’s EF-3 tornado. Edwards made the statement at La Tech’s baseball stadium that has to be rebuilt…
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No word on when the federal government will announce whether the area qualifies for disaster assistance.

The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would set the minimum age to get married at 16-years-old. It passed on a 22-15 vote. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell spoke in favor of the proposal, saying it will help combat human trafficking…
cut 8 (08) “…marriage age”
Opponents of the measure say an arbitrary number shouldn’t be set on when a couple wants to tie the knot.