The start of mobile sports betting in Louisiana brings excitement and money to the state. The Louisiana Department of Health wants bettors to be aware of the potential for addiction and how to deal with it. David Grubb has more.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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An Associated Press report shows Governor Edwards knew that State Troopers were involved in a violent struggle with Ronald Greene, but didn’t say anything despite conflicting reports about Greene’s death.
Cut 2 (40)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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Mardi Gras parade riders and other participants, like marching bands and dance troupes, must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test 72 hours before the procession in New Orleans. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says city leaders are doing all they can to keep the event safe and allow the parades to roll.
Cut 3 (08) “…COVID free.”
At the last Mardi Gras Advisory Council meeting before parades get underway Hardy says Mayor LaToya Cantrell attended and wanted to assure attendees that Mardi Gras is a go this year.
Cut 4 (10) “…we’re going.”
In addition to COVID requirements for parade riders, Arthur says krewe captains must also enforce mask requirements for Mardi Gras balls which fall under the indoor mask mandate.
Cut 5 (08) “…let’s do it.”
Health officials in New Orleans say despite the high prevalence of omicron they believe Carnival can be held safely.
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With mobile sports betting now online, thousands of people in Louisiana will be wagering for the first time. Robert Henson, Program Manager at the Office of Behavioral Health, treats addictive gambling disorder for the Louisiana Department of Health. He advises that bettors take a few precautions before placing their bets.
Cut 6 (10) “…time doing it.”
Henson says that approximately one percent of the US population has some type of gambling disorder, with another two to three percent showing some of the markers for addiction. He says we should be aware of the warning signs.
Cut 7 (11) “…the truth out.”
The ease of access to gaming through our ever-present mobile devices is of particular concern to Henson, as people who might never have wagered before have a much easier path to do so.
Cut 8 (12) “…a casino per se.”
For help with compulsive gambling, call 877-770-7867 or visit LDH.LA.GOV for additional resources.
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An Associated Press report has found out that Governor John Bel Edwards knew within hours Ronald Greene died after a violent, lengthy struggle with State Troopers, but Greene’s family was told he died in a car crash at the end of a police chase. Greene’s deadly May 2019 arrest occurred as Edwards was up for re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it could have been damaging to Edwards if it became public that Greene died after he was beaten by troopers…
Cut 9 (07) “…point though.”
After the AP released video of the arrest of Greene, black motorist, Edwards called the troopers’ actions unprofessional and disturbing and even used the word criminal. Greene’s arrest remains under a federal investigation, no charges have been filed.
In 2019, Edwards won re-election over Republican businessman Eddie Rispone by getting 51-percent of the vote. Support among black voters helped the governor get a second term. Stockley says many of the supporters are likely disappointed Edwards didn’t do more after hearing details about Greene’s arrest…
Cut 10 (09) “…his legacy”
Edwards stayed quiet for two years on Greene’s death until the AP released body camera video of his fatal arrest. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is quoted in the A-P story saying that Greene’s family deserves to know the truth. Stockley says Edwards’ critics will attack him for not doing more in the immediate aftermath…
Cut 11 (07) “…against them”
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Saints executive vice president and General Manager Mickey Loomis provided an update on the status of the team’s head coaching search on Friday. New Orleans is the last team to begin its search, but Loomis doesn’t believe that will have an impact on finding the right person.
Cut 12 (12) “…circumstances are different.”
When the Saints hired Payton in 2006, the franchise was in a much different place, coming off of a 3-13 campaign after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Loomis says this search has very little in common with that one.
Cut 13 (15) “…a head coach.”
The NFL calendar moves quickly, with the Senior Bowl coming up next weekend and the combine just a month away. Loomis understands the time crunch but says the Saints won’t be rushed.
Cut 14 (12) “…diligent about that.”
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