The legislative effort to bring a riverboat casino to Slidell is scheduled for a key vote today. Taylor Sharp has the story.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.”
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A survey shows that more than 60-percent of tourists say they are more likely to visit a place if they’ve already seen it on the silver or small screen. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”
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The FDA’s decision to ban menthol cigarettes in the U-S could have sweeping impacts on smoking rates and even a greater effect in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The Senate Finance committee is scheduled to hear legislation today that would give St. Tammany Parish residents the opportunity to vote on whether they want a casino in Slidell. Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges says the measure has passed out of one committee, as Norco Senator Gary Smith made the tie-breaking vote
Cut 4 (09)“…in Slidell.”
Bridges is a veteran reporter on casino issues. He wrote the book Bad Bet on the Bayou. The Rise in Gambling and the Fall of Edwin Edwards. He says Slidell religious leaders are lobbying hard against this legislation…
Cut 5 (12)“…broken families.”
The project also does not have the full backing of the Slidell City Council.
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment wants to build the 250-million dollar casino resort. The company owns DiamondJacks in Bossier city which did not open after COVID restrictions were lifted. Bridges expects an interesting hearing today
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The UNO Survey Research Center finds registered voters are divided on whether returning college students should be required to receive covid vaccines. Director Ed Chervenak says respondents are just as likely to say yes as to say no.
Cut 7 (08) “…in person”
46-percent of the nearly 700 respondents said yes, another 46-percent said no, and eight percent said they do not know.
The survey highlights a striking generational divide with only 35% of young adults compared to 65% of seniors saying students should be vaccinated before returning to classes in person.
Cut 8 (03) “…covid vaccination”
Chervenak says the survey also showcased a racial divide with over half of African Americans supporting vaccine requirements.
Cut 9 (07) “…less so.”
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A Market Dynamic Research Group survey finds more than half of recent visitors to Louisiana say it was a movie or TV show featuring the Bayou State that inspired their trip. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says that translates to $2.5 billion in tourism revenue.
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Nungesser says not only are productions a visual postcard of the state, but they also offer employment opportunities.
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As more people begin to travel again and states compete for visitors, Nungesser says luring productions to the state is just another way to promote tourism.
Cut 12 (12) “…stay open.”
Last month makers of the civil war-era film Emancipation starring Will Smith announced it was relocating from Georgia to Louisiana.
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The FDA’s recent decision to ban menthol cigarettes has garnered praise among public health advocates. Associate Director for Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living Shawna Shields says the long-awaited intervention is a huge step in ending the marketing of highly addictive cigarette additives towards the Black community.
Cut 13 (08) “…Big Tobacco.”
Shields says tobacco companies tend to place more cigarette and cigar retailers in heavily populated Black communities and they even promote discounts on menthol cigarettes to entice users.
Cut 14 (10) “…communities.”
The use of menthol in cigarettes gives the tobacco a more appealing taste and Shields says that also causes menthol smokers to become hooked easier and they tend to breathe the product deeper into the lungs.
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For free counseling to quit smoking visit QuitWithUsLA.org
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The LSU baseball team dropped its series with number one ranked Arkansas, but finished out the weekend with a 5 to 4 win over the Razorbacks. Ma’Khail Hilliard made his first SEC start and threw five solid innings for his fourth win. Coach Paul Mainieri says the senior from Central threw the ball great…
Cut 16 (13) “…for a kid.”
LSU will host Southern tonight and the final SEC three series are against teams not ranked in the Top 25. But Mainieri doesn’t see an easy road ahead…
Cut 17 (24) “…about it.”
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Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston will battle to replace Drew Brees as the Saints starting quarterback, but New Orleans has also added former Notre Dame signal caller Ian Book to the competition. The Saints selected Book in the fourth round. Coach Sean Payton likes that Book went 30-and-5 as a starter at Notre Dame…
Cut 18 (18)”..he was there.”
After taking Book in the fourth round, the Saints took Kentucky offensive tackle Landon Young in the sixth round, in the seventh round, South Alabama wide receiver Kawaan Butler. The first three players were defensive players. Payton feels good about the players they drafted…
Cut 19 (19) “…good job”
Houston defensive end Payton Turner was the Saints first round pick and in the second round they selected linebacker Pete Werner. Payton on how he sees those two players on defense…
Cut 20 (25) “…inside linebacker.”