The American Gaming Association’s annual report on 2018 casino revenue finds Louisiana’s remained flat at just over two-and-a-half billion dollars. Casino Association of Louisiana Executive Director Wade Duty…
Cut 10 (09) “…a slight decline.”
Duty says the approval of sports betting at casinos could have provided a boost to the state’s gaming industry.

Louisiana’s sole Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond is serving as co-chair for former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign. Richmond says Biden is committed to doing the opposite of President Trump, and former Governor Bobby Jindal, by investing in education and healthcare.
Cut 4 (11) “…that”
President Trump has recently torn into Biden, calling him among other things a “loser”, “dummy”, and “the weakest mentally”.

The Pelican Institute releases a study that claims tens of thousands of Medicaid expansion recipients dropped their private coverage when they became eligible for Medicaid…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And the state says Louisiana’s Medicaid program will spend about 400-million dollars less than expected this fiscal year, because of the tens of the thousands Medicaid recipients that were dropped from the program, because a computer check of their income found they were not eligible. Most of the 400-million is federal money and any state dollars saved has been spent elsewhere in the budget.

The Anthony Davis trade talks are heating up as ESPN reports the Lakers and Celtics are providing the Pelicans with trade scenarios for the six-time All Star. L-A is apparently willing to trade the fourth overall pick as part of its package and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarkowski says New Orleans could possibly use that fourth pick to get a young veteran. The Lakers are reportedly not offering up Kyle Kuzma. Davis’ agent, Rich Paul, told Sports Illustrated that the Celtics can trade for A-D, but he might only play one season in Boston. Davis reportedly only interested in signing a long-term deal with the Knicks or Lakers.

CBS sports reports that at least six division one men’s basketball programs will receive notices of allegations for Level One violations from the NCAA by the summer. The allegations are the result of the federal government’s recently completed investigation into corruption involving major college basketball. At least 20 schools were named in the FBI probe, including LSU.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is involved in a national clinical trial that found extra Vitamin D does not significantly lower Type Two diabetes Risk. Local site investigator Doctor Daniel Hsia says people at high risk for type two diabetes should commit to lifestyle changes, instead of relying on Vitamin D supplementation…
cut 9 (08) “….everything”
About 575-thousand Louisiana residents have diabetes.

New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond is serving as co-chair of Joe Biden’s 2020 national presidential campaign. Richmond says he began pushing for the former Vice President to run shortly after President Donald Trump was elected…
cut 5 (06) “….to run”
Biden unsuccessfully ran for President in 1988 and 2008.

The Pelican Institute says their study reveals the Medicaid expansion led tens of thousands of Louisianans who qualified for Medicaid to drop their private insurance. Pelican Vice President for Government Affairs Renee Amar says about 450,000 people enrolled under the expansion, at an average cost to the state of six-thousand dollars a year, and many previously had insurance.
Cut 13 (09) “..year.”
Pelican says if those enrollees began paying for their own insurance again, it would save the state 145 million dollars a year. But Louisiana Department of Health Policy Director Jeanie Donovan says a commissioned study by LSU shows the private insurance market barely budged after the expansion, debunking Pelican’s claim…
Cut 14 (08) “…significant.”

18 years after the 9/11 attacks, Congress passes legislation guaranteeing healthcare funding for first responders who got sick working in the aftermath. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The American Gaming Association’s annual report showcasing 2018 casino revenue indicates Louisiana remained flat at just over two-and-a-half billion dollars, generating just over 600-million in total tax revenue for the state.  The Baton Rouge market saw a steep 17.4% gaming revenue drop last year, likely due to the city-wide ban on smoking in bars and casinos put into place in May of 2018.

The Shreveport city council votes 6-1 to abolish a 2007 ordinance banning people from wearing pants below their waistlines.  ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Katie Schwartzmann says the law was racially motivated and a violation of first amendment rights. Police data shows the ordinance resulted in the arrest of 699 black men and 12 white men, although it is unclear if anyone was arrested for the violation alone.  Schwartzmann says the law could lead to a police interaction that might not end well.
Cut 7 (11) “…off the books.”
The 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish now faces federal hate crime charges. U-S Attorney David Joseph says attacks against a group because of their religious briefs will not be tolerated. Legal analyst Tim Meche expects the feds will be the first to prosecute Holden Matthews

Cut 12 (10)   “…that fatal crash.”

Matthews is currently being held in jail without bond.

Joe Biden presidential campaign co-chair and Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond says the former VP is ready to take on the “bully” in the White House…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

With just over 2.5 billion dollars, the 2018 casino revenue is flat in Louisiana over 2017. Kevin Barnhart has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_______________________________________________

 The Pelican Institute releases a study that claims tens of thousands of Medicaid expansion recipients dropped their private coverage when they became eligible for Medicaid…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

____________

Louisiana’s sole Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond has been named co-chair for former Vice President Joe Biden’s presidential campaign.

Richmond says Biden is committed to doing the opposite of President Trump, and former Governor Jindal, by investing in the people through education and healthcare.

Cut 4 (11) “…that”

There’s upwards of 20 Democrats running for the nomination, and Richmond says Biden wasn’t certain he wanted to run for President again but…

Cut 5 (06) “…to run.”

Biden unsuccessfully ran for President in 1988 and 2008.

President Trump has torn into the Democratic primary frontrunner in recent weeks, among other things calling him a “loser”, “dummy”, and “the weakest mentally”. Richmond says Biden is used to taking out bullies and adds the former Delaware Senator offers a stark contrast to the President.

Cut 6 (12) “the job.”

Biden is trailed in the Democratic primary polls by Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris.

 ________________________________________

A national study involving the Pennington Biomedical Research Center debunks the thought that taking vitamin D significantly lowers the chances of a person with pre-diabetes developing type 2 diabetes.

Assistant LSU professor and local site investigator Daniel Hsia (Shaw) says there was a thought that vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory properties would have an effect on diabetes, but…

Cut 7 (09) “…reached.”

It’s estimated that 575,000 Louisianans have diabetes, and 1.3 million are at high risk of developing the disease.

The study looked at 2,423 people in 22 centers across the nation and did find one potentially interesting avenue for future research. Hsia says a health vitamin D level is 30, but in the 110 people who had a deficient level of the vitamin…

Cut 8 (09) “…difference”

Hsia says the research reinforced the well proven notion that a simple, time tested prescription is still the best way to avoid developing diabetes.

Cut 9 (08) “…everything.”

___________________________________________________

The American Gaming Association’s annual report showcasing 2018 casino revenue indicates Louisiana remained flat at just over two-and-a-half billion dollars, generating just over 600-million in total tax revenue for the state.  Casino Association of Louisiana Executive Director Wade Duty says the rest of the nation is evolving due to consumer demand, but Louisiana is falling behind.

Cut 10 (09) “…a slight decline.”

The Baton Rouge market saw a steep 17.4% gaming revenue drop last year, and Duty says a big contributing factor is likely the city-wide ban on smoking in bars and casinos put into place in May of 2018.

Cut 11 (09) “…after the implementation.”

While Duty says he is more optimistic about incoming lawmakers to be more open to the gaming industry, the failure of the most recent legislative session to legalize sports betting will also combat revenue growth.  Duty adds more of a dip is making casinos hesitant to move on land.

Cut 12 (09) “…more business friendly.”

_________________

The Pelican Institute says their study reveals the Medicaid expansion led tens of thousands of Louisianans who qualified for Medicaid to drop their private insurance.

Pelican Vice President for Government Affairs Renee Amar says about 450,000 people enrolled under the expansion, at an average cost to the state of 6,286 dollars a year, and many previously had insurance.

Cut 13 (09) “..year.”

Pelican says if those enrollees began paying for their own insurance again, it would save the state 145 million dollars a year.

But Louisiana Department of Health Policy Director Jeanie Donovan says a commissioned study by LSU shows the private insurance market barely budged after the expansion, debunking Pelican’s claim…

Cut 14 (08) “…significant.”

Donovan says the only market that saw a noticeable dip in participation was COBRA, because people losing their jobs opted to enroll in Medicaid instead.

But Amar says the expansion was the first time that childless, able bodied adults were eligible for Medicaid, and those folks should not be incentivized to leave their private insurers.

Cut 15 (09) “coverage.”

Donovan countered saying the clear majority of those who enrolled under the expansion are working, but low wage individuals who could not afford monthly premiums.

Cut 16  (13) “…with that”  

The House Judiciary Committee passes legislation permanently authorizing healthcare funds for 9/11 first responders who suffer health effects from the attack.The issue grabbed national headlines after a fiery speech at a subcommittee hearing yesterday by comedian Jon Stewart, who blasted lawmakers for poor attendance as sick first responders testified, but Congressman Mike Johnson sits on the panel and says there was one issue…

Cut 5 (11) “…were not.”

The Shreveport city council votes 6-1 to abolish a 2007 ordinance banning people from wearing pants below their waistlines.  ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Katie Schwartzmann says the law is has proven to be racially motivated, adding the government having to the ability to dictate clothing choices is a violation of rights.

Cut 6 (10) “…we can wear.”

Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Congressman Steve Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise welcomed U-S Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner was also shot, but she’s credited with stopping the shooter, James Hodgkinson. Scalise says the Capitol Police were the epitome of what’s great about law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…these people”

The 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish now faces federal hate crime charges. Holden Matthews is facing multiple federal charges, three counts using fire to commit a felony and three counts of intentional damage to religious property.. Legal analyst Tim Meche says the US Attorney’s office can put a lot of resources into this case

Cut 13 (09) “…same charges” 

Matthews is currently being held in jail without bond.

Federal hate crime charges have been filed against the man who is accused of setting fire to three predominately black churches earlier this year in St. Landry Parish. 21-year-old Holden Matthews is facing a six-count federal indictment, three counts are for intentional damage to religious property.

The Shreveport City Council has repealed its 2007 ordinance that bans the wearing of saggy pants after critics say it led to racially motivated arrests….
cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The House Judiciary Committee, which includes Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson, has approved the 9-11 first responders bill which provides health care benefits to those who were on the scene for the 2001 terror attacks..
cut 4 (10) “…day”
Johnson says the hearing brought up memories of his own firefighter father who was permanently disabled from a critical burn. He says the hearing was full of similarly tragic stories.

Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Congressman Steve Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise welcomed U-S Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner to today’s practice for this year’s charity baseball game to thank the special agent for her bravery…
Cut 10 (09) “…that day”
Griner was also shot, but she’s credited with stopping the shooter,

The House Judiciary Committee passes legislation permanently authorizing healthcare funds for 9/11 first responders who suffer health effects from the attack. Congressman Mike Johnson sits on the panel and says while the first responders fund has been well managed, it was time to guarantee their benefits long term.

Cut 3 (10) “…that now.”

The Shreveport city council votes 6-1 to abolish a 2007 ordinance banning people from wearing pants below their waistlines.  The lone vote to keep the law in place came from Councilman James Flurry says he believes the law was put into place, not as an excuse to target a particular population, but to regulate decency standards for fashion.  He adds he believes his own fashion is regulated and has no issue with the public’s expectations.

Cut 9 (12) “…like a redneck.”

Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Congressman Steve Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise welcomed U-S Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner was also shot, but she’s credited with stopping the shooter, James Hodgkinson. Scalise says the Capitol Police were the epitome of what’s great about law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…these people”

The 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish now faces federal hate crime charges. U-S Attorney David Joseph says attacks against a group because of their religious briefs will not be tolerated. Legal analyst Tim Meche says if Holden Matthews is found guilty, he’ll receive a substantial prison sentence whether it’s in state or federal court

Cut 14 (11) “…either jurisdiction.” 

Matthews is currently being held in jail without bond.

18 years after the towers fell, the House Judiciary Committee passes legislation guaranteeing first responders who got sick working in the aftermath healthcare funding. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

____________________________

The Shreveport City Council has repealed its 2007 ordinance that bans the wearing of saggy pants after critics say it led to racially motivated enforcement. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

_____________________________________________

The House Judiciary Committee passes legislation permanently authorizing healthcare funds for 9/11 first responders who suffer health effects from the attack. Congressman Mike Johnson sits on the panel and says while the first responders fund has been well managed, it was time to guarantee their benefits long term.

Cut 3 (10) “…that now.”

Johnson says the hearing was the most emotional he’s ever sat through, and it brought up memories of his own firefighter father who was permanently disabled from a critical burn. He says the hearing was full of similarly tragic stories…

Cut 4 (10) “…day”

The issue grabbed national headlines after a fiery speech at a subcommittee hearing yesterday by comedian Jon Stewart, who blasted lawmakers for poor attendance as sick first responders testified, but Johnson says there was one issue…

Cut 5 (11) “…were not.”

The Washington Post reports only two of the members were not present for the hearing.

________________________________________________

The Shreveport city council votes 6-1 to abolish a 2007 ordinance banning people from wearing pants below their waistlines.  ACLU Louisiana Legal Director Katie Schwartzmann says the law is has proven to be racially motivated, adding the government having to the ability to dictate clothing choices is a violation of rights.

Cut 6 (10) “…we can wear.”

Police data shows the ordinance resulted in the arrest of 699 black men and 12 white men, although it is unclear if anyone was arrested for the violation alone.  Schwartzmann says the law could lead to a police interaction that might not end well.

Cut 7 (11) “…off the books.”

The lone vote to keep the law in place came from Councilman James Flurry who says he decided on the vote after hearing feedback from constituents.

Cut 8 (08) “…of the people.”

Flurry says he believes the law was put into place, not as an excuse to target a particular population, but to regulate decency standards for fashion.  He adds he believes his own fashion is regulated and has no issue with the public’s expectations.

Cut 9 (12) “…like a redneck.”

____________________

Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Congressman Steve Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise welcomed U-S Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner to today’s practice for this year’s charity baseball game to thank the special agent for her bravery…

Cut 10 (09) “…that day”

Griner was also shot, but she’s credited with stopping the shooter, James Hodgkinson. Scalise says the Capitol Police were the epitome of what’s great about law enforcement…

Cut 11 (10) “…these people”

__________________________ –

The 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish now faces federal hate crime charges. U-S Attorney David Joseph says attacks against a group because of their religious briefs will not be tolerated. Legal analyst Tim Meche expects the feds will be the first to prosecute Holden Matthews

Cut 12 (10)   “…that fatal crash.”

Matthews is facing multiple federal charges, three counts using fire to commit a felony and three counts of intentional damage to religious property. Meche says the US Attorney’s office can put a lot of resources into this case

Cut 13 (09) “…same charges” 

Matthews is currently being held in jail without bond as he faces several state charges that include simple arson, aggravated arson and three counts of hate crimes. Meche says if Matthews is found guilty, he’ll receive a substantial prison sentence whether it’s in state or federal court

Cut 14 (11) “…either jurisdiction.” 

The 21-year-old man accused of setting fire to three historically black churches in St. Landry Parish is now facing federal hate crime charges. U-S Attorney David Joseph says attacks against a group because of their religious briefs will not be tolerated. Legal analyst Tim Meche expects the federal government will likely be the first to prosecute Holden Matthews…
cut 12 (12) “…federal court”
Meche expects Matthews to receive a prison in excess of 20 years if he’s convicted in either jurisdiction.

Friday marks the two year anniversary of when Congressman Steve Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game. Scalise welcomed U-S Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner to today’s practice for this year’s charity baseball game to thank the special agent for her bravery that day…
cut 10 (09) “…that day”
Griner was shot herself that day, but she’s been credited with stopping the shooter.

The Shreveport City Council has repealed its 2007 ordinance that bans the wearing of saggy pants after critics say it led to racially motivated enforcement. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s office says two people are dead after an airplane crashed on the levee of the Atchafalaya River. The F-A-A is now leading the investigation. No other details are known. The crash happened near the St. Martin Parish line.